So, You Wanna Be a Big Shot Wheelin' and Dealin' in Washington? Grab Your Keys, We're Getting You Licensed!
Ever since you were knee-high to a grasshopper (or should we say, hubcap?), you've dreamt of the glamorous life of a car dealer. Shiny vehicles, the thrill of the sale, that sweet "new car" smell...well, maybe not that last one. But hey, the dream is alive! But before you can become the next Willy Wonka of the used auto world, there's a little hurdle called a dealer license. Don't worry, buckle up because we're about to navigate the road to getting you licensed in Washington state.
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| How To Get Auto Dealer License In Washington State |
First Things First: You Got the Need...For Paperwork (and a Few Other Things)
- Be a Washingtonian at Heart (and by Law): This ain't the time to be a fly-by-night car salesman. You gotta be a resident of Washington, no exceptions.
- Age is Just a Number (Except When It's Not): You gotta be at least 18 to play this game.
- Clean Background? Check! No felony convictions on your record in the past 5 years. Gotta show you're responsible, unlike that time you accidentally joyrode your neighbor's tricycle (we all have those moments, right?).
Side Note: This is just the tip of the iceberg. There's more paperwork involved than a teenager's permission slip stack, so be prepared to gather things like financial statements and proof of your business location.
School's Cool (Especially This Kind of School)
- Newbie Used Car Dealer? Buckle up for "New Dealer Education." It's an 8-hour crash course (pun intended?) taught by the Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association. Don't worry, it's not all memorizing engine parts (although that might come in handy).
Pass Go and Collect Your Knowledge
This class will teach you the in's and out's of being a responsible dealer, protecting consumers, and keeping the Department of Licensing happy (which is important, trust us).
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Don't Be a Bond Villain, Be a Bonded Dealer!
- Get That Bond, James Bond: You'll need a surety bond, typically around $30,000. Think of it as a safety net – if you mess up and leave someone high and dry (car-wise, that is), the bond protects them.
Be Your Own Bond Villain (Kind Of)
This might involve shopping around for a surety company to get the best deal. Just don't expect a shaken-not-stirred martini while you negotiate.
Putting it All Together: The Application Symphony
- Gather Your Paperwork Posse: Remember all that paperwork we mentioned? Time to wrangle it into a neat little pile. This includes things like your bond paperwork, business license, and proof of a spiffy commercial location.
- Fill Out the Application: The Department of Licensing has a form, and you my friend, are going to fill it out beautifully. Be honest, be thorough, and double-check everything. You wouldn't want a typo to stall your dream dealership, would you?
- Pay the Piper: There are fees involved, because...well, government. But hey, think of it as an investment in your future as a wheelin' and dealin' extraordinaire!
Don't Forget to Hit Submit!
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
You can submit your application online or by mail. Online is usually faster, but hey, if you're feeling nostalgic for snail mail, that's your prerogative (just don't blame us if it takes a while).
FAQ: You Ask, We Answer (Briefly, Because We Know You're Anxious to Get Selling!)
How long does it take to get a dealer license?
The wait time can vary, but generally, it takes a few weeks for the Department of Licensing to process your application.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
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How much does it cost to get a dealer license?
There are various fees involved, but ballpark it around $1,000 including the bond, application fee, and dealer plates.
Do I need a special location to sell cars?
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Yup! Your dealership needs to be a commercial property with an enclosed building, signage, and a working phone number.
Can I sell cars out of my garage?
Unfortunately, no. Residential areas are a no-go for dealerships.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Absolutely! We recommend checking out the Washington State Department of Licensing website [WA Department of Licensing
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