WSR 23-15-119
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
[Filed July 19, 2023, 10:33 a.m., effective August 19, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: Update current rules to align with statute resulting from HB 1790, passed in 2022, that provides clarity on the requirements and procedures for issuing temporary license plates.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 308-56A-410 No application required, 308-56A-420 Delivery of vehicle on dealer temporary permit, and 308-56A-425 Obtaining dealer temporary permits.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.01.110 Rule-making authority.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 23-11-146 on May 24, 2023.
A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Kelsey Stone, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-902-0131, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: July 19, 2023.
Ellis Starrett
Rules and Policy Manager
OTS-4621.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-22-090, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07)
WAC 308-56A-140Department temporary ((permit))license plate.
(1) What is a department temporary ((permit))license plate? A department temporary ((permit consists of a system-generated permit and a cardboard temporary "plate"))license plate is a system-generated license plate printed on durable paper material which may be issued in lieu of a registration certificate and license plates when:
(a) The vehicle is not currently licensed in Washington; and
((For the purposes of this section, a vehicle may be considered unlicensed if the current license expires within sixty days of application for the department temporary permit, or the vehicle's license plates are missing or unreadable; and))
(b) Appropriate vehicle documentation to title and license the vehicle is not immediately available but is likely to be available within ((sixty))60 days; and
(c) The vehicle was purchased from someone other than a licensed Washington dealer or is scheduled for inspection by the Washington state patrol; and
(d) For the purposes of this section, a vehicle may be considered unlicensed if the current license expires within 60 days of application for the department temporary license plate, or the vehicle's license plates are missing or unreadable.
(2) How long is a department temporary ((permit))license plate valid? The department temporary ((permit))license plate is valid for no longer than ((sixty))60 days from the date of application.
(3) Where do I apply for and obtain a department temporary ((permit))license plate? You may apply for a department temporary ((permit))license plate at any Washington vehicle licensing office.
(4) What fees are due when applying for a department temporary ((permit))license plate? All applicable taxes, title, license fees and inspection fees are due when the department temporary ((permit))license plate is issued. Any fees for permanent license plates are due when the department temporary ((permit))license plate is cleared.
(5) How do I display the ((cardboard)) temporary license plate? You must display the ((cardboard)) temporary license plate ((where it is visible from outside of the vehicle or towed vehicle (such as on the inside left side of the rear window), or you may weatherproof the plate and place it in the license plate holder. Carry the cardboard temporary plate in the vehicle or the towing vehicle))the same as described for a permanent license plate in RCW 46.16A.200 (5)(a), in the same location or locations where permanent license plates are displayed for vehicles. The temporary license plate must be secured so as to remain stable and readable during movement or in windy conditions.
(6) If my vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, how many months of gross weight must I purchase with a department temporary ((permit))license plate? If your vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, you must purchase a minimum of two months' gross weight license to correspond with the duration of the department temporary ((permit))license plate. You may receive credit as described in WAC 308-96A-220(7) for gross weight license already purchased.
(7) How do I clear the department temporary ((permit))license plate and obtain a registration certificate and license plates for my vehicle? You may obtain a registration certificate and license plates for your vehicle at any vehicle licensing office by submitting:
(a) An application for certificate of ownership; and
(b) An odometer disclosure statement, if applicable; and
(c) License plate fees; and
(d) Other applicable documentation, fees, and taxes.
(8) What fees are due when clearing a department temporary ((permit))license plate? In addition to other fees as prescribed by law, the title application fee and license plate fees are due when the department temporary ((permit))license plate is cleared.
(9) How do I obtain a replacement department temporary ((permit))license plate? You may obtain a ((photocopy of the))replacement department temporary ((permit))license plate by contacting any vehicle licensing office ((who will acquire the photocopy from the department)). You must provide the vehicle identification number or the department temporary ((permit))license plate number. The replacement department temporary ((permit))license plate will retain the same expiration date as the original.
(10) ((How do I obtain a replacement cardboard temporary "plate"? You may obtain a replacement cardboard temporary "plate" at any Washington vehicle license office where it was purchased. You must provide the vehicle identification number or the department temporary permit number.
