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.
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List of rulemaking activity
Document review and interviews
- Driver licensing
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Summary
State laws already define administrative reviews and interviews. We're required to define the specifics of conducting the document review or interview. Standard procedures include eligibility, evidence needing review, authority of the review, and other legal remedies available after the review.
This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.
This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.
Current step
January 6, 2025
New rule adopted
Tax exemptions for clean alternative fuel vehicles
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Retail sales and use tax exemption criteria for clean alternative fuel vehicles (WAC 308-04-030); Certificates of title - Motor vehicles, etc. (Chapter 308-56A WAC)
Summary
We moved the tax exemption rules for clean alternative fuel vehicles into the rules for motor vehicle titles.
Current step
October 23, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held on October 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
- Public hearing audio (MP3, 5 minutes)
- Public hearing transcript
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
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
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
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
Titles for wheeled all-terrain vehicles
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Off-road and nonhighway vehicles (WAC 308-94A-005)
Summary
We removed the requirement for wheeled all-terrain vehicles to be retitled after being modified for on-road use. This change also includes technical edits to the wording of the rule.
Current step
September 16, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held September 9, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Public hearing audio transcript
Qualifications for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Definitions - Special parking privileges for persons with disabilities (WAC 308-96B-010) and General provisions (WAC 308-96B-020)
Summary
We clarified the law to specify that customers need to be Washington State residents to qualify for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities. We also defined the term, "resident" in WAC 308-96B-010 (Definitions) to further clarify.
Current step
March 21, 2024
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on March 18, 2024.
Market value threshold for destroyed or wrecked vehicles
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Destroyed or wrecked vehicle—Reporting—Rebuilt (WAC 308-56A-460)
Summary
We plan to update the market value threshold for destroyed and wrecked vehicles. This is required by law.
Current step
January 4, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held September 9, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)
Temporary license plates
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Department temporary permit (WAC 308-56A-140); Delivery of vehicle on dealer temporary permit (WAC 308-56A-420); Obtaining dealer temporary permits (WAC 308-56A-425)
Summary
We're clarifying the requirements and procedures for issuing temporary license plates.
Current step
July 19, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held June 27, 2023
Virtual hearing
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 44 minutes)