StatesToolsCompareFederal

Home / States / Washington

Washington

WA

Telecom Compliance Reference — Updated January 2023

Mini-TCPA State — High Risk

Calling Hours

8:00 AM9:00 PM

Min Penalty

$1,000

Registration

Required

Washington SMS Compliance Compliance

Text message marketing compliance rules in Washington

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.

Calling Rules

Calling Hours8:00 AM9:00 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.

Stay Current

Weekly digest: what changed this week

New enforcement actions, statute updates, and rule changes in Washington — delivered once a week.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Powered by Brevo.

Need help getting compliant?

Catalyst Partners builds SMS Compliance compliance infrastructure for operators in Washington — consent flows, DNC scrubbing, and documentation that holds up in court.

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 →