How to get your license: Limousines

The applicant/licensee must comply with all applicable laws and rules, even if not covered below.

Who needs a license?

Anyone who transports passengers on a prearranged contract basis to a specific destination in these vehicle types:

Vehicle types and requirements
Type	Passenger seating behind driver	Requirements
Stretch limousine	4 - 14	Includes non-standard amenities, and Wheelbase is 285 inches or less
Stretch sports utility vehicle (SUV)	4 - 14	Includes non-standard amenities or is altered beyond original manufacturer's specifications, and Wheelbase is 325 inches or less
Executive 4-door sedan	3 or less	Wheelbase is 112 inches or more or Meets the federal large car (www.ecfr.gov) definition and has manufacturer’s suggested retail price greater than $35,000
Executive SUV	3 - 6	Wheelbase is 112 inches or more
Executive van or minivan	5 - 14	N/A
Classic car	N/A	Must be a fine or distinctive automobile, and at least 30 years old

Note: All limousines must be chauffeur-driven, unmetered, and unmarked luxury vehicles.

Requirements

If the following name requirements are not met, it will cause a delay in processing your application:

The business application, the vehicle registration certificates, and the certificate of liability insurance document must include the entity name.
A DBA is not required, but if it is included on the business application, then it must also be included on the vehicle registration certificates and the certificate of liability insurance document.
The entity name (and DBA, if applicable) must be the same or very similar on all documents.

How to apply

We issue this license, but it's processed by the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS). BLS prints it on the business license they provide. They refer to licenses issued by us as endorsements to the business license.

Apply online with the Department of Revenue

What you'll need

Supporting documents shown below, ready for upload
Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit/debit card (transaction fee charged) or bank account information for E-check to pay:
- Applicable BLS fees
- Limousine license, vehicle certificate, and inspection fees
  - Inspection fee due only if vehicles were inspected by Washington State Patrol

Want to apply by mail?

Complete or obtain the following:
- Business License Application
- Supporting documents shown below
Mail the completed forms and supporting documents with a check/money order payable to the Department of Revenue for the BLS fees, the limousine license, vehicle certificate, and inspection fees (inspection fee is due only if vehicles were inspected by Washington State Patrol) to:
State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Supporting documents for your application

Limousine Carrier Chauffeur Addendum
Vehicle inspection report for each limousine. Schedule inspections as soon as possible at:
- WA State Patrol inspection location or City of Seattle (www.seattle.gov)
- We accept reports up to 4 months old
Vehicle registration certificates - Copy for each limousine with Use Class of "F/H." See a sample registration
Certificate of liability insurance showing:
- Policy number
- Name of the insured (business owner name)
- Effective and expiration dates
- Insurance company name - Company must be approved to do business in WA
- $1,050,000 minimum combined single limit coverage
- Year, make and VIN of each car. VIN must match vehicle registration
- The certificate holder box must say:
  State of Washington
  Dept. of Licensing
  PO Box 9039
  Olympia, WA 98507-9039

After you apply

After all correct documents have been received, we will send your license and vehicle certificates to the address on file within 14 business days.

Recordkeeping

Limousine carriers have important recordkeeping requirements for their business, vehicles, and chauffeurs. For more information, see Recordkeeping and business practices.

A limousine carrier must keep on file and make available for inspection proof that each chauffeur:

Is at least 21 years of age,
Holds a valid Washington State Driver License,
Has passed an initial test and is participating in a random drug testing program,
Has a satisfactory driving record,
Completed and passed the 4 (or more) hour National Safety Council Defensive (NSCDD) course,
Has results of a background check of the chauffeur performed by the Washington State Patrol,
Has a medical certificate certifying the individual's fitness to be a chauffeur. A new exam and medical certificate is required every 2 years.
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
- Medical Examination Report

UPDATE