Dealers · licensing · Washington
How to get a dealer license in Washington.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Washington, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Washington State Department of Licensing.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Washington State Department of Licensing · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $30,000 (motor vehicle dealers) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | Required — min. 8 hours approved education + test before applying (used-only dealers; 5 hrs/yr continuing ed at renewal) · source |
| Place of business | Permanent enclosed commercial building open to the public (DOL: 10am-4pm, 5 days/week); permanent exterior sign with business name and nature of business visible from major avenue of traffic; area for books/records; listed phone; zoning compliance (RCW 46.70.023). · source |
| License fee | See the official page |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Washington State Department of Licensing: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Complete the pre-licensing education: min. 8 hours approved education + test before applying (used-only dealers; 5 hrs/yr continuing ed at renewal).
- Set up your place of business: Permanent enclosed commercial building open to the public (DOL: 10am-4pm, 5 days/week); permanent exterior sign with business name and nature of business visible from major avenue of traffic; area for books/records; listed phone; zoning compliance (RCW 46.70.023).
- Buy a surety bond: $30,000 (motor vehicle dealers).
- Submit the application with the fees listed on the official page.
Built from the facts above. Insurance, background checks and zoning rules may also apply; the agency's page has the full list.
Planning to finance your own deals?
In-house financing can need its own license in some states. This summary has no note on one for Washington; ask the state's financial regulator before you write your first contract.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states