Motor vehicle wholesaler

Businesses must have a motor vehicle wholesaler license to sell the following items to licensed dealers at wholesale only:

• Used cars
• Used trucks
• 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 maintain a telecommunications system at all times. This system must be capable of answering and/or relaying incoming calls, such as an answering service, telephone answering machine, or voice or beeper pagers.
• You must have an office facility in a commercial building within the state and meet local zoning and land use laws.
• You must list all storage facilities for inventory with the Department of Licensing.
• You are not required to maintain normal business hours or maintain a telephone listing in the local phone book.

Licensing requirements

To get a license, you must have:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 l