SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5373

                    As of February 3, 1999

Title:  An act relating to changing the period of time for which a driver's license is valid from four to six years.

Brief Description:  Establishing a six‑year driver's license.

Sponsors:  Senators Goings, T. Sheldon, Haugen, Heavey, Benton and Oke; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/4/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7305)

Background:  Currently, Washington State driver=s licenses, commercial driver=s licenses, and driver=s licenses containing motorcycle endorsements are valid for four years.  The fee for both the initial and renewal driver=s license is $14 (or $3.50 per year).  An additional fee, not to exceed $12 for each class (or $3 per year), is required for the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver=s license.  Finally, an additional fee for the issuance of an initial or new category motorcycle endorsement is $6 (or $1.50 per year), and the subsequent renewal endorsement fee is $14 (or $3.50 per year).

Summary of Bill:  Washington State driver=s licenses, commercial driver=s licenses, and driver=s licenses containing motorcycle endorsements are valid for six years.  The fee for both the initial and renewal driver=s license is $21 (or $3.50 per year).  An additional fee, not to exceed $18 for each class (or $3 per year), is required for the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver=s license.  An additional fee, not to exceed $9 (or $1.50 per year), is required for the issuance of an initial or new category motorcycle endorsement, and the subsequent renewal endorsement fee is not to exceed $21 (or $3.50 per year).

During the period from July 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006, the Department of Licensing, in order to evenly distribute the yearly renewal rate of licensed drivers, may issue or renew a driver=s license for a period other than six years.  As well, the department may extend by mail a license that has already been issued, in which case, the fee is $3.50 for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or extended.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 29, 1999.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect July 1, 2000.