Current rulemaking activity

Notary public electronic records

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Notaries public
In progress

Current rule(s)

Chapter 308-30 WAC, Notaries Public

We're adopting rules to reflect new services notaries can provide. We're also defining methods for confirming record identities and addressing the creation of duplicate originals.

Current step

April 22, 2026

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

We held a partner engagement session on August 10, 2026.

Home inspector standards of practice

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Home inspectors
Completed

Current rule(s)

We updated definitions and standards of practice related to home inspectors. The Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board requested this change.

Current step

July 7, 2026

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing on this rulemaking activity on June 25, 2026.

Cosmetology training requirements for textured hair

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Cosmetologists
Completed

Current rule(s)

We updated existing rules for cosmetology training requirements for textured hair. The update applies to all cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and hair designers.

Current step

July 2, 2026

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing on this rulemaking activity on June 23, 2026.

Tow truck driver compensation

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle transport and disposal
In progress

Current rule(s)

Title 308 WAC: Department of Licensing

We're conducting rulemaking to compensate tow truck drivers for the release of impounds where the owner can't afford to pay. The rules will create processes, requirements, compensation rates, and other necessary operation elements.

Current step

June 17, 2026

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Scrap metal fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Scrap metal
Completed

Current rule(s)

WAC 308-70-130 - Fees

We conducted rulemaking to remove the catalytic converter inspection fee. The fee set in statute didn't include scrap metal businesses.

Current step

March 11, 2026

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Notaries public, employment agencies, timeshares, and camping resorts gender inclusivity

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Notaries public
    • Employment agencies
    • Timeshares
    • Camping resorts
Completed

Current rule(s)

We updated rule language for gender inclusivity.

Current step

February 3, 2026

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We conducted this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Bail bond, private investigator, and security guard gender inclusivity

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Bail bonds
    • Private investigators
    • Security guards
Completed

Current rule(s)

We updated rule language for gender inclusivity.

Current step

January 6, 2026

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We conducted this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Gendered language in combative sports rules

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Combative sports
Completed

Current rule(s)

We conducted expedited rulemaking to remove gendered language from our combative sports rules. This rulemaking is in response to a public rulemaking petition.

Current step

December 17, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Fair housing training requirements

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
    • Appraisal management companies
Completed

Current rule(s)

We conducted rulemaking to align with changes to the fair housing training requirements. The updated rule removes gendered language and provides clarity on inactive appraiser license fees.

Current step

October 21, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We conducted this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Places of business

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle and boat dealers
    • Vehicle manufacturers
Completed

Current rule(s)

Place of business and places of business (WAC 308-66-140)

We conducted expedited rulemaking to align this rule with RCW 46.70.083. The rule language appeared more restrictive to licensees than the law.

Current step

September 23, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

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