Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.01
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.01.040 (2026)

Powers, duties, and functions relating to motor vehicle laws vested in department

✓ current as of May 2026
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The department is vested with all powers, functions, and duties with respect to and including the following:
(1) The fuel tax and aircraft fuel tax as provided in chapters 82.38 and 82.42 RCW;
(2) The motor vehicle excise tax as provided in chapter 82.44 RCW;
(3) The travel trailers and campers excise tax as provided in chapter 82.50 RCW;
(4) All general powers and duties relating to motor vehicles as provided in chapter 46.08 RCW;
(5) Certificates of title and registration certificates as provided in chapters 46.12 and 46.16A RCW;
(6) The registration of motor vehicles as provided in chapter 46.16A RCW;
(7) Dealers' licenses as provided in chapter 46.70 RCW;
(8) The licensing of motor vehicle transporters as provided in chapter 46.76 RCW;
(9) The licensing of vehicle wreckers as provided in chapter 46.80 RCW;
(10) The administration of the laws relating to reciprocal or proportional registration of motor vehicles as provided in chapter 46.85 RCW;
(11) The licensing of passenger vehicles for hire as provided in chapter 46.72 RCW;
(12) Drivers' licenses as provided in chapter 46.20 RCW;
(13) Commercial driver training schools as provided in chapter 46.82 RCW;
(14) Financial responsibility as provided in chapter 46.29 RCW;
(15) Accident reporting as provided in chapter 46.52 RCW;
(16) Disposition of revenues as provided in chapter 46.68 RCW; and
(17) The administration of all other laws relating to motor vehicles vested in the director of licenses on June 30, 1965.
[ 2013 c 225 s 606; 2011 c 171 s 10; 2010 c 161 s 1108; 1983 c 3 s 117; 1979 c 158 s 115; 1965 c 156 s 4.]

Notes:

Effective date—2013 c 225: See note following RCW 82.38.010.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1993–2021 · leading case: Miller v. Aetna Life & Cas. Co., 851 P.2d 1253 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993).
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Miller v. Aetna Life & Cas. Co., 851 P.2d 1253 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993). “RCW 46.01.040 vests the Department of Licensing with all powers, functions, and duties with respect to motor vehicle financial responsibility.”
State v. C.N.H., 954 P.2d 1345 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). “See RCW 46.01.040(13) and RCW 46.20.161 (the Department of Licensing is vested with all powers with respect to drivers’ licenses, which includes recording driver’s birthdate because that information must be stated on licenses).”
State v. Gaddy, 60 P.3d 116 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “[18] RCW 46.01.040. [19] 113 Wash.2d 833 , 784 P.”
State Of Washington v. Kevin Brewer (Wash. Ct. App. 2021). “Under RCW 46.01.040(12), the DOL has the authority to regulate the issuance of driver’s licenses under chapter 46.”
State v. CNH, 954 P.2d 1345 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). “See RCW 46.01.040(13) and RCW 46.20.161 (the Department of Licensing is vested with all powers with respect to driver's licenses, which includes recording drivers' birthdates because that information must be stated on licenses).”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.01.040(12) — 1 case
State Of Washington v. Kevin Brewer (Wash. Ct. App. 2021). “Under RCW 46.01.040(12), the DOL has the authority to regulate the issuance of driver’s licenses under chapter 46.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.01.040(13) — 2 cases
State v. C.N.H., 954 P.2d 1345 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). “See RCW 46.01.040(13) and RCW 46.20.161 (the Department of Licensing is vested with all powers with respect to drivers’ licenses, which includes recording driver’s birthdate because that information must be stated on licenses).”
State v. CNH, 954 P.2d 1345 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). “See RCW 46.01.040(13) and RCW 46.20.161 (the Department of Licensing is vested with all powers with respect to driver's licenses, which includes recording drivers' birthdates because that information must be stated on licenses).”
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