Washington Telemarketer Registration
Licensing, bonding, and registration requirements for telemarketers operating in Washington
You must register before making your first call in Washington.
Business Registration
Individual Registration
Bond Requirements
A surety bond protects consumers against fraud or failure to deliver. The bond must typically be maintained for the duration of your registration and one to two years after cessation of business in the state.
Required Documents
Business
- ✓Must register before doing business in Washington — no advance waiting period,DOL issues the license but DOR's Business Licensing Service processes it (printed as endorsement on business license),Registration governed by RCW Chapter 19.158 — Commercial Telephone Solicitation,Can apply online or by mail,No surety bond requirement under RCW 19.158,Calling hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (stricter than federal 9:00 PM),Must identify caller, company, and purpose within first 30 seconds,Unregistered solicitation is a misdemeanor,Civil penalties: $500 to $2,000 per violation,AG may bring enforcement actions; DOL director may refer violations to AG,Exempt: educational, political, charitable solicitations; B2B sales to resellers/manufacturers,Contact DOL at 360-705-6741 (Monday-Friday 9am-4pm)
- ✓Business License Application processed through Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS),Commercial Telephone Solicitor Addendum,Personal/Criminal History statement for each manager in charge of business operations at each location,Payment of approximately $72 state endorsement fee (set at director's discretion, subject to change),A license is needed for EACH location from which calls are made
Individual
- ✓Individual salesperson registration is not separately required in Washington — but salespersons must work on behalf of a registered commercial telephone solicitor
Additional Notes
Washington requires a Commercial Telephone Solicitor endorsement through the DOL/DOR Business Licensing Service. Approximately $72 fee (director-set, verify current amount). A separate license is needed for EACH location. No bond required. Washington has stricter calling hours than federal (8pm vs 9pm). Unregistered solicitation is a misdemeanor with $500-$2,000 civil penalties per violation. Exempt: educational, political, charitable, and B2B reseller/manufacturer calls.
Washington does not require separate individual salesperson registration. However, no salesperson may solicit on behalf of a commercial telephone solicitor who is not registered with the DOL. Violation by an individual salesperson is a misdemeanor.
Apply Before Your First Call
Operating as an unregistered telemarketer in Washington is a separate violation from consent or calling-hours violations. You can be penalized $1,000 per call even if every other aspect of your operation is compliant.
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Catalyst Partners handles state registration filings, bond procurement, and renewal tracking so your team can focus on dialing — not paperwork.
Book a Compliance Call →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 →