wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5689 > Original Bill

SB 5689 - Drivers' licenses/blood type

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Section 1

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. This act is intended to provide individuals the option to voluntarily include their blood type on their state-issued identification documents.

Section 2

(1) Issuance. The department shall issue an identicard, containing a picture, if the applicant:

Section 3

  1. The department, upon receipt of a fee of $72, unless the driver's license is issued for a period other than eight years, in which case the fee shall be $9 for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph, shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license. A driver's license issued to a person under the age of 18 is an intermediate license, subject to the restrictions imposed under RCW 46.20.075, until the person reaches the age of 18.

  2. The license must include:

    1. A distinguishing number assigned to the licensee;

    2. The name of record;

    3. Date of birth;

    4. Washington residence address;

    5. Photograph;

    6. A brief description of the licensee;

    7. Either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write the licensees' usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license;

    8. If applicable, the person's status as a veteran as provided in subsection (4) of this section;

      1. If applicable, a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section; and

    9. At the option of the licensee, the inclusion of the licensee's blood type, provided that the licensee presents documentation verifying the blood type from a licensed physician, medical facility, or blood donation organization.

  3. No license is valid until it has been signed by the licensee.

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    1. A veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, may apply to the department to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license issued under this section by providing:

      1. A United States department of veterans affairs identification card or proof of service letter;

      2. A United States department of defense discharge document, DD Form 214 or DD Form 215, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's service in the armed forces of the United States and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005;

      3. A national guard state-issued report of separation and military service, NGB Form 22, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's active duty or reserve service in the national guard and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005; or

      4. A United States uniformed services identification card, DD Form 2, that displays on its face that it has been issued to a retired member of any of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard and armed forces reserves.

    2. The department may permit a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, to submit alternate forms of documentation to apply to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license.

  5. Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license issued under this chapter by providing:

    1. Self-attestation that the individual:

      1. Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency;

      2. Is deaf or hard of hearing; or

      3. Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020;

    2. A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and

    3. For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

  6. A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:

    1. Shall not be disclosed;

    2. Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law; and

    3. Is subject to the privacy protections of the driver's privacy protection act, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2725.

Section 4

  1. The department shall develop processes and forms to enable individuals to submit blood type documentation when applying for or renewing a driver's license or identicard.

  2. The department may charge an administrative fee not to exceed $2 for processing blood type designation requests.

Section 5

The department shall coordinate with health care providers, emergency responders, and blood donation organizations to educate the public about the availability and potential benefits of including blood type information on state-issued identification.

Section 6

The department is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement this act including, but not limited to, specifying acceptable forms of blood type documentation and updating existing systems.

Section 7

This act takes effect January 1, 2026.

Created by @tannewt. Contribute on GitHub.