HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 Substitute 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.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Dickerson, Eddy, Finn, Moeller, Morris, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Driscoll, Ericksen, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Nealey and Shea.

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.

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Summary of Substitute 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 quick title process may not be used to obtain the first title issued to a vehicle previously designated as a salvage vehicle.

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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill adds that the quick title process may not be used to obtain the first title issued to a vehicle previously designated as a salvage vehicle.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Presently only four counties offer the service in the state and many times the public has to travel a long distance to get a title immediately. In western Washington, for example, the public must drive to Clark County. The quick titles take additional time due to the verification and review processes, but with the $25 fee, other counties would offer the service. A person receives their title immediately using the quick title process instead of waiting several weeks to have the title processed through the DOL and having the title mailed to them. Quick titles should not be used for vehicles that have been rebuilt and then are being titled for the first time. An amendment to not allow rebuilt vehicles to use the quick title process is recommended.

(Opposed) None.