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

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)

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)

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)

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held March 9, 2021

Temporary license plates for off-road vehicle dealers

Vehicle and boat registration

Completed

Current rule(s)

Destroyed or wrecked vehicle - Reporting - Rebuilt (WAC 308-56A-460); Definitions (WAC 308-56A-500); Assignment of original registration year (WAC 308-96A- 260); Delivery of off-road vehicle on dealer temporary permit (WAC 308-94A-035)

Summary

We're replacing references to temporary permits to with references to temporary license plates.

Current step

May 2, 2023

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Adopted rulemaking order

Public hearing or comments

See the adopted rulemaking order for information about this process.

Veteran and military license plates

Vehicle and boat registration

In progress

Current rule(s)

Veterans remembrance and military service award license plate (WAC 308-96A-530)

Summary

We plan to add the Prevent Veteran Suicide license plate emblem to the list of other military license plate emblems. We also plan to explain the differences between the requirements to issue this new emblem and other military emblems.

Current step

August 23, 2022

Intent to change a rule

Preproposal documents

Preproposal statement of inquiry

Public hearing or comments

See the preproposal statement of inquiry for information about submitting comments.

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held October 11, 2022

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

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held September 9, 2022

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)

Public records disclosure and fees

Public records and data privacy

Completed

Current rule(s)

Public records disclosure (Chapter 308-10 WAC); Disclosure of names and addresses of individual vessel owners (Chapter 308-93-087 WAC)

Summary

We're updating rules based on the requirements of the Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW. These rules give full access to public records about government conduct while respecting individuals' privacy rights. A 2017 update to RCW 42.56.120 clarified and expanded what agencies may charge for creating copies of records. We're adopting those 2017 changes as rules and updating the rules to match our current processes.