FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 254

                                   C 88 L 88

BYRepresentatives Walk, Schmidt and Gallagher; by request of Department of Licensing

Imposing a penalty fee for the renewal of driver's licenses that have expired.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

A "new" driver's license is one issued to a person not previously licensed in the state, or to a driver whose Washington driver's license has expired.  A person applying for a new driver's license, or renewal of a previously issued license, must pass a driver's license examination; however, the Department of Licensing may waive all or a portion of the examination for a renewal of a license.

A person with an expired driver's license must apply for a new license if they desire to become licensed again.  He or she must take the Department's driver's license examination and pay the examination fee of $7 in addition to the $14 driver license fee.

The department may waive all or part of the examination and examination fee for a person with an expired license only in cases where a person is outside the state or is unable to renew their driver's license because of an incapacity.  The individual must apply for renewal within 60 days of returning to the state or 60 days after the end of the incapacity.

All out-of-state driver's licenses are required to be surrendered when an application for a Washington driver's license is filed.

SUMMARY:

A "new" driver's license is defined as one issued to a driver who has not been previously licensed in Washington state, or to a driver whose previously issued Washington driver's license has been expired for more than four years.

A $10 penalty fee shall be charged on applications for renewal of a driver's license that has been expired for more than 60 days but less than four years.

The penalty fee is not assessed to those persons who were outside the state or incapacitated at the time of license expiration, provided an application for renewal is filed with the Department within 60 days of returning to the state or 60 days from the end of the incapacity.

All out-of-state driver's licenses surrendered when applying for a Washington license shall be invalidated and returned to the applicant.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 91   1

      Senate    44     0 (Senate amended)

      House 93   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988