Editor’s note: This story was updated on June 26 to include additional information detailed in a King County press release on that date.

Vashon Vehicle Licensing — a storefront business islanders have relied on for decades in terms of obtaining registrations for vehicles and boats, license plates and titles, as well as stopped by to apply for fishing and game licensees, has closed.

The business’s franchise owner for the past 40 years, Dick Franklin, said in a phone call last week that the business is now closed permanently, because his business partner and office manager, Cathy Garcia, would no longer be able to work at the office, due to a serious accident.

Franklin said that at age 96, he was unable to take over Garcia’s duties. Finding another employee to fill her shoes, he said, would also be very difficult due to requirements by the county and state that employees be qualified and certified by the Department of Licensing — a complex and time-consuming process.

Franklin urged islanders to apply for fishing and game licenses at Island Lumber, but said they would now need to travel to the mainland for vehicle licensing and title needs.

Car tabs already ordered from the office can now be picked up at Herban Bloom, a floral shop located in the same building as the licensing office, he said. The building is located on the southeast corner of Vashon Highway and Bank Road.

“I’m very sorry this has happened,” Franklin said, adding that he had hoped to pass along his business to Garcia, who he had worked with for 12 years. He praised her steadfast work, deep knowledge of the business, and excellent customer service skills.

He said that he hoped that the office could eventually be reopened under a new franchisee, but that would be a process administered by the King County Auditor’s Office and the Washington Department of Licensing.

A June 26 press release from King County stated that if customers had paperwork that was held at the Vashon office, they should contact King County Vehicle and Vessel Licensing at 206-477-4000 or licensing@kingcounty.gov for assistance.

King County is preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a new subagent for the Vashon area. If the county is able to find a qualified applicant, a new office could open in a location yet to be determined.

Customers can renew license tabs online. Simply go to dol.wa.gov to renew tabs online, then select a local subagent office to mail out your renewals. Customers can also mail transactions for processing by a subagent. A complete list of subagents is available online.

Islanders can also travel to licensing offices in Seattle, Tacoma, or the Kitsap Peninsula to receive in-person service for vehicle and boat licensing needs.

These offices include Peninsula Licensing Agency, in Gig Harbor (call 253-858-3773), West Seattle Auto Licensing, in Westwood Village (visit westseattleautolicensing.net), and Tacoma License and Title (visit tacomalicense.com).

For more information on licensing, visit dol.wa.gov.