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The department shall develop processes and forms to enable individuals to submit tribal enrollment documentation when applying for or renewing a driver's license, identicard, or driver's instruction permit.
The department is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement this act including, but not limited to, specifying acceptable forms of documentation of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe within Washington state and updating existing systems.
The department shall consult with federally recognized tribes within Washington state in implementing this act, including establishing methods to educate the public about the availability and potential benefits of including a tribal designation on state-issued identification.
(1)(a) The department, upon receipt of a fee as specified in (b) of this subsection, 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.
(1) Issuance. The department shall issue an identicard, containing a picture, if the applicant:
. The department may issue a driver's instruction permit online or in person with or without a photograph to an applicant who has successfully passed all parts of the examination other than the driving test, provided the information required by RCW 46.20.091, paid an application fee of $25 prior to January 1, 2026, and $35 on or after January 1, 2026, and meets the following requirements:
Is at least 15.5 years of age; or
Is at least 15 years of age and:
Has submitted a proper application; and
Is enrolled in a driver training education course offered as part of a traffic safety education program authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and certified under chapter 28A.220 RCW or offered by a driver training school licensed and inspected by the department of licensing under chapter 46.82 RCW, that includes practice driving.
. The department may waive the written examination, if, at the time of application, an applicant is enrolled in a driver training education course as defined in RCW 46.82.280 or 28A.220.020.
The department may require proof of registration in such a course as it deems necessary.
. A person holding a driver's instruction permit may drive a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, upon the public highways if:
The person has immediate possession of the permit;
The person is not using a wireless communications device, unless the person is using the device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property; and
A driver training education course instructor who meets the qualifications of chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, occupies the seat beside the driver.
. A driver's instruction permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
The department may issue one additional one-year permit.
The department may issue a third driver's instruction permit if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve driving proficiency.
A person applying for an additional instruction permit must submit the application to the department and pay an application fee of $25 for each issuance.
Tribal designation. If applicable, the driver's instruction permit may include an optional tribal designation consistent with RCW 46.20.161(2)(k).
This act takes effect January 1, 2027.