Approves and issues or denies non-enhanced and enhanced driver licenses, identification cards and instruction permits or approves or denies vehicle and vessel titles, registrations, tabs, license plates and special permits.

This is the journey level of the series. Under general supervision, incumbents in this class are fully qualified to examine documentation and applications for legality and compliance with the law, to establish identity to approve and issue or deny enhanced driver licenses and to approve and issue driver and vehicle licenses, titles, registrations, tabs and special permits. Incumbents deal directly with a diverse public and may conduct driving skills tests or in-vehicle assessments and re-examinations.

Reviews, approves and denies applications; issues enhanced and non-enhanced driver licenses and identification cards;

Reviews and processes documentation for adding, changing, and deleting lien holder information on vehicle or vessel titles.

Interprets and applies knowledge of laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures in the resolution of inquiries, complaints and barriers;

Provides guidance and information to the public regarding driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle and vessel titles, registrations, tabs, special and personalized plates, waivers, special permits and fees;

Closely observes applicants to assess their physical and mental condition; operates visual screening equipment to determine an applicant’s vision;

Conducts oral and written knowledge tests of state codes; evaluates and grades written, oral and performance tests;

Conducts drive tests and re-examinations to determine an applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle;

Approves and issues original, renewal and duplicate enhanced and non-enhanced driver licenses; approves and issues agricultural and other special vehicle permits; approves and issues driver education, medical and drive test waivers; determines and collects appropriate fees;

Examines motor vehicles for compliance with safety and regulatory requirements;

Uses computer and agency programs to create, retrieve, review, change and update driver licensing and vehicle and vessel titling and registration information and records;

Receives and accounts for starting cash and fees; processes credit card payments, audits cash drawers against daily transmittals; prepares and maintains files, records and transmittals of fee collections, deposits, check registers, correspondence and validates the physical inventory of accountable items; maintains office security; ;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: Washington State drivers’ licensing and motor vehicle laws and administrative codes, departmental programs, licensing program regulations and guidelines, policies and procedures; business technology; office practices.

Ability to: read, understand and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, procedures and regulations; instruct employees in driver examining and vehicle licensing methods; deal with public in efficient and courteous manner; follow written and oral directions; work independently when required; speak publicly and write clear and concise reports.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

The following is required for positions involved in the manufacture or production of REAL ID drivers’ licenses or identification cards or who have the ability to affect the identity information that appears on the driver’s license or identification card. Applicants must successfully pass a name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history records check and employment eligibility verification.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

One year as a Licensing Services Representative 1.

OR

An Associate of Arts degree or equivalent and two years of work experience issuing driver licenses or vehicle titles and registrations to the public and providing customer service in person or over the phone in a high production office environment with inquiries, problems, or complaints.

Additional experience issuing driver licenses or vehicle titles and registrations to the public will substitute, year for year, for education.

For positions performing driver licensing work: Applicants must have a valid Washington State driver license and five years of driving experience.

Equivalent education/experience.

New class: July 1, 1993 (Replaced Driver's License Examiner 1).
Revised new class code: (formerly 48402) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017.
Base range salary adjustment adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019; from range 41 to 43.
Base range salary adjustment, revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, legal requirements and desirable qualifications, adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, legal requirements, desirable qualifications; adopted June 23, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.