Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

ESSB 5591

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 Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

Exempts an applicant from the stolen vehicle check fee if the applicant has previously registered a vehicle in Washington and maintained ownership of that vehicle while in another state or country.

Background:

Vehicles previously registered in another state or country are subject to a stolen vehicle check when being registered in Washington. In addition to other vehicle registration fees and taxes, out-of-state applicants for a Washington vehicle registration are required to pay a $15 processing fee for the stolen vehicle check.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to conduct a stolen vehicle check through the National Crime Information Center when a registered vehicle owner is applying for a certificate of title or a registration for a vehicle that has been previously registered in another state or country. If the stolen vehicle check indicates that the vehicle is stolen, the DOL must immediately provide a report that the vehicle is stolen to the Washington State Patrol, and the applicant may not be issued a certificate of title or registration for the vehicle. If the stolen vehicle check indicates that the vehicle is not stolen, the applicant must be issued a certificate of title or a vehicle registration if the DOL is satisfied that all other requirements have been met.

Summary of Bill:

An applicant is exempt from the $15 stolen vehicle check fee if the applicant had previously registered the vehicle in Washington and maintained ownership of the vehicle while it was registered in another state or country.