Committee hears bill to move Washington toward electronic vehicle titles while preserving same‑day paper option

The House Transportation Committee on Jan. 27 heard House Bill 1283, which would change how Washington issues certificates of title for vehicles and vessels by making electronic records the default and allowing applicants to request printed “paper titles” at the time of application for a $50 fee.

The bill matters because it would shift most vehicle ownership records into an electronic system while preserving an option for immediate paper documentation at sub‑agent and county auditor offices. Proponents said the change would cut mail delays and reduce opportunities for theft of mailed titles; opponents — including county auditors and the Department of Licensing (DOL) — urged delay until a state feasibility study is complete and warned of substantial implementation costs.

Michael Hirsch, staff to the committee, summarized the bill’s main effect: that “a certificate of title for a vehicle or vessel may only be issued as an electronic record of ownership unless the applicant applies for a paper title under the paper title process and pays the $50 paper title fee.” He said paper titles would generally be printed at the time of application except where DOL restricts or requires…