FORKS — The Clallam County Auditor’s Office is taking applications for a West End vehicle licensing sub-agent.

But the transition from public to private sector could close the service to West End residents during January.

“That’s quite possible,” Lila Duncan, Clallam County motor vehicle licensing manager, said Wednesday of the anticipated temporary closure after Dec. 31.

Duncan said the state Department of Licensing has granted permission to the auditor’s office as its agent to advertise in county newspapers for sub-agent applicants.

The sub-agent would operate his or her own business, issuing vehicle title transfers, license registrations and license plate tabs.

Should the sub-agent and auditor’s office agree, the sub-agent could also issue marriage licenses, register voters and collect property taxes.

Forks would not be the only city in the county with sub-agent service.

The Auditor’s Office contracts with a sub-agent working out of a commercial building on East Washington Street in Sequim.

“There are certain procedures we have to follow and those take time,” Duncan said. “We are hoping for a Feb. 1 opening of the sub-agent in Forks.”

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