List of rulemaking activity

Fuel tax and proration investigations and appeals

  • Prorate and fuel tax
Completed

Current rule(s)

These rules define the scope of records requests and other investigation requirements for fuel tax licensees. The rules reflect changes to dyed diesel penalties. They allow assessment based on storage capacity and add repeater penalties for violations within a 5-year period. The rules make several technical changes. They remove “informal hearing” for “Review by Department”. They also add an Appeals chapter under aircraft fuel WACs.

Current step

December 26, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on December 11, 2024.

Cosmetology training requirements for textured hair

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Cosmetologists
In progress

Current rule(s)

Minimum instruction requirements for cosmetology, hair design, barbering, manicuring, esthetics and master esthetics training (WAC 308-20-080)

We're updating existing rules on cosmetology training requirements for textured hair. The updated rule will apply to all cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and hair designers. They must complete the training before getting licensed.

Current step

September 3, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

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

Temporary license plate expiration dates

  • Vehicle and boat registration
    • License plates
In progress

Current rule(s)

Department temporary license plates (WAC 308-56A-140)

We're conducting rulemaking to put in place extensions for temporary license plate expiration dates. These extensions are for cases of permanent license plate shortages.

Current step

September 3, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

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

Collector vehicle requirements

  • Vehicle and boat registration
    • License plates
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're conducting rulemaking to include collector vehicle insurance requirements, secondary vehicle requirements, and eligible vehicle manufacturer dates.

Current step

August 20, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

We're conducting 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

Habitual traffic offender probation

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
Completed

Current rule(s)

Probation in habitual traffic offender matters (WAC 308-101-240)

We clarified probation guidelines and terms in habitual traffic offender matters.

Current step

July 22, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on July 8, 2025.

Terminating suspensions

  • Driver licensing
    • Suspensions
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering rulemaking to clarify the process for terminating a suspension resulting from accumulated traffic infractions.

Current step

August 6, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Professional conduct of attorneys during administrative hearings

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering drafting new rules to govern the professional conduct of attorneys appearing before the agency during administrative proceedings.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Abandoned recreational vehicle (RV) processing

  • Vehicle and boat registration
In progress

Current rule(s)

  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Criteria and required information (WAC 308-61-195)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Application and review (WAC 308-61-197)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Reimbursements (WAC 308-61-203)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Rates and caps (WAC 308-61-215)

We're considering rulemaking to improve the efficiency of the Abandoned RV program. We want to remove unnecessary barriers for our processing partners.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to change a rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Fair housing training requirements

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
    • Appraisal management companies
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're conducting rulemaking to align with changes to the fair housing training requirements. The proposed language removes gendered language and provides clarity on inactive appraiser license fees.

Current step

August 20, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

We're conducting 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

Home inspector standards of practice

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Home inspectors
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering rulemaking to update definitions and standards of practice related to home inspectors. The Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board requested this change.

Current step

August 20, 2025

Intent to change a rule

Public hearing or comments

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

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