Learn how to apply for a limousine business license and see if your vehicle meets the requirements.
You must follow all applicable laws and rules, even if they're not covered below.
Who needs a license?
You must be licensed to transport passengers on a pre-arranged contract basis to specific destinations in certain vehicle types.
Vehicle requirements
All limousines must be chauffeur-driven, unmetered, and unmarked luxury vehicles. You may certify these vehicles under a limousine license:
Stretch limousine
- Seats 4 to 14 passengers behind the driver
- Includes non-standard amenities, and
- Has a wheelbase of 285 inches or less
Stretch sports utility vehicle (SUV)
- Seats 4 to 14 passengers behind the driver
- Includes non-standard amenities or is altered beyond the original manufacturer's specifications, and
- Has a wheelbase of 325 inches or less
Executive 4-door sedan
- Seats 3 or fewer passengers behind the driver
- Has a wheelbase of 112 inches or more, or
- Meets the federal large car (www.ecfr.gov) definition and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price over $35,000
Executive SUV
- Seats 3 to 6 passengers behind the driver
- Has a wheelbase of 112 inches or more
Executive van or minivan
- Seats 5 to 14 passengers seated behind the driver
Classic car
- Is a fine or distinctive automobile, and
- Is at least 30 years old
How to apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a limousine business license.
Note: We issue this license, but the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS) processes it. BLS prints it on the business license they provide. They refer to licenses we issue as endorsements to the business license.
1. Follow the name requirements
If your documents don't meet these name requirements, it may take longer to process your application.
- Your business license application, vehicle registration certificates, and certificate of liability insurance must include the business name.
- If you include a "doing business as" (DBA) name on the business license application, you must also include it on the vehicle registration certificates and certificate of liability insurance.
- The business name (and DBA if applicable) must be the same or very similar on all documents.
2. Complete the required documents
You must submit these documents to get your license.
License application form
Complete a Business License Application from the Department of Revenue.
Add chauffeurs
Fill out a Limousine Carrier Chauffeur Addendum with information about your drivers.
Add vehicles
Include these certificates to add vehicles to your license:
- Vehicle registration certificate for each limousine with use class F/H
- Certificate of liability insurance showing:
- Policy number
- Name of the insured (business owner's name)
- Effective and expiration dates
- Insurance company name (must be approved to do business in Washington)
- $1,050,000 minimum combined single-limit coverage
- Year, make, and VIN of each car (VIN must match the vehicle registration)
- The certificate holder box must say:
State of Washington
Dept of Licensing
PO Box 9039
Olympia, WA 98507–9039
Inspection report for each vehicle
Get your limousine vehicle inspection from the Washington State Patrol or the City of Seattle. There's usually a waiting list, so we recommend you schedule your inspection as early as possible.
You can include reports up to 4 months old with your application.
3. Submit your application
You must pay these limousine license and vehicle fees when you apply online or by mail:
- Business Licensing Service fees
- Limousine carrier license fee
- Vehicle certificate fees
- Vehicle inspection fees (Note: You only need to pay this fee if the Washington State Patrol inspected your vehicle.)
Apply for your license online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Apply online at the Department of Revenue's website.
Apply for your license by mail
Mail your forms and a check or money order for the license fees (payable to the Department of Revenue) to:
State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
4. After you apply
You will receive your business license, vehicle certificate, and limousine decal from the Department of Revenue at your address on file.
Recordkeeping requirements
Limousine carriers must follow important recordkeeping requirements for their business, vehicles, and chauffeurs. For more information, read about recordkeeping and business practices.
Required chauffeur records
You must have proof—on file and available for inspection—that each chauffeur:
- Is at least 21 years old.
- Has a valid Washington driver license.
- 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 Driving (NSCDD) course.
- Has results from a background check performed by the Washington State Patrol.
- Has a medical certificate certifying their fitness to be a chauffeur. Chauffeurs must get a new exam and medical certificate every 2 years. See the documents below for details: