FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6438

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL), a county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the DOL director collects a service fee of:

$12 for changes in a certificate of vehicle title, with or without simultaneous registration renewal, or for verification of record and preparation of an affidavit of lost title; and
$5 for a registration renewal, issuing a transit permit, accepting a vessel registration, accepting a report of sale, and accepting a transitional ownership record.

The service fees collected by DOL, a county auditor, or other agent appointed by the DOL director must be deposited into the Capital Vessel Replacement Account. The service fees collected by subagents are self-retained.

When the ownership of a vehicle changes, a new registration is required by the new vehicle owner. Exceptions to this include:

when adding or removing a lienholder from the certificate of title;
when transferring the vehicle from one spouse or domestic partner to another;
when removing a deceased spouse or domestic partner from the certificate of title;
when transferring the vehicle as a gift to a member of the registered owner's immediate family;
when a leaseholder buys out the leased vehicle; or
when a person changes their name.

Along with most title transactions required for a change of vehicle ownership, a new registration is required as well.

Summary: DOL, a county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the DOL director can collect a total service fee of $17 when a title transaction and a registration transaction are conducted simultaneously—$12 for the title transaction plus $5 for the registration transaction. Language is provided to clarify that service fees are collected in addition to any other taxes and fees due at the time of application for a title transaction or a registration transaction.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	98	0