SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6149

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.

As of January 30, 2012

Title: An act relating to the period of validity and renewal of drivers' licenses and identicards.

Brief Description: Concerning the period of validity and renewal of drivers' licenses and identicards.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, King, Haugen and Shin; by request of Department of Licensing.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/30/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: A Washington State driver license, endorsement or identicard is valid for up to five years.

The fees associated with the issuance of a driver license, endorsement and identicard are as follows:

a driver license issued for five years is $25.00 or if issued for a period other than five years is $5.00 per year;
a commercial driver license issued for five years is $61.00 or if issued for a period other than five years is $12.20 per year;
an identicard issued for up to five years is $20.00 unless the applicant receives public assistance and in which case the cost is equal to the actual cost to produce the identicard;
an initial motorcycle endorsement is $12.00; and
a motorcycle endorsement renewal issued for five years is $25.00 or if issued for a period other than five years is $5.00 per year.

Summary of Bill: A Washington State driver license, endorsement or identicard is valid for up to six years.

From July 1, 2013, until June 30, 2021, the Department of Licensing may issue a driver license or identicard for a period of other than six years in order to evenly distribute the yearly renewal rate. The department may also issue a driver license that includes a hazardous materials endorsement for a period of other than six years in order to match the validity of certification from the federal transportation security administration.

All driver license, endorsement and identicard fees are increased so that the per year cost stays the same. The updated fees are as follows:

a driver license issued for six years is $30.00 or if issued for a period other than six years is $5.00 per year;
a commercial driver license issued for six years is $73.20 or if issued for a period other than six years is $12.20 per year;
an identicard issued for six years is $24.00 or if issued for a period of other than six years is $4.00 per year;
an initial motorcycle endorsement that is issued for six years is $12.00 or if issued for a period of other than six years is $2.00 per year; and
a motorcycle endorsement renewal issued for six years is $30.00 or if issued for a period other than six years is $5.00 per year.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2012.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is good for the people because it will allow them to make fewer trips to the department, and it will also allow the department to keep wait times down.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Alan Haight, DOL.