Washington licensing laws

Charitable organizations register with the Washington Secretary of State, Charities Program before soliciting contributions in Washington, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Washington residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Washington Secretary of State, Charities Program.

Charitable registrations in Washington renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Apply for or renew your auctioneer license with the Washington State Department of Licensing and file a $5,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

The bond runs with the auctioneer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Washington mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Washington-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Mortgage licenses in Washington are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Washington-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the State of Washington (Credit Services Organization Act) and file a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

The bond renews alongside the underlying credit services organization registration.

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the Washington State Department of Licensing and file a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 4 years).

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Washington State Department of Licensing and file a $30,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

The bond is filed with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and can suspend the license.

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Washington jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

To obtain a money transmitter license in Washington, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Washington DFI, provide a surety bond of $10,000-$550,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Money transmitter licenses in Washington generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

To obtain a debt collection license in Washington, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Washington DFI, provide a surety bond of $20,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Debt collection licenses in Washington generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.