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Find out how we create and change rules related to licensing.
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Read our rulemaking definitions for the terms we use when working on rules.
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Our semiannual rulemaking agenda is the current list of rule changes that we're considering. We update it twice a year.
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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Withdrawn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New rule withdrawn
Public hearing or comments
No public hearing was held.
Fees for ignition interlock devices
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Ignition interlock device revolving account (WAC 308-107-050)
Summary
We're increasing the fee for a new ignition interlock device to $21.
Current step
January 18, 2022
Rule change adopted
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
Public hearing or comments
No public was hearing held. See the emergency rulemaking order for more information.
Commercial driver license (CDL) definitions
- Driver licensing
Withdrawn
Current rule(s)
Definitions (WAC 308-100-005)
Summary
We're withdrawing rule changes to the definitions related to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders to make it easier to get a CDL.
Current step
August 2, 2023
Rule change withdrawn
Public hearing or comments
No public hearing was held.
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
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held March 9, 2021
Temporary license plates for off-road vehicle dealers
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Destroyed or wrecked vehicle - Reporting - Rebuilt (WAC 308-56A-460); Definitions (WAC 308-56A-500); Assignment of original registration year (WAC 308-96A- 260); Delivery of off-road vehicle on dealer temporary permit (WAC 308-94A-035)
Summary
We're replacing references to temporary permits to with references to temporary license plates.
Current step
May 2, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
See the adopted rulemaking order for information about this process.
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)
Summary
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.
Fleet registration for rental car companies
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Fleet registration (WAC 308-96A-161)
Summary
We're allowing rental car companies into the fleet registration process and changing the language of this rule to match our current processes.
Current step
December 10, 2021
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held December 7, 2021
Geologist licensing fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Geologists
Completed
Current rule(s)
Fees (WAC 308-15-150)
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the geologist program.
Current step
October 20, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held October 11, 2022
Funeral and cemetery licensing and renewals
- All business and professional licensing
- Funerals and cemeteries
Completed
Current rule(s)
Operator licensure for those who conduct cremations, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction (WAC 308-47-090); Final disposition permit application procedure (WAC 308-47A-030); Renewal of licenses - Funeral directors, embalmers, funeral director interns and embalmer interns (WAC 308-48-180)
Summary
We're updating rules to follow a new law that changes renewal dates for cemetery certificates, prearrangement sales licenses, funeral directors, embalmers, and reduction facility operators.
Current step
September 20, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
No public hearing was held.