Washington Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

Motor vehicle dealers are required to post a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond as part of the process to license the dealership. The amount of the bond depends on what type of vehicles are to be sold, the amount of vehicles you plan to sell, and other factors. Read our Car Dealer License Guide to learn more about how to get your dealership licensed and bonded.

Surety Bond

• Required by: Washington State Department of Licensing
• Minimum Bond Amount: $1,000
• Maximum Bond Amount: $40,000
• Valid: Continuous – Renewable

The price for the bond, also known as the bond premium, is only a small fraction of the bond amount.

The specific bond amount is determined by what type of vehicle is sold:

• Vehicle wrecker- $1,000
• 15 vessels per year valued greater than $2,000- $5,000
• Tow truck operator- $5,000
• Manufactured travel trailers only- $20,000
• Manufactured mobile homes-$40,000

The applicant should verify the bond amount with the obligee before applying for the bond to ensure the bond amount is correct.

This bond guarantees the principal will abide by all Washington state rules and regulations.

Since this bond is continuous. it is in full force and effect until cancelled. If the bond is to be cancelled, cancellation will come into effect 30 days after the Department receives the notice of cancellation.

Licensing

Surety1 is not directly involved with the licensing process, but we’ve compiled this information which may helpful for you.

State licensing fees and requirements:

• Surety bond
• License application
• Supporting application documents
• $975 license fee
• $38.75 dealer plate fee

All licensing fees are required by the obligee, not the surety company.

For more licensing information, visit Washington’s official site.