WSR 26-09-146

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING

[Filed April 22, 2026, 10:15 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 308-96A-065 Personalized license plates.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.01.110 Rule-making authority, 46.18.020 Rules, and 46.18.277 Personalized special license plates.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current language related to cancellation criteria is too broad and can lead to inconsistent interpretation and application. The proposed rule making will clarify and simplify this language, making the criteria more specific and plain-talked. This allows for a more equitable and consistent process for approving or denying license plate configurations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ellis Starrett, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-902-3846, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, website dol.wa.gov/about/rulemaking; or Brandon Bannister, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-634-5156.

April 22, 2026

Kelsey Stone

Legislative Policy Analyst