Whitewater river outfitter

A Whitewater River Outfitter License is required for businesses carrying, or advertising to carry, for-hire passengers on whitewater sections of Washington rivers.

Post your license

A license must be posted at each location where the licensee operates. You may not begin this business activity until you receive a Registrations and Licenses document listing the required license.

Requirements

To get a license you must:

  1. Provide proof of liability insurance of your whitewater river outfitter business, which must include:
    • a policy number.
    • coverage for all river guides and employees used by your business.
    • policy effective and expiration dates that show current coverage.
    • the name of the insurance company.
    • minimum coverage of $300,000 per claim per occurrence.
    • the certificate holder as Master License Service, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9034, Olympia, WA 98507.
  2. Ensure that each vessel on a whitewater river trip is operated by a guide who meets the requirements set in RCW 79A.60.430(2), which requires guides to:
    • be at least 18 years of age.
    • have successfully completed a lifesaving training course that meets the standards set by the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
    • have completed a guide training program on whitewater rivers conducted by a qualified guide instructor.
    • have completed at least one trip on the entire section of a whitewater river before carrying passengers for hire in a vessel on that section of river.

Forms you’ll need

Fees

Specialty license Fee
Whitewater River Outfitter License—per location $25
Other fees that may apply Fee
State tax registration No fee
Registering your business name as trade name $5
Master Business Application fee $15

Additional requirements

  • The training program for whitewater river guides must be conducted by a qualified guide instructor. The qualifications for an instructor are listed in RCW 79A.60.430(3). This person must have traveled at least 1,500 river miles, 750 of which must have been while acting as a guide.
  • RCW 79A.60.430(4) requires a person conducting guide training on whitewater rivers to issue proof of completion to any guide completing the training program if it is requested by the guide trainee.
  • You may also need to comply with federal Uninspected Passenger Vessel Licensing. For more information, contact the Coast Guard at (206) 220-7210.
  • Commercial outfitters must have a federal permit for trips in federally regulated areas. You must have a state Whitewater River Outfitter License to receive a federal permit. For more information, contact the US Forest Service at (360) 956-2400.

Contact information

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

Phone: (360) 664-1400
Email: MLS@dol.wa.gov
Fax: (360) 570-7875

Office hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing information

Please remember to enclose all necessary documents and fees with your completed application. Incomplete submissions will result in a delay in your licensure.

It is important that you contact our office, in writing, with any changes in address.

Laws and rules