A Seller of Travel (SOT) registration is a state-required registration that allows travel businesses to legally sell travel to residents of certain states.
Currently, four states have Seller of Travel laws:
- California.
- Florida.
- Hawaii.
- Washington.
These laws are designed to help protect consumers and establish standards for businesses that sell travel.
Who Needs a Seller of Travel Registration?
Whether you need a Seller of Travel registration depends on how you operate your business.
If your travel business is located in California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington, you generally need to comply with your state’s Seller of Travel requirements.
You may also need a Seller of Travel registration if you plan to sell travel to residents of one of these states. Without the required registration, you cannot legally sell travel to residents of that state when its Seller of Travel law applies to your business.
This is why it is important to think about where your clientele will primarily come from.
If you do not live in one of these states and do not expect to regularly work with clients who reside there, you should not automatically assume you need registrations in all four states.
Many hosted travel advisors may be covered under their host agency’s Seller of Travel registration when applicable. If you operate as a fully independent travel agency, you are responsible for obtaining the registrations required for your business.
Check out our article, “What Is a Host Agency? (Definition)“
Requirements Vary by State
Each state has its own Seller of Travel rules and registration process.
Requirements may differ when it comes to:
- Application procedures.
- Registration fees.
- Renewal requirements.
- Financial or bonding requirements.
- Business disclosures.
- Exemptions for hosted advisors.
Before selling travel to residents of one of these states, review the current requirements for that specific state and determine how they apply to your business model.
Why Does It Matter?
Selling travel without the required Seller of Travel registration can create legal and regulatory problems for your business.
Understanding which registrations apply to you helps protect your business, keeps you compliant, and allows you to confidently serve clients in the markets you choose to target.
How Careers on Vacation® Helps Students Understand Business Requirements
At Wanderlust Campus, Careers on Vacation® students learn about the business side of the travel industry, not just how to book vacations.
Throughout the comprehensive 12-week certification program and business mastermind, students gain an understanding of important business topics, including host agencies, Seller of Travel requirements, industry registrations, and other foundational concepts that help them confidently launch their travel business.
Build Your Business the Right Way
Seller of Travel requirements are one of the many legal considerations new travel advisors should understand before opening their business.
Knowing where you plan to operate, where your clients are likely to live, and which registrations apply to your business will help you build on a stronger and more compliant foundation.
