When Someone Uses Your Name
RCW 9.35.020 — identity theft, a felony, and civil damages of one thousand dollars or actual damages
In Washington, knowingly obtaining, possessing, using or transferring another person's means of identification or financial information, living or dead, intending to commit or help with any crime, is identity theft.
| The degree | When | The class |
|---|---|---|
| The degreeFirst | WhenValue over one thousand five hundred dollars, or knowingly targeting a senior or vulnerable individual | The classClass B felony |
| The degreeSecond | WhenAny other case | The classClass C felony |
- A person who violates the section is liable for civil damages of one thousand dollars or actual damages, whichever is greater, including the cost of repairing the victim's credit record, and attorneys' fees.
- After a conviction, the court may order a public record containing false information corrected.
- The crime may be prosecuted where the victim lives, wherever the defendant was.
- Using someone's ID only to misrepresent one's age is outside the section.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 9.35.020 — Identity theft
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.