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.

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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

Specialty license plates

Vehicle and boat registration

Completed

Current rule(s)

Special license plates - Criteria for creation or continued issuance (WAC 308-96A-560)

Summary

We clarified specialty plate design guidelines by requiring new designs to show the jurisdiction at the top of the plate.

Current step

October 20, 2023

Rule change adopted

Preproposal documents

Preproposal Statement of Inquiry for changes to WAC 308-96A-560

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held on October 11, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Public hearing audio (mp3 format: 4 minutes)
Public hearing transcript

Reimbursements for abandoned recreational vehicles (RVs)

Vehicle and boat registration

Completed

Current rule(s)

Abandoned recreational vehicle - Rates and caps (WAC 308-61-215)

Summary

We're updating the abandoned recreational vehicle (RV) standardized reimbursement schedule. These changes will increase the reimbursement rates and caps.

Current step

October 3, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held on September 28, 2023

Public hearing audio (MP3 format, 4 minutes)
Public hearing transcript

Certifying signatures for vehicle and boat registration

Vehicle and boat registration

Completed

Current rule(s)

Certification of signature (WAC 308-56A-275); Certification of signatures (WAC 308-93-470)

Summary

We're clarified the process to certify signatures for vehicle and boat registration. We also removed outdated references to operator numbers so you can more easily comply with the rules.

Current step

November 20, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

A public hearing was held on November 8, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Public hearing audio (MP3, 8 minutes)
Public hearing transcript

Names and addresses of vehicle owners

Vehicle and boat registration

Completed

Current rule(s)

Ownership in doubt - Bonded title or three-year registration without title (WAC 308-56A-210)

Summary

We're removing the requirement for us to provide the names and addresses of current vehicle owners of record.

Current step

November 22, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

A public hearing was held on November 15, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Public hearing audio (MP3, 4 minutes)
Public hearing transcript

Employment agency licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Employment agencies

Completed

Current rule(s)

Chapter 308-33-105 WAC Employment agency fees

Summary

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

Current step

April 27, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 25, 2023

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)
Audio transcript

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)

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)

Moving and nonmoving violations

Driver licensing

Completed

Current rule(s)

Moving and nonmoving violations defined (WAC 308-104-160)

Summary

We're adding more offenses to our list of moving and nonmoving violations.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 22, 2022

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)
Audio transcript

Landscape architect licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Landscape architects

Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (WAC 308-13-150)

Summary

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

Current step

October 20, 2022

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 22, 2022

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)
Audio transcript

Limousine vehicle requirements

All business and professional licensing
- Limousines

Completed

Current rule(s)

Definitions (308-83-10 WAC)

Summary

We're decreasing the wheelbase requirement for executive sedans and SUVs as well as the passenger requirements for executive vans. This means that more modern vehicles will now meet the definition of a limousine.