If you sell more than 15 vehicles in one year in the state of Washington, or if any of the vehicles you sell are worth more than $2,000, then you are required to be licensed as an auto dealer by the Washington Department of Licensing. To be licensed, dealers are required to obtain a $30,000 bond. We’re very familiar with the process and have helped hundreds of dealers in Washington get bonded. Get started with our three minute form process to obtain an instant quote.
Please note this page is for car dealer licensing. If you're trying to register a vehicle with a missing title, a separate Lost Title Bond is required.
Bond Amount: $30,000
Required By: Washington State Department of Licensing
For used and new car dealers, the Motor Vehicle Dealer bond listed above is sufficient.
There are a few other bonds for specialized vehicle dealers and manufacturers. They are listed below:
Insurance companies will conduct a "soft credit check" to evaluate eligibility and pricing for Washington auto dealer bonds. This type of credit check won't negatively impact the applicant's credit score and is solely used to determine bond pricing and eligibility.
If your credit score is below 650, it may be classified as "poor" credit. Fortunately, we have partnerships with insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage to this market segment. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have less than ideal credit. We'll help you obtain a Washington auto dealer bond by searching on your behalf. Our team has helped numerous individuals with imperfect credit secure the bonds they need.
Yes. This is officially known as a “Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond” in the state of Washington, but amongst auto dealers this is also known as an “auto dealer bond”. Both are used interchangeably.
In most cases, we can get you bonded on the same day. Once we receive a quote from our insurance partners, your price is locked in and the process is instantaneous. We work tirelessly, including weekends, to expedite your bonding process. Our phone lines are open every day from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm CST, and if we miss your call, we'll try our best to return it within 30 minutes.
Adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Washington Department of Licensing dealer code is essential to avoid potential claims against your bond. This includes paying the appropriate fees and taxes related to vehicle sales and providing valid titles to your customers. By submitting your bond, you confirm that you'll fulfill all legal requirements associated with operating an auto dealer business, such as providing genuine vehicles and complying with all legal obligations.
