What consent is required for Prerecorded Messages in Washington?

Washington has a mini-TCPA (RCW 80.36 (Automatic Dialing & Announcing Devices); RCW 19.190 (CEMA)) that imposes stricter consent rules than federal TCPA. Prior express written consent is generally required.

What are the calling hour restrictions in Washington?

Washington restricts telemarketing calls to 08:00:00–21:00:00 local time.

What is the penalty per violation in Washington?

Up to $1,000 per violation (or $2,000 for willful violations). Private right of action available.

Is registration required to telemarket in Washington?

Yes — Washington requires telemarketer registration before placing calls.

Home / States / Washington

Washington Telecom Compliance Guide

Telecom Compliance Reference — Updated January 2023

Mini-TCPA State — High Risk

Calling Hours

8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Min Penalty

$1,000

Registration

Required

Overview Calling Hours Consent Registration DNC Compliance DNC Registry Enforcement Case Law Legislation

Washington Prerecorded Messages Compliance

Robocall and prerecorded message compliance rules in Washington

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Mini-TCPA State — RCW 80.36 (Automatic Dialing & Announcing Devices); RCW 19.190 (CEMA)

Washington has enacted a state-level TCPA that goes beyond federal requirements. Federal compliance alone is not enough for Prerecorded Messages operations here.

Consent Requirements

Consent LevelPrior Express

Checkbox ConsentNot sufficient

StatuteRCW 80.36.400

Prerecorded calls are the original target of Washington ADAD law. Prior consent required. Must disconnect within 10 seconds of hang-up. Emergency and government calls exempt. EBR provides limited exemption for existing customers. Checkbox consent buried in terms is not sufficient for prerecorded — clear and conspicuous opt-in required.

Full consent requirements for all channels →

Calling Rules

Calling Hours8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

RegistrationRequired

Penalty / Violation$1,000

Willful Violation$2,000

Private Right of ActionYES

Prerecorded Messages Compliance Checklist

01Prior express written consent required for most prerecorded calls

02Disclose name and phone number of calling company at start

03Provide automated opt-out mechanism during call

04Do not abandon calls — hang-up rate limits apply

05Cannot use prerecorded messages on cell phones without consent

06Apply same calling-hours restrictions as live calls

07Scrub DNC lists before every campaign

08Register as telemarketer if state requires

09Do not transmit inaccurate caller ID

10Document consent for every number you call

This checklist covers common requirements. State-specific rules may vary. Confirm with legal counsel for high-volume campaigns.

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This is a compliance reference tool, not legal advice. Data compiled from public statutes, LegiScan, CourtListener, state AG offices, and AI-assisted analysis. Verify all information with qualified counsel before relying on it. Full terms & data sources →