Current rulemaking activity

Driver hearings correspondence

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Correspondence address (WAC 308-102-006)

We updated this rule to reflect the recent name change of the Hearings and Interviews Unit to the Administrative Law Office.

Current step

January 10, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminated 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

Commercial driver license eligibility

  • Driver licensing
    • Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Completed

Current rule(s)

Commercial driver's license—Eligibility (WAC 308-100-020)

Current law is silent on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) individuals. It also has conflicting information for individuals from Mexico and Canada that may also be DACA-eligible for a non-domiciled CDL. This updated rule incorporates the reference from the new federal regulation that defines DACA individuals.

Current step

May 6, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminated 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

Improving young driver safety

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Driver training schools
    • CDL training schools
    • Motorcycle training schools
Completed

Current rule(s)

We defined the process for training schools to submit required business information to the us. This rule applies to motorcycle safety, commercial driver license, and driver training schools. This is a requirement of SB 5583, which passed during the 2023 legislative session. We'll use this information to populate an interactive map on our website.

CDL disqualification procedures

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Final orders (WAC 308-101-230)

We rescinded subsection 4 of this rule to allow for CDL disqualifications to be addressed within the personal driver’s license hearing. This follows an analysis of our CDL disqualification procedures.

Current step

January 13, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on January 6, 2025.

Document review and interviews

  • Driver licensing
  • Vehicle and boat registration
Completed

State laws already define administrative reviews and interviews. We're required to define the specifics of conducting the document review or interview. Standard procedures include eligibility, evidence needing review, authority of the review, and other legal remedies available after the review.

This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.

Vehicle dealer and manufacturer definitions

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

We adopted rules to improve regulatory compliance for vehicle dealers and manufacturers. The new rules clarify definitions related to certain dealer and manufacturer activities.

Address requests

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Address requests—Terms and fees (WAC 308-104-150)

We repealed this redundant rule. Records requests go through our public disclosure office.

Current step

December 11, 2024

Rule repealed

Public hearing or comments

If you object to this use of the expedited rulemaking process, you must submit your objection in writing.

Mail

Washington State Department of Licensing
1125 Washington St SE
Olympia, WA 98504

Email

rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov

Applying for a driver license or ID card

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Application for a driver's license or identicard (WAC 308-104-014)

We amended this rule to include a “responsible adult” as being eligible to sign on behalf of a minor for a driver license application. This is to comply with a bill passed in the 2024 legislative session (SB 5800).

Current step

December 11, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

If you object to this use of the expedited rulemaking process, you must send your objections to us in writing.

Mail

Rules Coordinator
Washington State Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504

Email

rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov