Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1813
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: Aligning existing definitions and practices to establish a uniform process for updating addresses of record and make conforming amendments to statutes administered by the department of licensing.
Sponsors: Representatives Kloba and Harmsworth; by request of Department of Licensing.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/17
Staff: Patricia Hasan (786-7292).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is currently involved in a Business and Technology Modernization project to replace their legacy driver and vehicle information technology system with a new Driver and Vehicle System (DRIVES). In the process of carrying out this project, the DOL uncovered technical issues in state law that need to be resolved prior to the DRIVES implementation. The DOL completed the replacement of the vehicle-related systems portion of DRIVES in December 2016. The driver-related systems are expected to be completed in June 2018.
Current state law does not provide change of address guidelines for persons applying for a certificate of title or a vehicle registration. Whenever any person who has received a driver's license or identicard moves from the address listed on the license or identicard application, the person is required to notify the DOL within 10 days using a form provided by the DOL. A vessel owner must notify the DOL within 15 days of a change of address.
If a registered vehicle owner's registration certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or illegible, the owner must apply for a duplicate registration certificate. Replacement registration tabs cost $1 for each pair of tabs or windshield emblem.
Summary of Bill:
The bill makes several technical changes to current law:
amends the definition of a horseless carriage license plate from a motor vehicle that is more than 40 years old to a vehicle that is at least 40 years old;
amends the list of reasons a person must apply for a duplicate vehicle registration certificate to include when the person is applying for a replacement license tab or windshield emblem;
allows for the purchase of a single vehicle tab in instances of replacement where a vehicle only requires one plate;
corrects a 2010 drafting error made regarding the distribution of the farm vehicle reduced gross weight fee; and
restores language authorizing the DOL to maintain motor vehicle accident records.
The bill also creates a general procedure for establishing and updating the name and address of record for applicants of a driver's license, identicard, certificate of title, vehicle or vessel registration, or other permit. If a person changes their name or address, they must notify the DOL in writing or through other means as decided by rule of the DOL within 10 days. Any notice regarding the validity of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, permit, driving privilege, identicard, certificate of title, or vehicle or vessel registration mailed by the DOL to an address of record of the applicant or holder is effective even if the applicant or holder failed to receive the notice. Additionally, the DOL may not change the name or address of record of a person without first verifying their identity.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.