Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 1984
Brief Description: Protecting privacy of addresses related to vehicle registration certificates.
Sponsors: Representatives Jacobsen and Graham.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, paper-issued registration certificates for vehicles or trailers must not include the residential address of the registrant.
  • Beginning January 1, 2023, paper-issued registration certificates for vessels must not include the residential address of the registrant.
Hearing Date: 1/25/22
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:

To be valid, a vehicle registration certificate must be signed by the registered owner, carried in the vehicle for which it is issued, and provided on demand to law enforcement and the Department of Licensing.  The registration certificate may be provided in either paper or electronic format.  Acceptable electronic formats include the display of electronic images on a cellular phone or another portable electronic device.  These requirements do not apply to vehicles for which registration is not required to be renewed annually or for properly marked public vehicles.
Summary of Bill:

The bill states the legislative finding that printed addresses on vehicle registrations provide an opportunity for thieves to break into vehicles to use the information for nefarious purposes.

 

Beginning January 1, 2023, paper-issued registration certificates for vehicles or trailers must not include the residential address of the registrant.  This amendment is made to the off-road vehicle statutes.

 

Beginning January 1, 2023, paper-issued registration certificates for vessels must not include the residential address of the registrant.  
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.