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Agency 240
Department of Licensing
RCW 46.01

Request $180,567,746
Net change from current biennium $9,899,786 Decrease
Percent change from current biennium 5.2% Decrease


The Department of Licensing has over 10 million customer contacts each year. These customers receive a variety of services ranging from consumer protection to traffic safety and business development. Nearly every adult in Washington State interacts with the Department in some way.

The goals of the Department are to: strive for quality in everything it does; work together to provide the most responsive service to its customers; demonstrate leadership to meet the opportunities of the future; and reflect diversity in the workplace and in the services it delivers.


Links to Program Level Detail

Management and Support Services

Information Services

Vehicle Services

Driver Services

Business and Professional Licensing Services


Agency Level Summary

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Operating Budget: Summary
1995-97 Appropriations Appropriated Funds Expenditures
Amount Estimated Balance 1993-95 Actual 1995-97 Estimated 1997-99 Proposed
8,969,653 257,463 General Fund - Basic Account - State 6,609,094 8,712,190 8,622,101
General Fund - Basic Account - Private/Local Unanticipated 34,349
916,296 59,301 Architects' License Account - State 969,238 856,995 851,295
180,959 7,020 Cemetery Account - State 154,213 173,939 187,959
2,456,648 89,197 Professional Engineers' Account - State 2,427,436 2,367,451 2,666,648
6,420,976 188,517 Real Estate Commission Account - State 6,446,668 6,232,459 6,702,976
24,000 Industrial Insurance Premium Refund - State 24,000
6,273,110 72,551 Master License Account - State 5,546,134 6,200,559 6,976,110
26,000 Marine Fuel Tax Refund Account - State 1,250 26,000 26,000
4,965,305 1,295,993 Uniform Commercial Code Account - State 4,655,734 3,669,312 4,217,304
606,000 145,355 Real Estate Education Account - State 465,793 460,645 606,000
1,227,621 44,906 Motorcycle Safety Education Account - State 990,244 1,182,715 1,238,621
719,417 18,214 State Wildlife Account - State 555,201 701,203 728,416
75,907,137 1,552,548 Highway Safety Account - State 68,982,027 74,354,589 74,692,870
Highway Safety Account - Federal Unanticipated 126,855
73,978,355 790,098 Motor Vehicle Account - State 62,951,495 73,188,257 62,615,892
53,678 Motor Vehicle Account - Federal Unanticipated 200,711 53,678
3,544,000 4,416 DOL Services Account - State 4,134,279 3,539,584 2,944,000
378,697 27,295 Funeral Directors & Embalmers Acct - State 371,695 351,402 408,697
8,373,857 55,178 Transportation Account - State 3,927,171 8,318,679 7,082,857

195,021,709


4,608,052

Total Appropriated Funds

169,549,587


190,413,657


180,567,746

Non-Appropriated Funds
State Agency Parking Account - Non-Appropriated 53,875
Total All Funds

169,549,587


190,467,532


180,567,746


Operating Budget: Summary by Object

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries And Wages 36,824,263 39,131,187 40,800,215 39,608,297 39,558,775
Employee Benefits 10,347,990 10,797,848 11,316,723 11,148,607 11,132,768
Personal Service Contracts 5,999,604 6,018,250 8,658,867 375,208 192,220
Goods And Services 28,590,900 29,598,743 36,622,158 35,367,982 35,488,459
Travel 788,408 798,607 992,969 808,703 821,810
Capital Outlays 6,893,082 2,294,146 1,585,946 3,178,345 489,900
Grants, Benefits & Client Services 856,379 765,899 1,016,805 859,034 1,014,064
Debt Service 601,837 32,348 31,020 293,017 288,057
Interagency Reimbursements 13,441 71,575 (18,271) (28,800) (28,700)
Intra-Agency Reimbursements (10) (47,503)
Annual Total

90,915,894


89,508,603


100,958,929


91,610,393


88,957,353


Operating Budget: Program Summary

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Management & Support Services 6,702,606 6,852,487 7,578,894 7,543,021 7,583,930
Information Systems 14,814,853 14,999,969 23,120,714 10,860,143 10,019,937
Vehicle Services 26,844,420 25,969,915 26,757,129 28,075,743 26,540,035
Driver Services 31,162,595 30,554,145 31,874,753 32,719,498 32,644,947
Business And Profess Licensing Svcs 11,391,420 11,132,087 11,627,439 12,411,988 12,168,504
Annual Total

