How to get your license: Limousines

You must have a limousine license to transport passengers on a prearranged, contract basis to a specific destination or for a particular itinerary, in any of the following types of vehicles:

  • Stretch limousine: An automobile with a seating capacity of no more than 12 passengers in the rear seating area and a maximum wheelbase of 285 inches.
  • Executive sedan: A four-door sedan with a seating capacity of no more than 3 passengers behind the driver, and a minimum wheelbase of 114.5 inches.
  • Executive van: A van, minivan, or minibus having a seating capacity of 7–14 passengers behind the driver.
  • Classic car: A fine or distinctive automobile that is 30 years old or older.
  • Executive sport utility vehicle: An automobile with a seating capacity of 3–6 passengers behind the driver and a minimum wheelbase of 116 inches.
  • Stretch sport utility vehicle: An automobile with a seating capacity of not more than 14 passengers behind the driver, or a total of 15 occupants including the driver, and a maximum wheelbase of 325 inches that has been factory altered beyond the original manufacturer’s specifications.

Requirements

Limousine carriers

When applying for a Limousine Carrier License, make sure that:

  • the same owner name and firm/trade name are on the Master Business Application, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and Insurance Certificate.
  • the Vehicle Registration Certificate for all vehicles to be used for your business show a Use Class of “F/H.”
  • the Certificate of Insurance:
    • includes your policy number.
    • has policy effective and expiration dates that show current coverage.
    • displays the name of the insurance company.
    • shows minimum combined single limit coverage of $1,050,000 or split limit coverage of $100,000/$1,000,000/$50,000.
    • shows the year, make and complete VIN number of each car, which must match vehicle registration certificates.
    • lists the certificate holder as Master License Service, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9034, Olympia, WA 98507

Chauffeurs

A limousine carrier must keep the following information on file and make it available for inspection:

  • Proof that the chauffeur:
    • is at least 21 years of age.
    • holds a valid Washington Driver License.
    • completed an approved chauffeur training course.
    • passed a written examination for the training course.
  • The results of a background check of the chauffeur performed by the Washington State Patrol.
  • A medical certificate certifying the individual’s fitness to be a chauffeur. A new exam and medical certificate is required every 3 years.

How to apply for a license

  1. Complete the following forms:
  2. Gather the following supporting documents:
    • Copy of the vehicle registration for each vehicle.
    • Certificate of Insurance.
  3. Submit your completed forms, supporting documents, and the appropriate fee to:
    Master License Service
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Vehicle certificates and decals

Special Needs Vehicle Certificate

You must have a Special Needs Vehicle Certificate to authorize the use of rented or leased vehicles not owned by the limousine carrier business. A separate certificate is required for each rented or leased vehicle operated as a limousine.

Change a vehicle certificate

To make any changes to a vehicle certificate, submit the requested change in writing, along with a $20 fee per vehicle, to:

  • Master License Service
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Replace a lost or destroyed vehicle certificate

  • To replace a lost or destroyed regular vehicle certificate, contact Master License Service at (360) 664-1414.
  • If you lose or destroy a special needs certificate, you must reapply for a new one.

Advertising rules

Your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number must be included on any advertisement for your business.