A commercial ferry is any business, group, partnership, or person that owns, controls, rents, runs, or manages a vessel on the waters of Washington state. Commercial ferries regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission can be found using the Company's Lookup web page.
How to Apply for or Update a Permit
- Download the correct form to your desktop.
- Fill it out.
- Submit the form online using the e-filing online form.
- Pay fees online from the Make a Payment Now web page.
Complete applications take at least 31 days to process. This time includes a 30-day period when people can file objections. If someone protests, the case goes to a hearing, and the decision can take several more months.
If you cannot e-file, email the form to Transportation@utc.wa.gov.
Permit Application Forms
Tariff and Time Schedules
How to File Tariff and Time Schedules (Word)- How to File Tariff and Time Schedules (PDF)
- Tariff Adoption Notice (Word)
- Fuel Surcharge Tariff Supplement Form (Word)
Fuel Surcharge and Less than Statutory Notice Forms
See the Letter on Fuel Surcharge Filing Requirements (PDF) and Supporting Documents Instructions (Word) for information about fuel surcharge filings.
- Fuel Surcharge Cover Letter Template (Word)
- Less than Statutory Notice Form (PDF)
Fuel Surcharge Worksheet (Excel)- Revenue and Percentage Worksheet (Excel)
Annual Reports
State law says transportation companies must file reports each year and pay fees to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. If you operated at any time during the year, you must file a report. For more details, visit the Annual Report Forms web page.
Insurance
Before the commission issues a certificate, the applicant must show proof of active liability and property damage insurance or a surety bond. The insurance must cover every vessel used under the certificate. The amount of coverage must be at least the following:
| Minimum Coverage | Coverage Type |
|---|---|
|
$100,000 |
For any recovery for personal injury by one person, and |
|
$1,000,000 |
For all persons receiving personal injury and property damage by reason of one act of negligence, and |
|
$50,000 |
For property damage of all persons other than the insured, or |
|
$1,000,000 |
Combined bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. |
Laws and Rules
- RCW 81.84: Commercial Ferries Laws
- WAC 480-149: Tariff Circular No. 6
- WAC 480-51: Commercial Ferries Rules
Contact Licensing Services
Email Transportation@utc.wa.gov
Call 360-664-1222
Mailing address:
Utilities and Transportation Commission
P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250