90,915,894


89,508,603


100,958,929


91,610,393


88,957,353

Fiscal Year 1993-94 78,633,693
Biennium Total

169,549,587


190,467,532


180,567,746


Operating Budget: Change from Preceding Biennium

1993-95 Actual 1995-97 Estimated 1997-99 Proposed
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
Management & Support Services 390,178 3.1% 1,447,138 11.1% 695,570 4.8%
Information Systems 11,893,755 83.1% 11,915,609 45.5% (17,240,603) (45.2)%
Vehicle Services 2,897,070 6.1% 2,647,453 5.3% 1,888,734 3.6%
Driver Services 4,067,985 7.5% 4,139,582 7.1% 2,935,547 4.7%
Business And Profess Licensing Svcs (348,921) (1.6)% 768,163 3.5% 1,820,966 8.0%
Belated Claims (164,521) (100.0)%
Total

18,735,546


12.4%


20,917,945


12.3%


(9,899,786)


(5.2)%


Employment Summary

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 1,204.7 1,204.8 1,236.8 1,214.3 1,213.9
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 30,567 32,479 32,989 32,618 32,588



Program Level Detail

Management and Support Services

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This program oversees activities related to management systems, techniques, and analysis. The Management and Support Services Division ensures effective oversight of the Department's fiscal resources and responsibilities, manages the agency's compliance with all legal and policy requirements governing agency operation, and provides agency employees with the appropriate tools and technology to achieve the Department's statutory responsibility.

The objectives of this program are to: ensure that all revenue collected is deposited to the correct accounts within 24 hours; implement the Americans with Disabilities Act provisions in all agency operations; provide appropriate management training to agency managers in order to achieve full implementation of the Washington Management Service; and provide total quality management training to all agency employees.


Program Employment

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 116.9 117.9 117.9 119.8 119.8
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 33,304 35,293 35,577 35,252 35,250


Expenditure Detail

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries and Benefits 4,957,276 5,278,387 5,301,494 5,390,812 5,390,051
Grants and Subsidies 1,984 912
Other Operating Costs 1,743,346 1,573,188 2,277,400 2,152,209 2,193,879
Annual Total

6,702,606


6,852,487


7,578,894


7,543,021


7,583,930

Fiscal Year 1993-94 6,281,637
Biennium Total

12,984,243


14,431,381


15,126,951


Source of Funds

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
General Fund - Basic Account - State 383,222 472,721 517,784 532,687 555,624
Architects' License Account - State 63,043 64,114 66,145 72,567 77,200
Cemetery Account - State 12,500 13,472 12,767 12,003 11,433
Professional Engineers' Account - State 156,554 173,821 177,408 193,905 202,863
Real Estate Commission Account - State 331,318 335,062 362,551 366,531 388,881
Industrial Insurance Premium Refund - State 24,000
Master License Account - State 407,260 392,125 434,312 437,617 467,430
Uniform Commercial Code Account - State 437,947 279,340 319,660 307,794 333,051
Motorcycle Safety Education Account - State 40,843 32,953 36,588 36,978 40,374
State Wildlife Account - State 35,898 25,264 28,736 26,465 30,582
Highway Safety Account - State 2,250,829 2,657,663 2,772,341 2,893,183 2,649,288
Motor Vehicle Account - State 2,138,142 1,962,516 2,335,965 2,194,235 2,326,301
Funeral Directors & Embalmers Acct - State 33,862 26,967 31,033 28,924 32,503
Transportation Account - State 411,188 393,058 429,140 440,132 468,400
State Agency Parking Account - Non-Appropriated 23,411 30,464
Annual Total

6,702,606


6,852,487


7,578,894


7,543,021


7,583,930




Information Services

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This program is responsible for the design, development, and operation of the automated data processing systems which enable the Department to provide timely, efficient, and cost-effective services to the public. The Information Services Division provides responsive and high-quality information technology services to its customers and defines, implements, and maintains a technology environment that is responsive and flexible to meet the business objectives of the Department and its programs.

