Update your license: Real estate firms and branches

Update your license/account online

Note: If this is your first time to access your account online, or if your last online renewal was before September 21, 2016, you must set up account access before you can perform any of the online tasks below.

1. Login your firm or branch account
   • The designated broker can update firm and branch information.
   • The branch manager can update branch information only.
2. Select Update, Add, or Remove on the row for the information you want to update.
3. Follow the on‑screen instructions to request the update.
4. You’ll receive a confirmation email. All updates take effect immediately except Add a licensee (the licensee must accept your add request before this will take effect). The table below shows if a new license will be issued.

Update	New license issued?
Update firm/branch address	Yes – firm/branch & all licensees
Update firm/branch email	No
Add or remove a licensee Video: How to add a licensee	Yes – licensee
Add, update, or remove a controlling interest	No

Replace the designated broker

The steps below must be carried out by the current (outgoing) designated broker.

Note: Before beginning the online replacement process, the new (incoming) designated broker must be on the firm licensee list. If they are not on this list, they must first be added to the firm. See Update your license/account above.

1. Create and sign a list of all outstanding transactions at the time of replacement. This document must also be signed by the incoming designated broker.
2. Login to your firm account to access the firm dashboard.
3. On the designated broker row, click Replace.
4. Follow the on screen instructions to provide all the requested information for both yourself and the new designated broker, and upload the list of outstanding transactions.
5. We will review the information about the new designated broker and approve or deny the replacement request.
6. If the new designated broker is approved:
   • If you are not a designated broker for any other firm, the designated broker endorsement will be removed from your license.
   • You can now separate from the firm if you will no longer be working for that firm.

Replace the branch manager

The steps below must be carried out by the designated broker or designee. Note: Before you start, the new (incoming) branch manager must be on the branch licensee list. If they’re not, they must first be added. See Update your license/account above.

1. Login to your firm account to access the firm dashboard.
2. On the Branches row, click View and update branches.
3. Select the branch you want to manage from the branch list.
4. At the branch dashboard, click Replace on the row for the branch manager.
5. Follow the on‑screen instructions to select the incoming branch manager.

After the transaction is complete:

• New branch manager:
  • The branch manager endorsement will be added to their license.
• Outgoing branch manager:
  • If they won't be working for the branch – they must separate from the branch and their managing broker license will become inactive.
  • If they'll still be working for the branch – the branch manager endorsement will be removed but their managing broker license will remain active.

Update your firm name (mail only)

1. Check to see if the name you want is available before submitting your name change application:
   • Get firm name approval from Real Estate Regulatory by sending a brief cover letter with your name, contact information, desired firm name, and any doing business as (DBA) names by fax to 360.570.4982 or email to reregulatory@dol.wa.gov. You'll receive notification within a minimum of 5–7 business days.
   • If we approve it, call the Secretary of State at 360.725.0377.
2. Complete a Real Estate Change of Firm Name or Add/Change DBA Name form.
3. Send the completed form and any required documents to:
   Real Estate Licensing
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 9021
   Olympia, WA 98507‑9021
   

Questions? Need help?