WashingtonHB 14392025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Modifying motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to align with federal definitions, making technical corrections, and streamlining requirements.

Sponsored By: Adam Bernbaum (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.

Drivers face tougher suspensions and revocations

Beginning October 1, 2025, the law tightens license penalties. A revocation now means you lose your license for one year, unless another statute sets a different period. For vehicular homicide, revocation lasts two years. Time spent in total confinement does not count toward that period. A suspension now means any loss of license for less than one year. If you get three moving‑violation occasions in one year, or four in two years, the department suspends your license for 60 days and puts you on probation for one year. Multiple infractions from one traffic stop count as one occasion. The department does not charge a reissue fee after this 60‑day suspension.

Stronger privacy for vehicle owners

Beginning October 1, 2025, the agency cannot release your name, address, plate, VIN, or other vehicle or boat details if you are in the address confidentiality program, except for law enforcement and limited legal cases. If your name or address is given to an attorney or private investigator, the agency must notify you with what was shared, the date, and the requester’s job. If you give a valid court order that limits contact, the agency must also give you the requester’s name and address.

License hearings, appeals, and treatment stays

Beginning October 1, 2025, the department offers remote or local formal hearings and must give at least 10 days’ notice. Suspensions or revocations are paused while a hearing or appeal is pending, but only if you get no new conviction or finding for a moving violation. If you are labeled a habitual traffic offender, you must request a hearing in writing within 15 days. You must file any appeal within 30 days, and filing an appeal does not delay the revocation date. A stay for offenses caused by alcoholism or drug addiction is allowed only if a Department of Health‑approved program evaluates you and you follow the approved treatment. A referee may serve findings by email if you agree, and findings become final unless you are told otherwise within 15 days.

Simpler odometer rules for older cars

From October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2030, vehicles from model year 2010 or older do not need an odometer disclosure at sale. Starting January 1, 2031, vehicles that are 20 years old or older are exempt from odometer disclosure. Other odometer rules still apply.

Foreign and consul plates eliminated

Beginning October 1, 2025, the law removes the options for foreign organization and honorary consul special license plates. People who used those plates lose that option.

Certified driving record fee changes

Beginning October 1, 2025, the fixed dollar amount for certified driving record abstracts is removed. The fee now follows the separate fee law the department uses. The exact charge you pay can change under that law.

New $2 fee for owner records

Beginning October 1, 2025, businesses pay $2 for each owner record returned when they request vehicle or vessel owner names and addresses. The fee goes to the highway safety fund.

Tighter background checks for CDL drivers

Beginning October 1, 2025, the department must check your driving records in the national CDL system, the national driver register, your current state, and all states that licensed you in the last 10 years before issuing a CDL or CLP. Within 10 days of issuing a CDL or CLP, the department must report it to the national CDL system. Courts must report convictions of CDL and CLP holders so they appear in that system.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Adam Bernbaum
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Brandy Donaghy
Democratic • House
Hunter Abell
Republican • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Steve Tharinger
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025