The objectives of this program are to: deliver system enhancements within the customer agreed upon delivery dates; decrease time spent staging/destaging production computer jobs; and reduce the time required to process inquiries by law enforcement officers and agencies.


Program Employment

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 74.8 91.4 94.7 77.0 77.3
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 41,100 42,395 50,675 44,441 44,269


Expenditure Detail

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries and Benefits 3,830,680 4,816,570 6,048,171 4,289,197 4,289,197
Grants and Subsidies 1,292
Other Operating Costs 10,982,881 10,183,399 17,072,543 6,570,946 5,730,740
Annual Total

14,814,853


14,999,969


23,120,714


10,860,143


10,019,937

Fiscal Year 1993-94 11,390,221
Biennium Total

26,205,074


38,120,683


20,880,080


Source of Funds

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
General Fund - Basic Account - State 176,225 121,534 103,397 126,204 105,397
Architects' License Account - State 13,388 3,975 4,025 4,061 4,061
Cemetery Account - State 3,047 990 1,010 1,066 1,066
Professional Engineers' Account - State 34,029 21,802 22,198 22,691 22,698
Real Estate Commission Account - State 106,476 61,911 63,090 66,067 65,085
Master License Account - State 117,455 164,157 166,845 172,228 170,252
Uniform Commercial Code Account - State 318,299 317,326 322,678 335,183 329,248
Motorcycle Safety Education Account - State 1,044 994 1,006 1,000 1,000
State Wildlife Account - State 68,882 56,496 57,505 63,673 58,693
Highway Safety Account - State 5,119,483 4,996,183 7,728,397 5,170,715 4,913,384
Motor Vehicle Account - State 8,077,367 8,692,314 12,677,838 4,292,902 3,760,535
Funeral Directors & Embalmers Acct - State 7,324 1,473 1,527 2,211 1,211
Transportation Account - State 771,834 560,814 1,971,198 602,142 587,307
Annual Total

14,814,853


14,999,969


23,120,714


10,860,143


10,019,937




Vehicle Services

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Vehicle Services administers Washington State motor vehicle and vessel laws as well as collection of all motor vehicle fuel, aircraft fuel, and special fuel taxes. The Vehicle Services Division provides record of ownership information through titling and registration of vehicles and vessels, issues licenses for motor carriers, fuel users, and distributors and conducts audits and investigations to ensure compliance, and provides vehicle and vessel industry licensing services.

The objectives of this program are to: ensure fair and legal collection of vehicle registration fees; close fuel tax loop holes; and provide multi-year dealer licenses.


Program Employment

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 301.2 296.0 294.1 291.5 291.2
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 30,185 32,279 33,077 33,348 33,356


Expenditure Detail

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries and Benefits 11,675,594 12,216,850 12,375,669 12,436,576 12,437,827
Grants and Subsidies 292,537 245,276 122,638 157,860 157,890
Other Operating Costs 14,876,289 13,507,789 14,258,822 15,481,307 13,944,318
Annual Total

26,844,420


25,969,915


26,757,129


28,075,743


26,540,035

Fiscal Year 1993-94 23,235,171
Biennium Total

50,079,591


52,727,044


54,615,778


Source of Funds

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
General Fund - Basic Account - State 313,457 527,478 527,478 528,884 525,972
Marine Fuel Tax Refund Account - State 1,250 24,180 1,820 26,000
State Wildlife Account - State 160,716 233,202 300,000 274,401 274,602
Motor Vehicle Account - State 22,554,837 22,958,632 24,560,992 25,474,466 24,567,453
Motor Vehicle Account - Federal Unanticipated 114,129 26,839 26,839
DOL Services Account - State 3,700,031 2,199,584 1,340,000 1,771,992 1,172,008
Annual Total

26,844,420


25,969,915


26,757,129


28,075,743


26,540,035




Driver Services

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This program is responsible for providing an effective and efficient system of licensing and educating the drivers of Washington State, identifying unsafe drivers, and administering an effective system of penalties and remedial activities aimed at correcting bad driving habits. The Driver Services Division promotes health, safety, and welfare on the highways of Washington State through driver testing, awareness education, screening and sanction of the residents and maintains standard personal identification and driving records.

