Not in Washington? Browse bonds by state

Washington CDL tester bonds.
From $100.

A Washington CDL third-party tester — an independent examiner authorized to administer commercial driver skills tests — files a surety bond with the Department of Licensing as a condition of the program, typically $25,000. Pricing is 0.775% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

✓

Required by the Department of Licensing CDL examiner program for independent third-party testers

✓

Typically a $25,000 bond — alongside a $1,000,000 liability insurance requirement DOL sets separately

✓

From $100 — your exact price appears at the application

0.775% of bond amount$100 minimumNo credit review at the standard amountnot even a soft pull at the standard amountFastissuance for most

Trusted by industry leaders

How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard tester bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with DOL. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount DOL requires, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

Most applications approve instantly, and no waiting — the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay.

SAME DAY

File with the Department of Licensing

Submit the executed bond with your third-party tester contract. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever DOL insists on them.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the tester bond actually covers

Washington's Department of Licensing contracts with independent third-party testers to administer commercial driver license (CDL) skills tests on its behalf. As a condition of that contract, a tester posts a surety bond — typically $25,000 — alongside the DOL's separate requirement to carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance and pass state and FBI background checks.

The bond is a compliance and performance guarantee: it stands behind the tester's duty to administer the federally regulated skills tests honestly and according to DOL rules. If a tester certifies tests improperly or otherwise violates the program, the state can recover against the bond.

Because the exact amount is set by the Department of Licensing for your contract, enter the figure DOL requires — the default here is the typical $25,000 — to start the application. Pricing is 0.775% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum, and the application collects no credit information at the standard amount. If the surety pays a valid claim, you repay the surety.

WA Department of Licensing — CDL third-party examiner programWashington's Department of Licensing requires independent CDL third-party examiners (testers) to post a surety bond — typically $25,000 — and to carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance and pass WSP and FBI background checks, under its third-party tester program implementing chapter 46.25 RCW and the federal CDL rules. Confirm your exact amount with the Department of Licensing.

You need this bond if you are

✓

Applying to be a CDL third-party tester under contract with the Department of Licensing

✓

Renewing your tester contract and the prior bond is expiring or was non-renewed

✓

A CDL training school adding authorized third-party skills examiners

✓

Reinstating after a lapse that suspended your testing authority

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount DOL set — the executed bond is generated instantly, ready to file.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Washington CDL tester bond?Pricing is 0.775% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The Department of Licensing typically requires a $25,000 bond. Enter your required amount and your exact price appears at the application.

Is the liability insurance the same as the bond?No — they are separate. DOL requires CDL third-party testers to both carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance and post a surety bond. We write the surety bond; the liability insurance is a separate policy.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information at the standard amount, and most applications approve instantly.

What does the bond protect against?It backs your duty to administer CDL skills tests honestly and according to Department of Licensing rules. If you violate the program and the state is harmed, it can claim against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Where do I file it?With the Washington State Department of Licensing, as part of your third-party tester contract. We issue the executed bond ready to submit.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Washington bonds.

CDL tester bond, issued today.

Pricing from $100. Enter the amount DOL required and file the same day.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $100

Apply now →