Rulemaking

See which rules we're working on now, learn about the rulemaking process, and find out how to participate.

Learn how we make rules

Find out how we create and change rules related to licensing.

Understand the terms we use

Read our rulemaking definitions for the terms we use when working on rules.

See our semiannual rulemaking agenda

Our semiannual rulemaking agenda is the current list of rule changes that we're considering. We update it twice a year.

Comment on a rule

Email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov to comment on a rule.

Request information in an alternative format

If you need audio files of public hearings in a different format, please email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

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List of rulemaking activity

CDL hearings

Driver licensing

Withdrawn

Current rule(s)

Hearing procedural rules (Chapter 308-101 WAC)

Summary

We're withdrawing new rules to clarify business practices, procedures, and guidelines about CDLs and hearing requests, requests for interpreters, defining good cause, and defining the requirements to request a hearing as a Habitual Traffic Offender.

Current step

August 16, 2023

New rule withdrawn

Preproposal documents

Withdrawal notice

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

Driver license renewals for people over 70

Driver licensing

Emergency rule

Current rule(s)

Renewal of driver's license or ID card (Chapter 308-104-019 WAC)

Summary

We're removing the requirement for people over 70 to renew their driver license in person. This helps us continue providing online renewals to these individuals, which is currently authorized by Proclamation 20-15.

Current step

May 5, 2022

Rule change adopted

Proposed rule documents

Public hearing or comments

No public was hearing held. See the emergency rulemaking order for more information.

Suspending driver licenses due to fraud

Driver licensing

Completed

Current rule(s)

Driver's licenses suspension, cancellation, or denial period for prohibited practices (WAC 308-104-075)

Summary

We're updating our policy on how long we can suspend driver licenses due to fraud. We can now issue suspensions that last 0 to 364 days depending on the type of identity fraud, the type of credential involved, the driver's status, and more. This change will support an internal process that driver and vehicle investigators are already using.

Current step

December 28, 2020

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held December 22, 2020

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes)

Online driver license and ID card renewals

Driver licensing

Completed

Current rule(s)

Renewal of driver's license or identicard by electronic commerce—Eligibility (WAC 308-104-019)

Summary

We're allowing people under 25 years old to renew their driver license or ID card online.

Current step

April 30, 2021

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held March 9, 2021