How to Get a Dealer License in Washington (2026)
In Washington, dealers are licensed by Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The bond is $30,000 (Vehicle dealer business bond). State law sets a sales count that makes you a dealer; the exact wording is below. Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Washington dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) |
|---|---|
| License name | Motor Vehicle Dealer · Wholesale Vehicle Dealersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “buying and selling five or more vehicles in a twelve-month period”source |
| Surety bond | $30,000 (Vehicle dealer business bond)source |
| Application / license fees | Motor vehicle dealer original license fee: $975; Motor vehicle dealer renewal fee: $325source |
| Pre-licensing education | Dealers who sell only used vehicles must submit a Certificate of Dealer Education (from an approved independent-dealer education provider) as proof of completed required training.source |
| Place of business | Business site must be commercial property with an enclosed building, comply with zoning/land-use codes, have a permanently affixed exterior sign with business name and type of business, a listed phone number, records/files on site, and be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 days per week (normal business hours).source |
| Wholesale-only license | Washington statute separately defines a wholesale vehicle dealer as one that buys from or sells only to other Washington-licensed vehicle dealers.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Washington
- Pick the license. Washington issues: Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesale Vehicle Dealer. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Business site must be commercial property with an enclosed building, comply with zoning/land-use codes, have a permanently affixed exterior sign with business name and type of business, a listed phone number, records/files on site, and be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 days per week (normal business hours).
- Finish the required course. Dealers who sell only used vehicles must submit a Certificate of Dealer Education (from an approved independent-dealer education provider) as proof of completed required training.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $30,000 (Vehicle dealer business bond).
- Apply to Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Published fees: Motor vehicle dealer original license fee: $975; Motor vehicle dealer renewal fee: $325.
Flipping without a license in Washington
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “buying and selling five or more vehicles in a twelve-month period”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Washington data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Washington?
Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Washington. License types include: Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesale Vehicle Dealer.
How many cars can I sell in Washington without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "buying and selling five or more vehicles in a twelve-month period" Confirm how it applies to you with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
How much is the dealer bond in Washington?
The Washington dealer surety bond is $30,000 (Vehicle dealer business bond). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Washington?
Published state fees: Motor vehicle dealer original license fee: $975; Motor vehicle dealer renewal fee: $325. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a Washington dealer license?
Dealers who sell only used vehicles must submit a Certificate of Dealer Education (from an approved independent-dealer education provider) as proof of completed required training.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Washington?
Washington statute separately defines a wholesale vehicle dealer as one that buys from or sells only to other Washington-licensed vehicle dealers.
Price Washington cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Washington listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.