Latest news with #DepartmentofLicensing
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Smokey Bear, pickleball, and pollinator license plates on the way in WA
This is a sample of the special license plate to become available in Washington state starting in late 2025. The Washington State Beekeepers Association will use proceeds to support research and public education on pollinators. (Image courtesy of Washington State Beekeepers Association) Washington drivers really like their specialty license plates — and they are getting more of them. Up to six new options will arrive this fall, including plates featuring Smokey Bear, pickleball paddles, and pollinators. Old-style plates, one with white lettering on a black background and the other with green lettering on a white background, are in the mix too. Another seven offerings — including one showcasing Mount St. Helens — would become available if their backers garner enough support. The 13 plates are parked in an omnibus bill signed into law May 20 by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Those issued would join the nearly 70 different special license plates in Washington recognizing the military, sports teams, colleges, farmers, orcas, lighthouses, square dancers and wine. Fees vary, with the money generally going to support causes that are tied to each plate's theme. This latest group of 13 will be the last for a while. The new law, Senate Bill 5444, bars the state Department of Licensing from accepting or issuing applications for any additional plates until Jan. 1, 2029. Notice of this moratorium must be posted prominently on the agency website. And the licensing department must set up a work group to delve into the specialty plate program — from how applications are handled and plates are chosen to the state's ability to recoup costs from less popular plates. Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, sponsored the legislation, which had a companion bill in the House authored by Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama and Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Snohomish County. Cortes attributed its success to Bill Ramos, the late state senator, for providing the energy and strategy to cement Senate approval on April 18. Ramos died the next night while on a trail run near his Issaquah home. 'It has Sen. Ramos' fingerprints all over it,' Cortes said in an emotional floor speech April 25 when the Senate took the final vote that sent it on to Ferguson. In tribute, the legislation is known as 'Bill's bill.' 'We're thinking about Bill as we're signing this legislation,' Ferguson said. The state Department of Licensing will begin issuing new plates on Nov. 1, barring any issues with their design and production. There is an initial fee of $40 for special plates and a renewal fee of $30. One will recognize pickleball, named the official state sport in 2022. It will be the first pickleball license plate in the nation. The Seattle Metro Pickleball Association launched the effort in 2022 and first secured the state Senate's support in 2023. Proceeds will be used for the construction and maintenance of dedicated pickleball courts throughout the state. Smokey Bear will be featured on another. Proceeds will go to the Department of Natural Resources' wildfire prevention programs. Hilary Franz, the former commissioner of public lands, championed the idea and her successor, Dave Upthegrove, has picked up the baton. Washington will join Oregon and Texas with Smokey Bear plates. 'Approximately 90% of wildfires every year are human caused. We couldn't have a better advocate for wildfire prevention crisscrossing Washington along our interstates, highways and roads than Smokey,' Upthegrove said in a news release. A monarch, a honey bee and a mason bee will star on a license plate. The Washington State Beekeepers Association will use proceeds to support research and educational activities about such pollinators. And the LeMay classic car museum in Tacoma will have one with its logo to generate funds for education and job training related to automobiles. The licensing department will issue two plates featuring styles from past eras. A 'Keep Washington Evergreen' plate will help fund installation of electric charging stations. It will have green lettering on a white background like ones Washington issued in the 1970s. The other plate will have white lettering on a black background similar to the design of those issued in the early 20th century. Money raised will be used for expanding and improving driver's education programs and activities. The remaining seven special license plates authorized in the law will be issued if a sponsor submits at least 3,500 signatures in support. Mount St. Helens could be the first in this batch. Proceeds would go to Mount St. Helens Institute, a private nonprofit organization, to support youth education, land stewardship and science at Washington's most active volcano, which is located in the southwest corner of the state. Supporters had previously submitted signatures, but their application expired and they must resubmit, according to the department. Other pending plates include: A working forests plate to support the Washington Tree Farm Program. That program helps certify small landowners who practice sustainable forestry. A nautical northwest plate to celebrate Whidbey Island's maritime communities. Money raised would go to Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation and Historic Whidbey. A Donate Life plate with proceeds going to LifeCenter Northwest to build awareness for organ donation. A Firefighter Memorial plate with funds going to the Washington State Council of Firefighters to benefit firefighters and their families in need. A Naval Academy plate with receipts going to the state's Veterans Stewardship Account to benefit veterans or their families. Washington now has six Armed Forces special license plates. A Seattle Reign FC plate with proceeds going to the RAVE foundation, the nonprofit charity for the club and for the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders already have a license plate.
