(1) Before certifying a noncustodial parent (NCP) for noncompliance, the division of child support (DCS) must serve the NCP with a notice of noncompliance and intent to suspend licenses. This notice tells the NCP that DCS intends to submit the NCP's name to the department of licensing and any other appropriate licensing entity as a licensee who is not in compliance with a child support order.
(2) The language of the underlying child support order determines the method by which DCS must serve the notice of noncompliance and intent to suspend licenses.
(3) If the support order establishing or modifying the child support obligation includes a statement required under RCW
26.23.050 that the NCP's privileges to obtain and maintain a license may not be renewed or may be suspended if the NCP is not in compliance with a support order, DCS may serve the notice by regular mail to the NCP's last known mailing address on file with the department.
(a) Notice by regular mail is deemed served three days from the date the notice was deposited with the United States Postal Service.
(b) DCS may choose to serve the notice by personal service.
(4) If the support order does not include a statement that the NCP's privileges to obtain and maintain a license may not be renewed or may be suspended if the NCP is not in compliance with a support order:
(a) DCS must serve the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(b) If DCS is unable to serve the notice by certified mail, DCS must serve the notice by personal service, as provided in RCW
4.28.080.
(5) The notice must contain the information required by RCW
74.20A.320(2), including:
(a) The address and telephone number of DCS office that issued the notice;
(b) That in order to prevent DCS from certifying the NCP's name to the department of licensing or other licensing entity, the NCP has twenty days from receipt of the notice, or sixty days after receipt if the notice was served outside the state of Washington, to contact the department and:
(i) Pay the overdue support amount in full;
(iii) Agree to a payment schedule as provided in WAC
388-14A-4520; or
(iv) File an action to modify the child support order with the appropriate court or administrative forum, in which case DCS will stay the certification process up to six months.
(c) That failure to contact DCS within twenty days of receipt of the notice (or sixty days if the notice was served outside of the state of Washington) will result in certification of the NCP's name to the department of licensing and any other appropriate licensing entity for noncompliance with a child support order. Upon receipt of the notice:
(i) The licensing entity will suspend or not renew the NCP's license and the department of licensing (DOL) will suspend or not renew any driver's license that the NCP holds until the NCP provides DOL or the other licensing entity with a release from DCS stating that the NCP is in compliance with the child support order;
(ii) The department of fish and wildlife will suspend a fishing license, hunting license, occupational licenses (such as a commercial fishing license), or any other license issued under chapter
77.32 RCW that the NCP may possess. In addition, suspension of a license by the department of fish and wildlife may also affect the NCP's ability to obtain permits, such as special hunting permits, issued by the department. Notice from DOL that an NCP's driver's license has been suspended shall serve a notice of the suspension of a license issued under chapter
77.32 RCW.
(d) That suspension of a license will affect insurability if the NCP's insurance policy excludes coverage for acts occurring after the suspension of a license; and
(e) If the NCP subsequently comes into compliance with the child support order, DCS will promptly provide the NCP and the appropriate licensing entities with a release stating the NCP is in compliance with the order.
(6) DCS is not required to include a copy of the NCP's child support order with the notice. Upon request from the NCP, DCS must provide a copy of the order or orders that serve as a basis for the notice of noncompliance.
[Statutory Authority: 2017 c 269 is authorized under RCW
26.23.030,
34.05.220 (1)(a),
34.05.322,
34.05.350 (1)(a) and (b),
74.04.055,
74.08.090,
74.20.040(9),
74.20A.310, and
74.20A.328. WSR 17-23-046, § 388-14A-4505, filed 11/8/17, effective 12/9/17. Statutory Authority: 2009 c 408, RCW
34.05.060,
43.20A.550,
74.04.055,
74.04.057,
74.20A.310,
74.20A.320(10), and
74.20A.350(14). WSR 10-03-029, § 388-14A-4505, filed 1/12/10, effective 2/12/10. Statutory Authority: RCW
74.20A.320. WSR 03-18-114, § 388-14A-4505, filed 9/2/03, effective 10/15/03. Statutory Authority: RCW
74.08.090. WSR 01-03-089, § 388-14A-4505, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-520.]