Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2206

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 Description: Concerning the issuance of drivers' licenses and identicards.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Armstrong, Billig, Hargrove, Reykdal, Johnson, Ladenburg, Rivers, Klippert, Appleton, Asay, Ryu, Jinkins and Kenney; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes the renewal period from five years to six years for driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and identification cards.

  • Raises fees for driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and identification cards to reflect the additional year of validity.

Hearing Date: 1/11/12

Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (Department) issues driver's licenses as well as license endorsements, including those for motorcycles and hazardous materials. The Department also issues identification cards. These licenses and identification cards expire and must be renewed every five years.

Commercial drivers carrying certain hazardous materials must obtain a hazardous materials endorsement. This requires a complete background check through the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and successful passage of a hazardous materials knowledge test.

Summary of Bill:

The renewal period for driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and identification cards is increased from five years to six years. In order to evenly distribute the yearly renewal of driver's licenses and identification cards, between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2021 the Department may issue licenses and identification cards for periods other than six years.

The expiration date of a commercial driver's license with a hazardous materials endorsement may be a period other than six years in order to match validation from the TSA. If a hazardous materials endorsement is added to the license subsequent to its issuance, the Department may adjust the expiration date of the license.

The Department may adopt rules to carry out the changes in issuing driver's licenses and identification cards.

The following fees are raised to reflect the additional year of validity:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2013.