What consent is required for SMS Compliance 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 SMS Compliance Compliance

Text message marketing 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 SMS Compliance operations here.

Consent Requirements

Consent LevelPrior Express

Checkbox ConsentValid

StatuteRCW 19.190; RCW 80.36.400

CEMA is the primary risk for SMS in Washington. Each unsolicited commercial text = $500 minimum statutory damages ($1,000 willful). Prior consent or an existing business relationship is required. Combined with federal TCPA and FCC one-to-one consent rule (Jan 2025), purchased lead lists are high-risk for WA text campaigns. Build first-party opt-in lists.

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

SMS Compliance Compliance Checklist

01Obtain express written consent before sending marketing texts

02Use compliant opt-in language identifying your company

03Honor STOP/OPT-OUT/UNSUBSCRIBE replies immediately

04Send opt-out confirmation within one text

05Disclose message frequency at opt-in

06Include "Msg & Data rates may apply" disclosure

07Do not send texts during prohibited hours

08Scrub against DNC lists before campaigns

09Check if state requires one-to-one consent

10Register 10DLC campaigns before sending

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 →