List of rulemaking activity

Fees for notarial acts

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Notaries public
Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees for notarial acts (308-30-220)

We raised the maximum fees a notary may charge for notarial acts from $10 to $15. This rule change is based on a petition and additional industry feedback.

Current step

May 22, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on May 21, 2024.

Alternative qualifications for appraisers

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
Completed

Current rule(s)

Real estate appraisers (Chapter 308-125 WAC)

We aligned this rule with industry recommendations. The rule change gives real estate appraisers an alternative way to get licensed.

Current step

January 9, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on December 29, 2023.

Scrap metal business licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Scrap metal
Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (Chapter 308-70-130 WAC)

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the scrap metal business program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 28, 2022

Prohibitions

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

Current rule(s)

Prohibitions (WAC 308-409-080)

We updated the language in this rule to include requirements from RCW 18.310.150 Disciplinary actions—Grounds. This is in response to a rulemaking petition.

Current step

June 10, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on June 7, 2024.
10 a.m.

Architect licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Architects
Completed

Current rule(s)

Architect fees (Chapter 308-12-205 WAC)

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the architect program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 22, 2022

Timeshare licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Timeshares
Completed

Current rule(s)

Timeshare fees (308-127-160 WAC)

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the timeshare program.

Current step

April 27, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 25, 2023

Collection agency licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Collection agencies
Completed

Current rule(s)

Collection agency fees (Chapter 308-29-045 WAC)

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the collection agency program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 28, 2022

Real estate appraiser fees and charges

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
    • Real estate
Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees and charges (Chapter 308-125-120 WAC)

We're proposing an increase to fees for real estate appraisers. Current fees aren't enough to cover program costs. The law requires us to review program budgets and set fees to cover administration costs. The licensing fees we collect are the only source of funds that cover program costs.

We continue to look into ways to reduce budget gaps while minimizing the impact on our licensees. For example, we replaced travel for board meetings and investigations with virtual options, where possible. This reduces travel costs for rental space, lodging, meals, staffing, mileage and more.

Current step

September 19, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held public hearings for this rulemaking activity on August 28, 2024 and September 18, 2024.

Scrap metal wrecker application and fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Scrap metal
Completed

Current rule(s)

We're creating new licensing rules for vehicle wreckers and scrap metal businesses. The rules adopt a $500 catalytic converter inspection fee. These licensees must pay the fee when applying for or renewing their license. The new fee is required by a law passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Current step

June 20, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We're proposing 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

Professional licenses for military spouses

  • All business and professional licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Military spouse requesting an expedited processing (WAC 308-09-015); Military spouse licensing - Equivalency to Washington standards and temporary licensing (308-09-020)

We're changing rules for expedited licensing and timelines for temporary licensing for military spouses. This change follows E2SHB 1009, a law passed during the 2023 legislative session.

Current step

August 22, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

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