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

Alternative qualifications for appraisers

All business and professional licensing
- Appraisers

Completed

Current rule(s)

Real estate appraisers (Chapter 308-125 WAC)

Summary

We aligned this rule with industry recommendations. The rule change gives real estate appraisers an alternative way to get licensed.

Current step

January 9, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on December 29, 2023.

Public hearing audio (MP3, 11 minutes)
Public hearing transcript

Vehicle reports of sale

Vehicle and boat registration
All business and professional licensing
- Vehicle and boat dealers

Completed

Current rule(s)

Vehicle seller's report of sale (WAC 308-56A-525)

Summary

We're proposing to allow vehicle dealers to file reports of sale on behalf of customers who sell, trade in, or otherwise transfer ownership to the dealer.

Current step

January 3, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

A public hearing was held on December 27, 2023.

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

Collection agency licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Collection agencies

Completed

Current rule(s)

Collection agency fees (Chapter 308-29-045 WAC)

Summary

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the collection agency program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 28, 2022

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

Whitewater river outfitter licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Whitewater river outfitters

Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (308-312-060 WAC)

Summary

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the whitewater river outfitter program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 29, 2022

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

Professional and business licensing program fees

All business and professional licensing

Completed

Current rule(s)

Licensing, Department of (Title 308 WAC: Department of Licensing)

Summary

We plan to increase fees for some professional and business licenses to help pay for the programs that issue them.

Current step

October 21, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held October 11, 2022

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 7 minutes)
Audio transcript

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.

Limousine vehicle requirements

All business and professional licensing
- Limousines

Completed

Current rule(s)

Definitions (308-83-10 WAC)

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.

Current step

April 6, 2023

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 4, 2023

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 15 minutes)
Audio transcript

Remote notarization

All business and professional licensing
- Notaries public

Completed

Current rule(s)

Notaries public (WAC 308-30)

Summary

We're changing our rules to allow licensed Washington notaries to perform remote notarization under SB 5641, a law passed during the 2019 legislative session.