Washington State
House of Representatives
 BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 2367

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: Enhancing the security of drivers' licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Roach, Hurst, Curtis, Ericks, Rodne, Lovick, O'Brien, Schindler, Haler, Warnick, Takko, Orcutt, Newhouse, McDonald, Condotta, Jarrett, Ahern, McCune and Kelley.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires that the documentation provided by an applicant for a driver's license or identicard when the Department of Licensing (DOL) has waived the standard documentation requirements include a photograph of the applicant.
  • Requires applicants for a driver's license or identicard to provide evidence of principal residency in Washington and legal residency in the United States.
  • Requires the DOL to electronically store all documents presented by an applicant for a driver's license or identicard.
  • Requires the DOL to mail driver's licenses issued to first-time applicants to a valid Washington address.

Hearing Date: 3/1/07

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

An applicant for a driver's license or identicard must provide the Department of Licensing (DOL) with one of the following pieces of documentation that contains a signature and photograph of the applicant:

If the applicant is unable to provide the required documentation, the DOL may waive the requirement if it finds that other documentation establishes the identity of the applicant.

A person applying for a driver's license or instruction permit must provide, among other things, their Washington residence address.

Summary of Bill:

The documentation provided by an applicant for a driver's license or identicard when the DOL has waived the standard documentation requirements must include a photograph of the applicant.
An applicant for a driver's license or identicard must provide evidence of a principal Washington address by an original, notarized, or certified copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document. The DOL must, when possible, authenticate the address.

Passports presented as an identifying document to receive a driver's license or identicard must contain a valid United States visa or other identifying mark indicating legal presence in the United States.

The DOL must scan and electronically store all documents presented by an applicant for a driver's license or identicard. The DOL must develop a system to appropriately restrict access to stored documents.

When mailing driver's licenses to first-time applicants, the DOL must mail to a valid Washington address.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 27, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.