Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/transportation/autoTransportation/Pages/default.aspx.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

360-664-1222

Subject matter expert contact information:

360-664-1222

transportation@utc.wa.gov

Auto Transportation and Bus Certificate

Description/Purpose

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.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

$200 Application or Transfer of Authority fee; $150 Temporary Authority or Extension fee; $35 Name Change or Mortgage fee.

Application Information

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.

Must provide and maintain appropriate insurance (Form E).

Vehicle Inspection

Click here to upload and e-File your application. Note your electronic filing confirmation number and fee amount.
Click here to pay online.

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.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 51
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 66

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 1


(Summary results based on 2 submittals in 2024)

Legal authority
Contacts
Utilities and Transportation Commission
621 Woodland Square Loop SE
PO Box 47250, Olympia WA 98504-7250
Lacey WA 98503
Email: transportation@utc.wa.gov
Website: http://www.utc.wa.gov
Telephone: (360) 664-1160
* Credential details last updated 10/5/2021
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