(11)))May ((a))another department temporary ((permit))license plate be ((extended))issued after the expiration of the first? Yes, ((a))when necessary, another department temporary ((permit))license plate may be ((extended))issued on a case-by-case basis upon departmental approval.
An extension of a department temporary ((permit))license plate cannot be granted for vehicles described in subsection (6) of this section when no more than two months' gross weight was purchased. Additional gross weight cannot be issued until the department temporary ((permit))license plate is cleared.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 11-18-047, filed 8/31/11, effective 10/1/11)
WAC 308-56A-420Delivery of vehicle on dealer temporary ((permit))license plate.
(((1)))How does a Washington licensed vehicle dealer deliver a vehicle using a dealer temporary ((permit))license plate?
(((a)))(1) Washington licensed vehicle dealers may deliver a vehicle that is not currently registered, or that does not have valid Washington license plates, tabs, decals, or gross weight, or the current tabs will expire within ((forty-five))45 days of the date of delivery, by using ((an e-permit or a hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permit))a dealer temporary license plate.
(((b)))(2) The application for title part of the dealer temporary ((permit))license plate form must be properly and completely filled out by the selling or leasing dealer, including the dealer's report of sale and the date on which the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. If license based on gross weight is required, the amount of gross weight purchased must be clearly shown. The application must be signed by the registered owner(s) or lessee.
(((c)))(3) The Washington licensed vehicle dealer must collect all fees required for titling and registration of a vehicle.
(((d) For e-permits, the permit printed by the e-permitting system must display the expiration date and e-permit number.))(4) All temporary license plates must be printed through the e-permitting system. The date of expiration is ((forty-five))45 calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee.
(((e) For hard copy (paper/card stock) permits, the Washington licensed vehicle dealer must detach the card stock portion of the dealer temporary permit and record the date of expiration in dark, bold letters and numbers on the permit side of that copy. The date of expiration is forty-five calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee.
(f)))(5) A dealer may preprint and hold up to 10 temporary license plates purchased through the e-permitting system for off-line use, with the expiration date to be manually recorded in dark, bold letters and numbers upon use. The date of expiration for preprinted temporary license plates is 45 calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. A dealer may not have more than 10 preprinted temporary license plates at one time unless an exception is approved by the department. The e-permitting system will not allow a dealer to preprint additional temporary license plates, beyond the 10 allowed, until the previously issued temporary license plates are properly filed in the e-permitting system and all required information is recorded with the department.
(6) The application copies must be used by the Washington licensed dealer to apply for title and to complete licensing of the vehicle. Except as provided in RCW 46.70.180(8), when a second temporary ((permit))license plate is authorized; the selling dealer must submit the application and all titling and licensing fees to the department of licensing or an authorized licensing agent within ((forty-five))45 calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. The date that the selling or leasing dealer physically delivers the vehicle to the purchaser or lessee will start the ((forty-five))45 day interval of an application for a certificate of title in the purchaser's or lessee's name. Additionally, the director may excuse late applications only in situations where applications are delayed, for reasons beyond the control of the dealer.
(((g)))(7) The ((e-permit or hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permit)), temporary vehicle registration((,)) and a purchase order identifying the vehicle and the date that the vehicle was physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee must be carried in the vehicle or the towing vehicle at all times the vehicle is operated on the dealer temporary permit.
(((h)))(8) The ((e-permit or hard copy (paper/card stock))) dealer temporary ((permit))license plate must be displayed ((on the inside of the rear window in the lower left corner, or enclosed in a moisture proof protective case securely attached in the rear license plate holder, with the expiration date visible to one standing behind the vehicle))in a manner consistent with the requirements in RCW 46.16A.200 (5)(a) for a permanent license plate, in the same location or locations where permanent license plates are displayed for vehicles. The dealer temporary license plate must be secured so as to remain stable and readable during movement or in windy conditions.
(((i)))(9) The ((e-permit or hard copy (paper/card stock))) dealer temporary ((permit))license plate is valid for not more than ((forty-five))45 calendar days starting with the date that the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee.
(((j)))(10) The ((e-permit or hard copy (paper/card stock))) dealer temporary ((permit))license plate will not be issued:
(((i)))(a) For a dealer inventoried vehicle that has not been sold or a dealer or dealer-employee operated vehicle;
(((ii)))(b) As a demonstration permit;
(((iii)))(c) For a vehicle processed as a courtesy delivery;
(((iv)))(d) For out-of-state residents unless Washington registration is intentionally being obtained.
