How to get your license: Collection agencies

Types of licenses

  • Apply for a Collection Agency 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.
  • Apply for an Out-of-State Collection Agency License if:
    • Your main office and all branch offices are located outside of Washington State.
    • You don’t have any clients located in Washington State.
    • and
    • You’re contacting debtors in Washington State who owe money to your out-of-state clients.

Requirements

  • To get a Collection Agency License, you must:
    • Get a trust account.
    • Maintain an office in Washington State, managed by a Washington resident.
  • You may not begin business activity until you receive the required license.
  • Washington is a closed-border state. 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:
  2. Enclose the appropriate fee (check or money order payable to the Department of Revenue).
  3. Mail your application with all supporting documents and fees to:
    State of Washington
    Business Licensing Service
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Note: Please be sure to notify our office in writing of any address changes.

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