Washington — Vessel Dealer Bond — Boat
Washington's vessel-dealer license bond is $5,000 to the State. Check the small-dealer exemption before purchasing, then match the dealership's legal and DBA names.
Also known as Washington Vessel Dealer Bond; Washington Vessel Dealer Bonds
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- Recorded state
- Washington
- Bond type
- Boat / Vessel Dealer or Salesperson Bond
- Category
- Vehicles, titles & transportation
What this bond does
RCW 88.02.710 conditions the bond on conducting the licensed vessel business as required by that chapter. A dealer selling fewer than 16 vessels per year, each with a retail value no greater than $2,000, is exempt from filing this bond. Both limits matter; do not assume low sales alone establish the exemption.
- Who needs it
- The licensed vessel-dealer business. This is not a boat owner's title bond or an individual sales representative's separate credential. Confirm that the actual business and activities fall within the vessel-dealer licensing request.
- Who it protects
- A vessel consignor or purchaser with loss caused by a dealer's act or omission violating Chapter 88.02 may sue the dealer and surety on the bond. Successive recoveries are permitted, but the surety's aggregate liability to all persons cannot exceed the bond amount. This is not hull or marine liability insurance.
Your bond option
This is the option on record for this bond.
- Bond optionPurchase Now (opens in a new tab)Continue to our secure checkout partner, RLI (opens in a new tab).
The bond amount describes the limit of the bond obligation, not the price. A listed amount does not establish what the requesting party requires. The premium is what you pay and must be confirmed for the actual option. An E&O limit, where listed, is separate errors and omissions insurance.
Sources
- Washington DOL: boat-dealer application (opens in a new tab)Checked October 26, 2026
- Washington DOL: DLR-430-205 business bond (opens in a new tab)Checked October 26, 2026
- Washington Legislature: RCW 88.02.710 (opens in a new tab)Checked October 26, 2026
Have these ready
- Confirm the vessel-dealer licensing request and whether both exemption limits apply.
- Use the exact legal owner/entity and business firm or DBA names.
- Have the business location and current licensing details ready.
- Select the vessel-dealer box and complete the required signatures and seal.
- Match the $5,000 State bond and effective date without a security lapse.
Questions about this bond
Am I exempt because I sell only a few boats?
The statutory exemption requires fewer than 16 vessels per year and a retail value of no more than $2,000 for each. Confirm both conditions with the licensing authority before relying on it.
Can I use the vehicle-dealer box on the shared form?
Use the box for the actual vessel-dealer request. The same form serves several licensed business types, which does not make their selections interchangeable.
Does an annual license mean the bond ends automatically each year?
The form describes continuing security for subsequent license periods. Cancellation notice, exhausted security and current licensing requirements still matter; do not infer a separate catalog term or an automatic annual release.