(((k)))(11) Fees ((paid for e-permit or hard copy (paper/card stock)))for dealer temporary ((permit))license plate application forms are not refundable unless the dealer ceases doing business as a vehicle dealer.
(((l)))(12) Washington licensed dealers must maintain a record of each dealer temporary ((permit))license plate acquisition and distribution including the following:
(((i)))(a) Date and location of purchase of each ((permit))temporary license plate and the ((permit))plate number;
(((ii)))(b) Identification of vehicles delivered on temporary ((permits))license plates;
(((iii)))(c) Dates of vehicle sales, leases, and deliveries((.
(2)));
(d) Customer's complete name.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 11-18-047, filed 8/31/11, effective 10/1/11)
WAC 308-56A-425Obtaining dealer temporary ((permits))license plates.
(1) What is a dealer temporary ((permit))license plate? For the purposes of vehicles, a dealer temporary ((permit))license plate is a combination title application and temporary registration used by Washington licensed vehicle dealers when delivering a vehicle that is not currently registered, or does not have valid Washington license plates, tabs, decals, or gross weight, or the current tabs will expire within ((forty-five))45 days of the date of delivery.
(2) How does a Washington licensed vehicle dealer obtain dealer temporary ((permits))license plates? Washington licensed vehicle dealers may purchase dealer temporary ((permits))license plates at any Washington vehicle licensing office for the fee required in RCW 46.17.400.
(3) What will Washington licensed vehicle dealers receive when purchasing dealer temporary ((permits))license plates? Washington licensed vehicle dealers will receive ((either:
(a) Hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits; or
(b) Electronic dealer temporary permits (e-permits).
(4) What are e-permits, and when are Washington licensed vehicle dealers required to use them? E-permits are dealer temporary permits issued through an online e-permitting system required by RCW 46.16A.300. All Washington licensed vehicle dealers must use the e-permitting system by July 1, 2011.
(5) Will Washington licensed vehicle dealers be able to use and issue hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2011? Washington licensed vehicle dealers will be able to use and issue hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2011, only if signed up for the e-permitting system.
(6) What are Washington licensed vehicle dealers required to do beginning July 1, 2011, when using and issuing hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits? In addition to the requirements in WAC 308-56A-420, Washington licensed vehicle dealers who issue hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits must enter the hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permit information into the department's e-permitting system within twenty-four hours of issuance or hardware/software resolution or within twenty-four hours of returning to the office if the hard copy was issued off-site))access to printable temporary license plates through the department's e-permitting system.
(4) Will Washington licensed dealers be able to obtain unassigned temporary license plates for off-line use? A dealer may preprint and hold up to 10 unassigned temporary license plates purchased through the e-permitting system for off-line use, with the expiration date to be manually recorded in dark, bold letters and numbers upon use. A dealer may not have more than 10 unassigned temporary license plates at one time, unless an exception is approved by the department. The e-permitting system will not allow a dealer to preprint additional unassigned temporary license plates, beyond the 10 allowed, until the previously issued unassigned temporary license plates are properly filed in the e-permitting system and all required information is recorded with the department.
(5) What are the requirements for using unassigned temporary license plates? Washington licensed dealers who issue unassigned temporary license plates must enter the dealer temporary license plate information into the department's e-permitting system within 24 hours of issuance or hardware/software resolution, or within 24 hours of returning to the office if the hard copy was issued off-site. Failure to properly record the required information into the department's e-permitting system may result in a Washington licensed dealer being unable to preprint additional unassigned temporary license plates until the previously issued unassigned temporary license plates are accounted for.
(6) Will Washington licensed vehicle dealers be able to use previously purchased hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2023? Washington licensed dealers will no longer be able to purchase hard copy dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2023, but may issue any remaining stocks until July 15, 2023. After July 15, 2023, Washington licensed dealers must fully transition to using dealer temporary license plates printed through the department's e-permitting system. Dealer temporary permits issued by dealers will no longer be valid for unregistered vehicle use on public highways after September 1, 2023.