Motor vehicle dealer

Businesses or auctioneers must have a motor vehicle dealer license to buy or sell the following items at wholesale or retail:

• New or used cars.
• New or used trucks.
• New or used motor homes.

In one 12-month period, you may sell up to 4 vehicles that are registered to you without getting a license. However, the fifth sale—or the sale of any vehicle not owned, registered, or titled to you—is considered dealer activity and requires a license.

Business site requirements

Your business site must:

• comply with all applicable building codes, zoning, and other land-use ordinances. For more information, please contact your city or county directly.
• be located at a commercial property with an enclosed building.
• have a permanent sign with the business name and the type of business (such as Auto Sales).
• have an operating telecommunications system and a phone number listed in directory assistance.
• be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., five days per week. These hours are referred to as “normal business hours.” Additional hours and days of operation may be added at your discretion. You must prominently post the hours of operation at the main entrance doors.
• have an area to maintain books, records, and files at the business site. If 2 or more vehicle dealer businesses share a location, all records, office facilities, and inventory must be physically separated and clearly identified.

Licensing requirements

To get a license, you must have:

1. a $30,000 bond. Bonds are available through many insurance companies. We recommend you research the cost of your bond before you apply for a license.
2. a Certificate of Dealer Education, as proof you have completed at least 8 hours of approved training. For more information about how to obtain this certificate, call our Dealers Division at (360) 664-6466.
3. a copy of your property tax statement, or the rental/lease agreement for the business site, as proof of ownership. The rental/lease agreement must be valid for at least 1 year.
4. the following completed forms:
   • Master Business Application
   • Bond
   • Vehicle Dealer Manufacturer Addendum
   • A separate Financial/Source of Funds Statement for each owner, partner, corporate officer and member of the business.
     • If the business is a sole proprietor or partnership, each owner or partner must submit a separate form listing all of their personal assets and liabilities.
     • If the business is a corporation, LLC, or LLP, submit one form that includes only the assets and liabilities of the business.
   • A separate Personal Criminal History Statement for each owner, partner, corporate officer and member of the business.
   • Fingerprint Card
     Available by U.S. Mail only. To request fingerprint cards, call Master License Service at (360) 664-1400.
   • If the business is a Profit Corporation, Corporate Information form
   • If the business is a Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Company Information form.

How to apply

Mail all of the application materials listed above with the appropriate fee to:

• Master License Service
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9048
  Olympia, WA 98507-9048

Note: Please let us know, in writing, if you have a change of address so we can reach you with information about your license.