The objectives of this program are to: improve service at Licensing Services Offices by installing customer point of service queuing systems; develop strategies and criteria for collocated services tailored to community needs; and provide expertise, information, support, and resources to assist in completion of current agency and division automated projects.


Program Employment

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 522.3 513.2 531.4 520.9 522.4
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 28,889 30,667 30,353 30,967 30,936


Expenditure Detail

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries and Benefits 19,432,200 20,213,077 20,803,542 20,799,492 20,824,759
Grants and Subsidies 231,611 331,264 640,444 408,354 563,354
Other Operating Costs 11,498,784 10,009,804 10,430,767 11,511,652 11,256,834
Annual Total

31,162,595


30,554,145


31,874,753


32,719,498


32,644,947

Fiscal Year 1993-94 27,126,721
Biennium Total

58,289,316


62,428,898


65,364,445


Source of Funds

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
General Fund - Basic Account - State 34,282 76,250 77,000 77,000 77,000
Motorcycle Safety Education Account - State 456,747 491,212 619,962 579,677 579,592
Highway Safety Account - State 30,587,844 27,507,323 28,692,682 29,572,541 29,493,759
Highway Safety Account - Federal Unanticipated 32,535
Transportation Account - State 51,187 2,479,360 2,485,109 2,490,280 2,494,596
Annual Total

31,162,595


30,554,145


31,874,753


32,719,498


32,644,947




Business and Professional Licensing Services

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This program is responsible for providing comprehensive service to the state's business community and is the main processing and distribution point for the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) program. In addition, the program provides consumer protection services to all residents of the state through its licensing programs for various professions and occupations. The Business and Professional Licensing Services Division protects the public health, safety, and welfare by assuring compliance with minimum experience and education qualifications; develops and administers valid examinations for licensure; administers continuing education programs; maintains and enforces standards of practice; simplifies business licensing through the provision of one-stop licensing/registrations; provides business license requirements information to the public; provides courteous, responsive and high quality service; and assures appropriate collection and access to data.

The objectives of this program are to: complete prescribed audit and inspection requirements for licensed professions and occupations in a timely manner; complete timely investigations of consumer complaints; add new licenses and registrations to the Master License Service; provide business license information requirements consistently throughout the state; process license applications/renewals in a timely manner; and collect, input, and provide access to appropriate data.


Program Employment

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 189.5 186.3 198.7 205.1 203.2
Average FTE Staff Year Costs 29,955 31,145 29,942 29,798 29,722


Expenditure Detail

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
Salaries and Benefits 7,276,503 7,404,151 7,588,062 7,840,827 7,749,709
Grants and Subsidies 328,955 188,447 253,723 292,820 292,820
Other Operating Costs 3,785,962 3,539,489 3,785,654 4,278,341 4,125,975
Annual Total

11,391,420


11,132,087


11,627,439


12,411,988


12,168,504

Fiscal Year 1993-94 10,599,943
Biennium Total

21,991,363


22,759,526


24,580,492


Source of Funds

1994-95 Actual 1995-96 Estimated 1996-97 Estimated 1997-98 Proposed 1998-99 Proposed
General Fund - Basic Account - State 2,500,501 3,110,243 3,178,305 3,028,244 3,065,089
Architects' License Account - State 433,645 416,993 301,743 363,131 330,275
Cemetery Account - State 70,073 69,846 75,854 80,143 82,248
Professional Engineers' Account - State 1,100,753 926,152 1,046,070 1,108,473 1,116,018
Real Estate Commission Account - State 3,017,780 2,692,482 2,717,363 2,923,691 2,892,721
Master License Account - State 2,325,949 2,298,565 2,744,555 2,996,596 2,731,987
Uniform Commercial Code Account - State 1,525,223 1,275,035 1,155,273 1,438,301 1,473,727
Real Estate Education Account - State 265,697 199,603 261,042 303,001 302,999
Funeral Directors & Embalmers Acct - State 151,799 143,168 147,234 170,408 173,440
Annual Total

11,391,420


11,132,087


11,627,439


12,411,988


12,168,504