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.
Get email updates
Subscribe to email updates to get the latest rulemaking news in your inbox:
List of rulemaking activity
Age requirements for driver knowledge exams
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Administration of examinations (WAC 308-110-030 and WAC 308-104-046)
Summary
Right now, our rules limit how young a person can be to take the knowledge exam to get a permit beyond what the law requires. This rule change would match the age requirements under RCW 46.20.055.
Current step
November 28, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held September 27, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Virtual driver training classes
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Driver training schools (Chapter 308-108 WAC)
Summary
We're allowing driver training schools to offer virtual classes after Washington's state of emergency ends.
Current step
October 31, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held October 25, 2022
Data sharing and privacy for vehicle and driver data
- Driver licensing
- Vehicle and boat registration
In progress
Current rule(s)
Enhancing data stewardship and privacy protections for vehicle and driver data (Title 308 WAC: Department of Licensing)
Summary
We plan to create rules to clarify the requirements of a new law about data sharing and privacy protections for vehicle and driver data.
Current step
May 5, 2021
Intent to create a new rule
Public hearing or comments
Stakeholder webinars held February 2, 2022 and February 3, 2022
- February 2, 2022 stakeholder webinar audio
(mp3 format: 1 hour 24 minutes) - February 2, 2022 audio transcript
- February 3, 2022 stakeholder webinar audio
(mp3 format: 1 hour 26 minutes) - February 3, 2022 audio transcript
- Responses to customer input
Driver hearing procedures
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Eligibility for hearing (WAC 308-101-040); Signatures (WAC 308-101-070); Scheduling — Notice of hearing (WAC 308-101-090); Continuances (WAC 308-101-120); Subpoenas (WAC 308-101-150); Filing of exhibits and other documents with the department (WAC 308-101-155); Video evidence (WAC 308-101-170); Format and length for briefs (WAC 308-101-180); Conduct of hearings (WAC 308-101-210)
Summary
We're updating the procedures, guidelines, and language of the hearing rules to match the intent of the law. These updates make hearings comply with the law, clarify procedures that are unclear, allow procedures that are currently disallowed, explain what isn't part of the procedures anymore, and use more inclusive language.
Current step
March 13, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held January 25, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes) - Audio transcript
Financial responsibility hearings
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Administration of the Financial Responsibility Act – Procedures (Chapter 308-102 WAC)
Summary
These rule changes update and clarify the process of financial responsibility hearings. We're making the rules comply with the law, simplifying parts of the rule that are hard to read, and using more inclusive language.
Current step
March 13, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held January 25, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes) - Audio transcript
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.
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.
Maiden names on applications for driver licenses, ID cards, and permits
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Application for driver's license or identicard (WAC 308-104-014)
Summary
We're updating our policy and procedure for processing applications for driver licenses, ID cards, and instruction permits. We will no longer collect applicants' maiden names.
Current step
December 28, 2020
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held December 22, 2020
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes)
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
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
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held March 9, 2021