Vessel dealer
You must have a separate Vessel Dealer license for each business location UNLESS you sell human-powered watercraft that is:
- under 16 feet in length.
- unable to be powered by a motor or the wind.
- AND
- not designed for use on commonly-used navigable waters.
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 in an office in an enclosed building where you can conduct business and maintain records.
- be identified by an exterior sign with the business name and the type of business, such as marine sales.
- have an operating telecommunications system and a phone number listed in directory assistance.
- have an area to maintain books, records, and files. You must make these records available to us for inspection during normal business hours.
Licensing requirements
To get a license, you must have:
- a $5,000 surety bond for each business location. NOTE: If you sell 15 or fewer vessels per year with a retail value of no more than $2,000, you do not need a surety bond.
- the following completed forms:
- Master Business Application
Vessel Dealer Bond- Vehicle Dealer/Manufacturer Addendum
- Weighing and Measuring Devices Addendum
- A separate Personal Criminal History Statement for each owner, partner, corporate officer, and member of the business.
- If you are requesting exemption from the bonding requirement, Vessel Bond Exemption Certification.
- If the business is a Profit Corporation, Corporate Information.
- If the business is a Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Company Information
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.