DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING

[Filed June 17, 2026, 9:40 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-08-091.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 308-96B-010 Definitions—Special parking privileges for individuals with disabilities, and 308-96B-020 General provisions.

Hearing Location(s): On July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81123157326?pwd=ZfEUFhOslqgblxekRfL1XUpA3j0AdH.1 (chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/81123157326), Meeting ID 811 2315 7326, Passcode 509977; or One-tap mobile +12532050468,,81123157326#,,,,*509977# US, +12532158782,,81123157326#,,,,*509977# US (Tacoma); or SIP 81123157326@zoomcrc.com. Join instructions https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/81123157326/invitations?signature=ZCmk-PddDsdgGH_SVxtMH--Z9UHMpAzK5JI4agJQerw; or in person at Highways and Licensing Building, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504. If you are having trouble accessing the virtual meeting, please call 360-902-3486 at the time of the hearing to request assistance. Please email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov if you would like to request an interpreter, or other accommodations, at least one week in advance of the public hearing.

PLEASE NOTE: Hearing participants are encouraged to attend in person or be prepared to use the telephonic option (call in) if they experience technical difficulties.

Date of Intended Adoption: July 24, 2026.

Submit Written Comments to: Ellis Starrett, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, beginning July 1, 2026, by July 23, 2026.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Ellis Starrett, phone 360-902-3846, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, by July 13, 2026.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule language clarifies that health care practitioners can provide special parking privilege authorization electronically or on office letterhead or prescription paper. The proposed rule also allows copies of signatures from health care practitioners when on letterhead, as well as applicant signatures. Additional updates were made to clarify rule language.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: SB 6005 requires the department of licensing (DOL) to specify the requirements for health care professionals providing electronic documentation to individuals who are applying for special parking privileges. These rules will help clarify application requirements for special parking privileges, as well as improve access by expanding options for the application and health care authorization formats the agency will accept.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.19.040 Renewal—Rules—Report; and SB 6005, passed during the 2026 legislative session.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 46.19.010 Criteria for natural persons.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: DOL, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Shawna Herron, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, 360-634-5137.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Ellis Starrett, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-902-3846, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal from Regulatory Fairness Act requirements:

The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. This rule making expands options for customers and health care practitioners without imposing any new requirements. No new costs were identified to customers or small businesses.

Legislative and Policy Analyst

Chapter 308-96B WAC

SPECIAL PARKING PRIVILEGES FOR ((PERSONS))INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-08-011, filed 3/21/24, effective 4/21/24)

WAC 308-96B-010Definitions—Special parking privileges for ((persons))individuals with disabilities.

For the purposes of determining eligibility under chapter 46.19 RCW, for special parking privileges for ((persons))individuals with disabilities, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Identification card" means the identification card bearing the name and date of birth of the person to whom the placard/plate/tab is issued.

(2) "Health care practitioner" means ((that as defined))the individual qualified to determine disability as described in RCW 46.19.010(2) for the purpose of applying for special parking privileges. Health care practitioner does not include ((persons))individuals licensed in the professions of dentistry and optometry.

(3) "Permanent" means a health care practitioner has certified the qualifying disability condition is expected to last at least five years.

(4) (("Permit" means the eligibility for the temporary or permanent placard or special license plate(s), license tab, and identification card.

(5))) "Privilege" means the right to utilize the benefits associated with the special parking privileges for persons with disabilities.

(((6)))(5) "Resident" means an individual who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis, or an individual or dependent of an Armed Forces member who is currently stationed in the state of Washington.

(((7)))(6) "Signature" means any memorandum, mark, stamp, or sign made with intent to authenticate an application for a placard/plate, or the subscription of any person.

(7) "Written authorization" means a signed statement from a qualified health care practitioner, as defined in RCW 46.19.010(3), confirming the applicant meets a qualifying condition for disabled parking privileges.

(8) "Application" means the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals form (420-073), or any other department-approved application used for the purpose of issuing disabled parking privileges.

(9) "Electronic means" includes, but is not limited to, email, a patient portal, or digital signature software.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-08-011, filed 3/21/24, effective 4/21/24)

WAC 308-96B-020General provisions.

(1) ((How to qualify for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities? A health care practitioner must certify, on a department approved application form and on a written authorization, that an individual has a qualifying disability in accordance with those listed in RCW 46.19.010(1).

(2) Who may apply? To qualify for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities, you must be a Washington state resident or be stationed with the Armed Forces in Washington state.