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Motorcyclist Fatalities in Washington Decrease in 2024, Down 23% From Previous Year
OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are hopeful that fatal motorcycle crashes decreased in Washington. As the weather gets warmer and the roads get drier, the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to safely share the road. According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in 2024 on Washington's roads. In 2023, there were 142 motorcyclist fatalities, the most in Washington state's history. In 2024, Washington experienced a 23% decrease with 110 motorcyclist fatalities. While one motorcyclist serious injury or fatality is unacceptable, it's hopeful to see this reduction. Traffic safety professionals remain concerned about the overall increase in motor vehicle crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, and while motorcycles represent a small number of incidents, they also represent a disproportionate number of the deaths. In the last five years (2020-2024), motorcycles made up just 3% of registered vehicles on Washington's roads and accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities. 'While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable,' said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. 'One fatal crash is too many, and while we saw a reduction and are moving closer to our goal of zero fatal or serious injury crashes, we still have work to do to prevent these incidents and improve safety on our roads.' Motorcyclists are over-represented in traffic fatalities because they are vulnerable road users that don't have the steel cages, air bags, seat belts, and crash protection of other motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per mile traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and four times more likely to be seriously injured. Most crashes on the road are caused by human choices or errors. The leading causes of motorcycle fatalities (single vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes) are speed, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs, and distraction. 'We encourage riders to 'create their own safety' by riding within their skills, sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the safety gear all the time,' said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing. 'Make your ride more enjoyable by enhancing your skills with beginner and advanced training courses.' Motorcycle collisions can cause serious injury or death to both driver and motorcycle rider. The WTSC's motorcycle safety website, ' Ride Safe, Ride On,' has a collection of resources including videos, blogs, training tools, and safety information designed to help motorcyclists and motorists learn how to safely share the road with each other. Drivers are also encouraged to leave extra space and following distance around motorcycles, always drive sober, wear a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions. Visit and for more rider education, testing, training, endorsement, and safety information. About Ride Safe, Ride On Ride Safe, Ride On is a motorcycle safety outreach program from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. We focus on making a positive impact on Washington motorcycle riders by promoting ongoing training, responsible riding and wearing all the safety gear, all the time.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
You will need state permit to buy guns in WA under new law
contributed to this story. Starting in 2027, people living in Washington will be required to get a permit and pass live-fire training before they can buy a gun. Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1163 into law on Tuesday. Democrats argued that this bill will help prevent gun violence and suicides. Republicans and 2nd Amendment advocates, on the other hand, are calling the law unconstitutional. To apply for a permit, applicants will submit their fingerprints, they must pass a detailed background check, and complete a state-certified gun safety course that includes live-fire training. During their gun safety course, applicants will go to a range, learn how to handle a gun, demonstrate basic shooting proficiency, and learn about secure gun storage. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must provide when making a purchase. Firearm dealers won't be allowed to complete a sale unless the buyer shows their valid permit. The bill also expands rules for firearm transfers. All guns must now be logged and reported. This includes rifles, shotguns, handguns, and semi-automatic rifles. Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) will retain those transfer records, and the state's background check program will conduct annual eligibility checks to revoke permits if a holder becomes legally disqualified. Those interested in applying for a concealed pistol license must complete a live-fire training requirement. If someone already holds a valid purchase permit, they'll be exempt from another background check when applying for a CPL. Yes. There are exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, armed security guards, and private investigators—but they'll have to show proper ID.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WA drivers can soon add blood type to IDs under new law
This story was originally published on An act that allows people to voluntarily have their blood type placed on their driver's license or identification card has officially been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. Senators Paul Harris (R-District 17), T'wina Nobles (D-District 28), Marcus Riccelli (D-District 03), and Shelly Short (R-District 07) sponsored the bill, Senate Bill 5689, in a bipartisan effort. The bill was initially delivered to the governor on April 22. Washington is among the first states to offer blood type information on state-issued IDs. Arkansas passed a similar bill earlier this year. 'This legislation will help first responders and trauma teams access vital information faster, reducing delays in critical care,' Ferguson said. 'In other words, this bill will literally save lives here in Washington State.' 'The legislature finds that including blood type information on drivers' licenses and identification cards can enhance emergency medical response, saving time and potentially lives in critical situations,' the bill read. 'This act is intended to provide individuals the option to voluntarily include their blood type on their state-issued identification documents.' The legislation will also require the Department of Licensing (DOL) to develop processes for individuals to submit blood type documentation when applying for or renewing their identification. This information will need to be verified by a licensed physician, a medical facility, or a blood donation organization. A small, one-time administrative fee may be administered for the processing of blood type designations. The law will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
People waiting 2+ hours in line at DOL to get REAL ID before Wednesday's deadline
People across the Puget Sound are waiting hours in line at their local Department of Licensing (DOL) to get a REAL ID before Wednesday's deadline. Anyone who is looking to fly domestically or enter a federal building in the United States must have a REAL ID compliant form of identification by May 7. REAL ID is a federal law, not an actual piece of identification marked as such. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.' In the top right corner of your Washington State driver's license, it will indicate whether your identification will be accepted. If your license says 'federal limits apply,' then you will either need to update it to an Enhanced Driver's License or use another form of accepted ID to fly domestically. However, on Tuesday, Kristi Noem, the head of Homeland Security, said travelers who are not REAL ID compliant by Wednesday's deadline will still be able to fly, but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the Associated Press reports. Those who do not have an identification that complies with the REAL ID law 'may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,' Noem said. 'But people will be allowed to fly,' she said. 'We will make sure it's as seamless as possible.'
