Panel hears bill to allow optional, verified blood type on Washington driver ID

Senators and witnesses told the House Transportation Committee on March 19 that Senate Bill 5,689 would let Washington residents opt to include a verified blood type on driver licenses or identicards, an addition proponents said could speed care in emergencies and help raise public awareness about blood donation.

The bill would allow an applicant to include their blood type on a state-issued driver license or identicard if they provide documentation from a licensed physician, medical facility or blood donation organization. The Department of Licensing would have rulemaking authority to set documentation and process requirements and could impose a one-time administrative fee not to exceed $2 for initial processing. The bill is written to take effect Jan. 1, 2026; staff identified a one-time information-technology cost of $72,000 in fiscal year 2026 to modify driver-licensing systems to…