(3) How to apply for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities? The individual must complete and sign the appropriate portion of the application. Once the health care practitioner portion of the application is completed, and the health care practitioner has provided a written authorization, submit these documents to a vehicle licensing office or the department. The application and written authorization are required on all applications, originals and renewals.

(4) Can the materials be submitted electronically? No. The health care practitioner may send you the signed application and written authorization by electronic means of their choosing. You must remit the application and written authorization in hard copy to a vehicle licensing office or the department.

(5) Can my health care practitioner combine the application and written authorization? Yes. The application may be printed on the health care practitioner's letterhead or prescription paper and be submitted as a complete application.

(6) Who may sign the application for an individual who is unable to sign or is a minor?))Qualifications. Special parking privileges are available to Washington residents and members of the armed forces stationed in Washington. The applicant must have a qualifying disability as defined in RCW 46.19.010(1). Only qualified health care practitioners as defined in RCW 46.19.010(2) may determine qualifying disabilities.

(2) Applying for special parking privileges. For original issuance and renewals, applicants submit the following to the department or a vehicle licensing office:

(a) An application complete with:

(i) A health care practitioner's signature and certification that the applicant has a qualifying disability described in RCW 46.19.010(1);

(ii) The applicant's signature;

(b) A health care practitioner's written authorization provided either on office letterhead, prescription paper, or by electronic means described in subsection (3) of this section. The statement must include:

(i) The name of the individual eligible for special parking privileges;

(ii) Confirmation the individual has a qualifying condition;

(iii) The health care practitioner's signature.

(3) Submitting application documents. Except as required in (b) of this subsection, applications and authorizations may be originals or copies.

(a) A completed application printed on the health care practitioner's letterhead or prescription paper fulfills the requirement of subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section.

(b) Any written authorization or application completed on prescription paper must be original.

(c) Health care practitioners may provide the following documents to the applicant by electronic means of their choosing:

(i) Written authorization unless completed on prescription paper;

(ii) The application.

(d) All electronic documents must contain a manual or electronic signature by the health care practitioner and applicant.

(4) Other acceptable signatures. An authorized representative of the ((individual applying for the parking privilege))applicant may sign the application if the applicant is a minor or unable to sign. The application must be accompanied by a copy of one of the following:

(a) A power of attorney;

(b) A Washington state court order or certification from the clerk of court confirming the court's action; or

(c) A declaration under penalty of perjury explaining why the applicant is unable to sign and explaining the signing person's association with the applicant. Example: Signature, Jane Doe, daughter.

(((7) Why is the identification card issued? The identification card is issued to identify the individual with the parking privilege and to ensure that only those who qualify use the parking privilege))(5) Parking privilege identification card. An identification card is issued to verify the individual has been granted parking privileges. The identification card must be available for display to law enforcement or parking enforcement officials.

((If you have just applied for the parking privilege and))Recent applicants who have not yet received the identification card((,))may show the receipt ((you))they received at the time of application when requested.

(((8) How long is the special parking privilege for persons with disabilities valid?))(6) Duration of parking privileges.

(a) Temporary privileges are valid for the number of months authorized by the health care practitioner, up to 12 months. Expirations are determined from the date of authorization by the health care practitioner. The privilege is valid until the last day of the month of expiration.

(b) Permanent privileges are issued for five years from the date of authorization by the health care practitioner. The privilege is valid until the last day of the month of expiration.

(((9) How do I renew or extend my parking privilege?))(7) Renewing parking privileges.

(a) For a temporary privilege, if ((your))the condition continues beyond the expiration date, ((you))individuals must apply for a new privilege as described in WAC ((308-96B-010(2)))308-96B-020(2).

(b) For a permanent privilege, the department will mail ((you)) a notice before ((your))the privilege expires.

((You))Individuals must apply for a new privilege as described in WAC ((308-96B-010(2)))308-96B-020(2).

(((10) What if the parking placard or identification card is lost, mutilated, destroyed, or stolen?))(8) Replacing parking placards or identification cards. To replace ((your))a parking placard or identification card, complete and sign ((an))a replacement form authorized by the department ((of licensing form indicating such)). A new parking placard or identification card will be issued, indicating the original expiration date. The placard or identification card being replaced are no longer valid and should be destroyed if located.

(((11) What should I do with my placard and identification card when they are no longer valid?))(9) Expired placard and identification card.((They))Placards or identification cards no longer valid should be destroyed.