Get your license: Manufactured home and travel trailer dealers

Learn how to apply for your license to buy and sell manufactured homes and travel trailers.

You must follow all applicable laws and rules, even if they're not covered below.

Who needs a license?

You must be licensed to buy or sell these new or used items at wholesale or retail:

• Non–motorized mobile homes
• Manufactured homes
• Park trailers
• Travel trailers

If you don't have a dealer license, it's illegal to:

• Sell more than 4 mobile homes, manufactured homes, or trailers registered to you in any 12 months
• Buy and sell mobile homes, manufactured homes, or trailers to make a profit
• Sell mobile homes, manufactured homes, or trailers that aren't registered to you

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for your manufactured home and travel trailer dealer 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. Meet the business site requirements

Your business site must meet the following requirements.

Laws and rules

Follow all applicable building codes, zoning laws, and other land-use ordinances. For more information, contact your city or county.

Building specifications

Your business must be located on a commercial property with an enclosed building.

Place a permanent exterior sign on the land or building with the business name and the type of business (such as auto sales).

Phone system

Have an operating phone number listed in directory assistance. You may choose to use and list a mobile number.

Business hours

Be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 5 days a week. You may choose to be open for longer hours and/or on additional days.

Records

Have an area for books, records, and files. If you share a location with another vehicle dealer business, your records, office facilities, and inventory must be physically separated and clearly identified.

2. Complete the required documents

Application forms

Complete these documents to apply for your business license:

• Business License Application
• Vehicle Dealer/Manufacturer Addendum
• A separate Personal Criminal History Statement for each owner, officer, or member of the business
• A copy of your property tax statement or the rental/lease agreement for the business site as proof of ownership

$30,000 bond

Use the Vehicle, Vessel Dealer Business Bond or a form from the bonding company.

You can get a bond through an insurance company. On the bond form, the principal name must be exactly the same as both the business owner and business firm name. Both you and the bonding company's attorney-in-fact must sign the form.

Financial statement

Include a Financial/Source of Funds Statement for sole proprietors, partners, or business entities.

• If your business is a sole proprietor or partnership, each person must submit a separate form.
• If your business is a corporation, LLC, or LLP, submit 1 form that lists only the assets and liabilities of the business.

3. Review the checklist

Use our Dealer Checklist to make sure you're ready to apply.

4. Submit your application

You must pay the manufactured home and travel trailer dealer license and plate fees when you apply. Choose the method that works best for you.

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 and plate fees (payable to the Department of Revenue) to:

State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

After you get your license

You may not do business until you have your license. Once you receive it, you must:

• Post a license at each of your business locations
• Create an E-permits account to issue and manage temporary permits
• Sign up to search for vehicle registration information

Temporary sub-agency permits

If you need a short-term permit for a car show or other event, complete a Dealer Temporary Sub-Agency License Application form.

Mail your form with a check or money order for the temporary sub-agency fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:

Dealer/Manufacturer Services
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

Address changes

If you move or your address changes, please contact us to update your license.