Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2488

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Establishes the definition of a quick title as a certificate of ownership printed at the time of application.
Establishes a fee for a vehicle and vessel quick title of $25.
Requires that all applications for a quick title must meet the requirements established by the Department of Licensing.

Background:

Vehicle and vessel title changes in Washington can be made at county auditors, other agents, or subagents. The applicant must fill out a Vehicle or Vessel Certificate of Ownership Application. Documentation and the required taxes and fees are collected at the location and sent to the Department of Licensing (DOL) for processing. Four county auditors in Washington (Clark, Spokane, Benton and Franklin counties) presently prepare quick titles, which are titles that are processed by the counties and given to the applicant immediately.

Summary of Bill:

A quick title is defined as a certificate of ownership printed at the time of application. A $25 fee is charged by the participating county auditor or other agent; $12.50 is retained by the County Treasurer in the same manner as other fees collected by the County Auditor, and the remaining $12.50 is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund for a vehicle and the General Fund for a vessel. If the fee is paid directly to the DOL, the entire fee of $25 must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund for a vehicle and into the General Fund for a vessel.

The application for a quick title must be submitted by the owner or owner's representative to the DOL, participating county auditor, or other agent appointed by the DOL Director on a form furnished or approved by the DOL.

All applications for a quick title must meet the requirements established by the DOL.