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Washington motor & special fuel tax bonds.
From $100.

The Department of Licensing requires this bond of a fuel supplier, blender or distributor under RCW 82.38.055 to secure the motor and special fuel taxes it collects. The amount is three times your estimated monthly tax liability, at least $5,000 and no more than $100,000. Pricing is 0.75% of your bond amount, $100 minimum.

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Required under RCW 82.38.055 for fuel suppliers, blenders, and distributors

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Amount is three times your estimated monthly fuel tax liability — $5,000 floor, $100,000 cap

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0.75% of bond amount, $100 min — the application collects no credit information at the standard amount

0.75% of bond amount$100 minimumExact priceshown at the applicationNo SSNa soft pull may apply, never a hard inquiry

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No credit section to fill out for the standard fuel tax bond — enter your amount, apply, and file with DOL. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount DOL required, and the effective date — that is the entire application, with no credit section.

INSTANTLY

Priced and issued

Applicants are priced at 0.75% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, and issued instantly. If a check runs, it is a soft pull that never affects your score.

SAME DAY

File with the Department of Licensing

Submit the executed bond to DOL to satisfy the bond requirement for your fuel license. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the agency insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the fuel tax bond actually covers

Washington collects motor vehicle fuel and special fuel taxes through the Department of Licensing under the Fuel Tax Act, chapter 82.38 RCW. A fuel supplier, blender, or distributor generally cannot be licensed unless it posts a bond securing the tax it will owe.

Under RCW 82.38.055, the bond amount is three times the estimated monthly fuel tax liability, but never less than $5,000 and never more than $100,000. The bond secures payment of all taxes, interest, and penalties owed under the chapter.

The Department can waive the bond for licensed dyed special fuel users, international fuel tax agreement licensees, and licensed fuel distributors it determines have sufficient resources to make their monthly payments — so not every licensee carries one. When required, we issue the amount DOL set, priced at 0.75% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The application collects no credit information at the standard amount. Confirm your figure on your DOL notice.

RCW 82.38.055 (Department of Licensing)RCW 82.38.055 conditions a fuel license on a bond securing payment of all taxes, interest, and penalties, in a total amount equal to three times the estimated monthly fuel tax liability — not less than $5,000 and not more than $100,000. The requirement may be waived for licensed dyed special fuel users, international fuel tax agreement licensees, and licensed fuel distributors the Department of Licensing determines have sufficient resources to make their monthly payments. Filed with the Department of Licensing; confirm your amount on your DOL notice.

You need this bond if you are

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A fuel supplier, blender, or distributor applying for a Washington fuel license

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Renewing a fuel license the Department conditions on a bond

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Posting a bond after a waiver was declined or after a payment issue reset the requirement

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Adjusting your bond because your estimated monthly liability changed

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount DOL set — priced at 0.75% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, and issued on the spot.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Washington fuel tax bond?Pricing is 0.75% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount itself is set by RCW 82.38.055 — three times your estimated monthly fuel tax liability, with a $5,000 floor and a $100,000 cap. Apply to see your exact price for the figure on your DOL notice.

Do I always need this bond?Not necessarily. The Department of Licensing can waive the bond for licensed dyed special fuel users, international fuel tax agreement licensees, and licensed fuel distributors it determines have sufficient resources to make their monthly tax payments. When DOL does require a bond, this is it.

How is the bond amount calculated?It is three times your estimated monthly motor and special fuel tax liability, subject to a $5,000 minimum and a $100,000 maximum. DOL sets the figure; if your volume changes, the required amount can change with it.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information at the standard amount. Most applications are approved instantly; if a check runs, it is a soft pull that never affects your credit score.

Which form do I file?The fuel tax bond form the Department of Licensing provides for your license type. We issue the executed bond ready to submit with your fuel license.

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.

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Fuel tax bond, issued today.

0.75% of the bond amount with a $100 minimum. Enter the amount DOL set and file the same day.

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