State & Federal Rules Changes

Operational Update: New Odometer Disclosure Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a new rule extending the odometer disclosure period from 10 years to 20 years. This change is effective on all vehicles with a model year of 2011 and newer. This rule is effective January 1, 2021.

New Odometer Disclosure Rule Implementation

Department of Licensing will not be able to meet the January 1, 2021 deadline. Instead, DOL will implement this change as part of a substantial DRIVES update scheduled for release in July, 2021. Until then, the odometer disclosure period remains 10 years. We will update the DOL website to reflect the new odometer disclosure requirements after the scheduled DRIVES release.

VIN Inspection Appointments

Consumer Alert: Changes to Odometer Disclosure Requirements

https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/schedule-a-vin/

Odometer Disclosure Statements for Dealerships

Also beginning January 1, 2021, motor vehicle dealers will have the option of using electronic signaturecapturing technology to collect customer signatures on odometer disclosure statements.

WSIADA NOTE: This is a Federal Requirement and should be followed while the State of Washington plans are completed.

Real ID Update

The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday, that they will delay enforcing the REAL ID Act until October 1, 2021. This decision is expected to promote social distancing in the months ahead by reducing the number of people visiting driver licensing offices to obtain compliant identification. Passed by Congress in 2005 in an effort to strengthen security standards after 9/11, the REAL ID Act had been scheduled to take effect October 1, 2020. When enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a compliant form of ID in order to fly within the United States or access certain federal buildings, including military bases. There are many options. Washington state issues 2 types of REAL ID-compliant documents: enhanced driver licenses and enhanced ID cards. These can be obtained only by visiting a driver licensing service office. With the enforcement date pushed back, residents seeking an ID upgrade can rest a little easier and avoid DOL offices for a while. Residents with standard driver licenses and IDs who will eventually want an enhanced version can renew online now and upgrade later for only the difference in cost ($4 per year). About one-third of Americans have a REAL ID-compliant document, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding consumers that, starting January 1, 2021, odometer disclosures will be required for every transfer of ownership for the first 20 years, beginning with Model Year 2011 vehicles. Model Year 2010 and older vehicles will continue to be subject to the previous 10-year disclosure requirements and thus are exempt from extended Federal odometer disclosure requirements. The U.S. fleet of vehicles is, on average, older than ever, and NHTSA finalized this rule late last year to address an increase in odometer fraud involving older vehicles. Model Year 2011 or newer vehicles will only be exempt from the odometer rules after 20 years. To comply with Federal law, anyone transferring ownership of a Model Year 2011 or newer vehicle will be required to provide an odometer disclosure to the new owner. Model Year 2010 and older vehicles will continue to be exempt from federal odometer disclosure requirements. Sellers of Model Year 2011 vehicles must continue to disclose odometer readings until 2031.