How to get your license: Collection agencies
Types of licenses
Collection Agency License
Apply for this license if:
- Your main office is in Washington State.
- OR
- Your main office is outside of Washington State and you have, or plan to have, clients located in Washington State.
Out-of-State Collection Agency License
Apply for this license if all of the following are true:
- Your main office and all branch offices are located outside of Washington State.
- You don’t have any clients located in Washington State.
- You are contacting debtors in Washington State who owe money to your out-of-state clients.
Requirements
- To have a Collection Agency License, you must obtain a trust account and maintain an office in Washington State, managed by a Washington resident.
- You cannot begin business activity until you receive a Registrations and Licenses document listing the required license.
- Washington is a closed-border state, and you must have a license before contacting debtors or soliciting clients in Washington.
How to apply
To get a Collection Agency License or Out-of-State Collection Agency License:
- Complete all of the following forms:
- A
Master Business Application
- A Master Business Application Supplement for Collection Agency, Branch Office, and Out-of-state Collection Agency Office for each business location.
- A
Financial Statement showing all of the following:
- Liabilities and assets of the agency in one of the three months prior to application. For example, if you apply in May, we will accept a financial statement for either February, March, or April.
- $7,500 or more in cash or its equivalent. $5,000 of the cash must be deposited in a bank account used to operate the business.
- Equity, or net worth, of $7,500 or more.
- A
Collection Agency or Out-of-State Collection Agency Surety Bond completed by your insurance company. The insurance company must attach their power of attorney form to this form.
- A list of persons with more than 20% interest in the business.
- If applying for more than one location, a
Location Addendum for each additional location.
- Enclose the appropriate fee.
- Mail your application with all supporting documents and fees to:
Collection Agency Licensing Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Note: Please be sure to notify our office in writing of any address changes.