Auto Transportation and Bus Certificate

What is the purpose of this permit?
Any person who conducts operations as an auto or bus transportation carrier in Washington intrastate commerce must have a certificate from the commission. An "auto transportation company" is defined as any corporation or person owning, controlling, operating, or managing any motor propelled vehicle, used in the business of transporting persons for compensation over public highways within the state of Washington, between fixed points or over a regular route.
Who issues this permit?
Utilities and Transportation Commission
How much will this permit cost?
$200 Application or Transfer of Authority fee; $150 Temporary Authority or Extension fee; $35 Name Change or Mortgage fee.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Auto Transportation (Bus) Company' is online and can be accessed at https://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/transportation/autoTransportation/Pages/default.aspx.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Must provide and maintain appropriate insurance (Form E).
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Vehicle Inspection
How long will it take to review my application?
It takes 33.5 to 53.8 days to process a complete application. This includes a 30-day mandatory objection period (WAC 480-30-116) and inspection. If an application is protested, it will go to an administrative hearing and may take several months for a decision.
Where do I submit my application?
Click here to upload and e-File your application. Note your electronic filing confirmation number and fee amount.
Click here to pay online.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 68
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 74

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 63
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 125

(Summary results based on 2 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/transportation/autoTransportation/Pages/default.aspx
Helpdesk phone: 360-664-1222
Subject matter expert phone: 360-664-1222
Subject matter expert email: transportation@utc.wa.gov
Contact:
Utilities and Transportation Commission
621 Woodland Square Loop SE
PO Box 47250, Olympia WA 98504-7250
Lacey, WA 98503
Telephone: (360) 664-1160
Email: transportation@utc.wa.gov
Website: http://www.utc.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 10/5/2021
[v2]