Volunteer Firefighter License Plate FAQ’s
Disclaimer: We have posted this FAQ with answers that are applicable at the time of posting. Answers may differ from those applicable after January 1, 2012
Q: Will I be able to comment on the plate design?
A: No, the plate design is under review by the Department of Licensing (DOL)
Q: Who qualifies for the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: Applicants for initial Volunteer Firefighter License Plates must currently be a volunteer firefighter (see firefighter definition for more info) for one or more years, or must have been a volunteer firefighter for at least ten years or and have documentation of service from the district or the appropriate fire service entity/jurisdiction.
Q: What is the definition of volunteer firefighter?
A: Volunteer firefighter includes any firefighter, or emergency worker or who is a member of any fire department of any municipality who responds to emergencies, has assigned tasks in the mitigation of emergency incidents, has tasks at emergency incidents contained within the incident command system, and participates in ongoing emergency services training. This also includes retired volunteers who have at least ten years of honorable service. This may qualify EMS only responders, chaplains, photographer, fire scene investigators to name a few.
Q: What’s the definition of Emergency worker?
A: Any emergency medical service personnel regulated by chapters 18.71 and 18.73 RCW, who is a member of any emergency medical service district.
Q: What is the definition of a fire district?
A: Fire district - means any regularly organized fire district/department or emergency medical service district consisting wholly of volunteer firefighters, or any part-paid and part-volunteer fire department duly organized and maintained by any municipality.
Q: What is the definition of Municipal Corporation or "municipality”?
A: Municipal Corporation or Municipality includes any county, city, town or combination thereof, fire protection district, any emergency medical service district or other special district, or authority having jurisdiction, or any regional fire protection service authority formed under chapter 52.26 RCW, authorized by law to protect life or property within its boundaries through a fire department.
Q: What is the definition of Authority Having Jurisdiction?
A: Authority Having Jurisdiction means an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
Q: When can I purchase a Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: In accordance with the legislation, the plate will be available after January 1, 2012.
Q: Where do I get my volunteer firefighter license plate?
A 1: The WSFFA website will provide you the fire service documentation form to submit with your DOL application form.
A 2: The DOL website for the application form.
A 3: Any vehicle licensing office. The plate will be mailed to you.
Q: I am a fire commissioner; do I qualify for the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: No, according the legislation the qualified registered motor vehicle owner must be volunteer firefighter, or meet the definition of volunteer firefighter.
Q: I am a career firefighter but not a member of the WSCFF: can I get the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: No, the legislation states you must be a volunteer firefighter, or meet the definition of volunteer firefighter.
Q: I am a part time firefighter but not a member of the WSCFF: can I get the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: No, the legislation states you must be a volunteer firefighter, or meet the definition of volunteer firefighter.
Q: How much will the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate cost?
A: The cost of the plate has been set at $40 initially ($12 to DOL), and then $30 ($2 to DOL) over the renewal cost of applicable motor vehicle fees and assessments.
Q: So what would I be expected to pay for the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate in January 2013, what is the cost break down is?
A: $47.75 and other fees if applicable
Q: What does my $40/$30 go for?
A 1: Repay the Department of Licensing the $30,299 cost of creating and producing the Volunteer Firefighter License Plate.
A 2: Revenue ($28 per plate) shall be directed to the WSFFA who shall disseminate funds for purposes on behalf of volunteer firefighters, their families, and others deemed in need.
Q: How will I see the funds disseminated?
A: Through the WSFFA Benevolent Fund
Q: What is the WSFFA Benevolent Fund?
A: The WSFFA benevolent fund program consists of the following:
1. Line of Duty Death benefit
2. Catastrophic member benefit
3. National Fire Academy scholarships
4. Annual WSFFA fire school scholarships
5. External (to the Fire District) training and scholarships
6. Annual State Firefighters Memorial Event fund
The fund is looking to expand to include the following new elements in 2013;
Tier Two Line of Duty Death Benefit NEW
State Firefighter Memorial fund NEW
Health & Safety program NEW
Charitable Donations NEW
Plate Marketing NEW
Q: What must I do to get volunteer firefighter license plates for my vehicle?
A: You will need to present an approved WSFFA documentation form with the DOL Special License Plate Application form and applicable payment to a vehicle vessel licensing agent.
Q: What’s an approved WSFFA documentation form?
A 1: You will be able to get a length of service documentation form online to complete. Your Fire Chief will be the approving fire district/department authority.
A 2: The Board of Volunteer Fire Fighters & Reserve Officers shall be recognized as an official provider of service documentation of volunteer’s service time.
Q: Can I get a plate for both of my registered vehicles?
A: Yes. A qualifying volunteer may have no more than one set of license plates per vehicle, and a maximum of two sets per applicant, for their personal vehicles.
Q: Are Volunteer Firefighter License Plates available for motorcycles?
A: Yes, with the WSFFA service documentation form and DOL Special License Plate Application Form.
Q: Will I be able to personalize my Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A1: NO. You cannot personalize the volunteer firefighter license plate series.
A2: Yes. You may be able to personalize a vanity or personalize plate that has the volunteer firefighter plate background. You will need to fill out additional Department of Licensing forms. Personalized plate fees would apply.
Q: Can I reserve a specific volunteer firefighter plate series number?
A1: No, the Department of Licensing issuance process does not have that capability.
A2. One can apply for a vanity or personalize plate with specific numbers/letters.
Q: If I leave the volunteer fire service can I keep the license plates?
A: If the volunteer leaves the fire service before ten years of service have been completed, the volunteer shall surrender the license plates to the Department of Licensing on the registration renewal date.
Q: What if I leave the volunteer fire service after serving more than ten years?
A: If the volunteer stays in service for at least ten years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals.
Q: Can a retired volunteer get a Volunteer Firefighter License Plate?
A: If the volunteer stays in service for at least ten years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals.
Q: I’ve been retired for some time now; can I still get a plate?
A 1: Yes, providing you secure the necessary service documentation of 10 years of honorable volunteer service.
A 2: If the volunteer stays in service for at least ten years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals.
And what about volunteer firefighter plate numbers 1 through 19?
We’ve fielded a few questions as to where VF00001 through VF00019 went to? The Department of Licensing allowed the WSFFA to assign/reserve for applicants to the first 25 plates. Well, we did just that as it was appropriate to also offer some of those special plates for the rank and file volunteers.
And that’s how the auction came to be. We commenced the auction on Saturday October 8th. VF00021 was quickly snatched up with a Buy-Now offer of $200 within the first 24 hours. The remaining series have seen a remarkable amount of interest with bids far exceeding expectations. Auction ends October 31, 2011.
Disclaimer: We have posted FAQ with answers that are applicable at the time of posting. Answers may differ from those applicable after January 1, 2012
(We are certain that many more questions remain. Continue to check back for new additions)
Version 10/12/2011