List of rulemaking activity

Improving young driver safety

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Driver training schools
    • CDL training schools
    • Motorcycle training schools
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're defining the process for motorcycle safety, commercial driver license, and driver training schools to submit required business information to the us. 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.

Current step

October 22, 2024

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

We're holding a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on November 26, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 250 290 806 056
Passcode: AuKrQt
Dial in by phone: +1 564-999-2000,,994018907# United States, Olympia
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 994 018 907#

If you have trouble accessing the virtual meeting, call us at 360-902-3486 to request help. If you'd like to request an interpreter or other accommodations, you can email us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov. Please be sure to do this at least one week before the public hearing.

Note: We encourage hearing participants to attend in-person. If you attend virtually and have technical difficulties, you'll need to use the call-in option. The in-person attendance will take place at the our Highways and Licensing Building, located at:

1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Map and directions

Submit comments online

Recreational vehicle dealers and manufacturers

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Withdrawn

Current rule(s)

We considered creating new rules to fulfill the requirements of SHB 1996. This bill passed during the 2024 legislative session. The new rules would've covered the licensing, auditing, and regulatory oversight of recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

Current step

May 22, 2024

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

Vehicle dealer and manufacturer definitions

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle and boat dealers
    • Vehicle manufacturers
In progress

This rule seeks to improve regulatory compliance for vehicle dealers and manufacturers. We're proposing to clarify definitions related to certain vehicle dealer and manufacturer activities. We're defining the "soliciting" of a sale and creating a new definition for the act of "public education". We're also adding examples of what "public education" involves.

Current step

October 22, 2024

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

We're holding a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on December 6, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 215 301 082 920
Passcode: v5d4A4
Dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000,,462745124# United States, Olympia
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 462 745 124#

If you have trouble accessing the virtual meeting, call us at 360-902-3486 to request help. If you'd like to request an interpreter or other accommodations, you can email us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov. Please be sure to do this at least one week before the public hearing.

Note: We encourage hearing participants to attend in-person. If you attend virtually and have technical difficulties, you'll need to use the call-in option. The in-person attendance will take place at the our Highways and Licensing Building, located at:

1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Map and directions

Submit comments online

Semiautomatic assault rifle fee

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Firearms dealers
Completed

Current rule(s)

Semiautomatic assault rifle fee (WAC 308-500-010)

We removed the requirement for firearm dealers to charge a fee for semiautomatic assault rifle purchases. This change allows firearms dealers to charge a background check fee for the Secure Automated Firearm E-check system run by the Washington State Patrol.

Deterring catalytic converter theft

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle and boat dealers
    • Vehicle manufacturers
In progress

Current rule(s)

Motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers (Chapter 308-66 WAC)

We're proposing a new rule to clarify requirements for vehicle dealers when marking catalytic converters prior to sale.

Current step

October 2, 2024

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

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

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.

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

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

Real estate records and responsibilities

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Real estate
Completed

Current rule(s)

Real Estate - Records and Responsibilities (Chapter 308-124C WAC)

We clarified the required documentation related to broker price opinions.

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.