FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1813

C 147 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

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: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Kloba and Harmsworth; by request of Department of Licensing).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is involved in a Business and Technology Modernization project to replace its legacy driver and vehicle information technology system with a new Driver and Vehicle System (DRIVES). 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.

The DOL does not have 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:

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 is created. If a person changes their name or address, they must notify the DOL in writing or through other means established in the DOL rules 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 his or her identity.

In addition, the following miscellaneous changes are made:

• The definition of a horseless carriage license plate is changed from a motor vehicle that is more than 40 years old to a motor vehicle that is at least 40 years old.

• The list of reasons a person must apply for a duplicate vehicle registration certificate is expanded to include when the person is applying for a replacement license tab or windshield emblem.

• The purchase of a single vehicle tab is authorized in instances of replacement where a vehicle only requires one plate.

• A drafting error is corrected regarding the distribution of the farm vehicle reduced gross weight fee.

• Language authorizing the DOL to maintain motor vehicle accident records is restored.

• It is clarified which service fee is deposited into the Capital Vessel Replacement Account.

Votes on Final Passage: