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:

1. 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.
2. Enclose the appropriate fee.
3. 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.