The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

DOL fees to increase

On Oct. 1

September 25, 2012

Several fees the state of Washington charges for driving will increase on the first of October, according to the state Department of Licensing. Following are descriptions of the new driving fees and explanations of what the money collected is used for by state government.

Fees related to driver licensing that will increase on Oct. 1, 2012:

Driver license fee (original and renewal), $25 ($5/yr) before Oct. 1, $45 ($9/yr) after Oct. 1;

ID card fee (original and renewal), $20 ($4/yr) before Oct. 1, $45 ($9/yr) after Oct. 1;

CDL fee (original and renewal, $61 ($12.20/yr) before Oct. 1, $85 ($17/yr) after Oct. 1;

Driver instruction permit (application), $20 before oct. 1, $25 after Oct. 1;

Driver Instruction permit (renewal), $20 before Oct. 1, $25 after the 1st;

Driver license examination, $20 before Oct. 1, $35 after Oct. 1;

Replacement driver license or ID card, $15 before Oct. 1, $20 after Oct. 1;

Abstract of driver's record, $10 before Oct. 1, $13 after;

DUI hearing (for administrative suspension), $200 before Oct. 1, $375 after Oct. 1.

How much will I pay for a basic driver license (no extra endorsements) after October 1, 2012?

The basic license fee for a new or renewal license will be $45. The cost of state ID card will also be $45. This reflects five years at the basic annual cost of $9 per year.

How much will I pay for a commercial driver license after October 1, 2012?

The CDL fee for each class will increase to $85 for a 5-year license. The total fee for a new commercial driver license or renewal will increase to $130. This includes $45 for a personal driver license and $85 for a commercial driver license.

Is the fee for motorcycle endorsements going up?

No. The fee for a new or renewal motorcycle endorsement will remain $25.

What is the money collected for these driver-related fees used for?

The fees collected for driving-related DOL products are generally appropriated for driver-related purposes. Increasing these fees will provide much-needed funding to support the operation and maintenance of our transportation systems. Money collected from the driver license fee also can be used for general government programs.

Fees related to vehicle licensing that will increase on Oct. 1, 2012:

Certificate of Ownership application (title), $5 before Oct. 1, $15 after Oct. 1;

Original issue license plate (except motorcycle), $0 before Oct. 1, $10 after the 1st;

Original issue motorcycle license plate, $0 before Oct. 1, $4 after Oct. 1;

Motorcycle replacement plate, $2 before Oct. 1, $4 after Oct. 1;

Late title transfer penalty, $25 to $100 before Oct. 1, $50 to $125 after Oct. 1.

What is a late title transfer penalty and why is there a range?

By law, when the ownership of a vehicle changes, the new owner must apply for a new title and pay all of the taxes and fees due within 15 days of acquiring the vehicle. If this requirement is not met, a penalty of $50 is assessed on the 16th day and this penalty increases by $2 per day until the title is transferred. The maximum late title transfer penalty is $125.

What is the money collected for these vehicle-related fees used for?

The fees collected for vehicle-related DOL products are generally appropriated for highway-related purposes. Increasing these fees will provide much-needed funding to support the operation and maintenance of our transportation systems. Money collected from the title transfer fee also is used for oil spill response and school bus retrofitting.