How to get your license: Limousines

Who needs a license

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

  • Stretch limousine: An automobile with a seating capacity of 4–14 passengers in the rear seating area, and a maximum wheelbase of 285 inches.
  • Executive sedan: A 4-door sedan with a seating capacity behind the driver of no more than 3 passengers, and a minimum wheelbase of 114.5 inches.
  • Executive van: A van or minivan with a seating capacity behind the driver of 7–14 passengers.
  • Classic car: A fine or distinctive automobile that is 30 years old or older.
  • Executive sport utility vehicle: A sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a seating capacity behind the driver of 3–6 passengers, and a minimum wheelbase of 116 inches.
  • Stretch sport utility vehicle: An SUV with a seating capacity behind the driver of 4–14 passengers and a maximum wheelbase of 325 inches, that has been factory altered beyond the original manufacturer’s specifications.

Requirements for limousine carriers

When applying for a license, make sure that:

  • The same owner name and firm/trade name are on the Business License Application, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and Insurance Certificate.
  • All Vehicle Registration Certificates show a Use Class of “F/H.”
  • The Certificate of Insurance:
    • Includes your policy number.
    • Has policy effective and expiration dates.
    • Displays the name of the insurance company.
    • Shows minimum combined single limit coverage of $1,050,000.
    • Shows the year, make, and complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each car. These must match the vehicle registration certificates.
    • Lists the certificate holder as State of Washington, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9027, Olympia, WA 98507-9027.

Chauffeur certification requirements

On or before August 1, 2012, you must notify the Department of Licensing that all your chauffeurs are qualified. To notify us:

  1. Complete a Limousine Carrier Chauffeur Addendum (Department of Revenue).
  2. Include a copy of the front and back of each chauffeur’s driver license.
  3. Mail the completed form and copies of driver licenses to:
    Business Licensing Service
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034

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.
    • Vehicle inspection report (Washington State Patrol or City of Seattle).
  3. Submit your completed forms, supporting documents, and the fee (check or money order payable to the Department of Revenue) to:
    State of Washington
    Business Licensing Service
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Access Washington