Washington Bail Bond — Requirements & Free Practice
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Bail Bond Agency License
Washington licensing under Chapter 18.185 RCW and Chapter 308-19 WAC.
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information
Annual renewal
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay the renewal fee on or before expiry; DOL permits renewal up to 120 days early.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Initial issuance by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Page 3: Qualification criteria","name":"Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application","quote":"To qualify for a license, you must do one of the following: (check one)\n\n Attach proof of 3 years (6,000 hours) experience in Washington State as a manager, supervisor, or\n administrator in the bail bond business and proof of 12 hours training as described in WAC 308-19-300.\n Request to take the written state exam by selecting a location from the list below or provide proof of\n twelve hours of bail bond agency training administered by an approved instructor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"f06965a91631a073d39fad5a906c27d900a38cd46cb61733e515f8cf5ebbf393"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/692002","version":"BB-692-002 (R/8/25)WA"},"value":"The form offers a written state exam or twelve hours of agency training. RCW 18.185.030(1)(a)-(b) outranks this form and requires the qualified-agent examination or three years of qualifying experience; training alone does not remove the statutory exam for an applicant lacking that experience."}
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Experience
- Applicant without three years of qualifying managerial experience must pass the qualified-agent examination under RCW 18.185.030(1)(a).
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Initial issuance by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Experience
- Applicant proves the three-year, 6,000-hour managerial-experience alternative; this replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while the agent exam remains an alternative to twelve hours of training.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Late renewal within one year
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay renewal fee and late penalty within one year after expiration.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Military spouse license by equivalency
- Application
- Supply application, fees, verification, transfer affirmation, fingerprints and background documentation; affirm no pending regulatory investigation or discipline.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Equivalence
- DOL must determine substantially equivalent licensing requirements have been met and the applicant otherwise qualifies. Existing licences, training, experience and examinations are qualifications; this route identifies no new Washington examination.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military spouse
- Hold an active professional licence in good standing and move to Washington due to the spouse's military transfer; the DOL rule also includes registered domestic partners.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.005; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-105; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-105; text segment 2
Military spouse return from inactive status
- Education
- Complete current-cycle continuing education and other program conditions; DOL may allow ninety days to finish education.
- Inactive license
- An existing licence in good standing was placed inactive during a spouse or registered domestic partner's deployment outside Washington.
- Return deadline
- Within six months of return, request active status and pay applicable renewal fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-025; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Military status maintenance
- Maintenance
- No renewal or continuing education while in military status; return courtesy notices with current orders.
- Military service
- The existing active licence remains in full force during service after a written military-status request and service orders.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-040; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
New license after expiration cancellation by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Page 3: Qualification criteria","name":"Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application","quote":"To qualify for a license, you must do one of the following: (check one)\n\n Attach proof of 3 years (6,000 hours) experience in Washington State as a manager, supervisor, or\n administrator in the bail bond business and proof of 12 hours training as described in WAC 308-19-300.\n Request to take the written state exam by selecting a location from the list below or provide proof of\n twelve hours of bail bond agency training administered by an approved instructor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"f06965a91631a073d39fad5a906c27d900a38cd46cb61733e515f8cf5ebbf393"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/692002","version":"BB-692-002 (R/8/25)WA"},"value":"The form offers a written state exam or twelve hours of agency training. RCW 18.185.030(1)(a)-(b) outranks this form and requires the qualified-agent examination or three years of qualifying experience; training alone does not remove the statutory exam for an applicant lacking that experience."}
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after expiration cancellation by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after inactive cancellation by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Page 3: Qualification criteria","name":"Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application","quote":"To qualify for a license, you must do one of the following: (check one)\n\n Attach proof of 3 years (6,000 hours) experience in Washington State as a manager, supervisor, or\n administrator in the bail bond business and proof of 12 hours training as described in WAC 308-19-300.\n Request to take the written state exam by selecting a location from the list below or provide proof of\n twelve hours of bail bond agency training administered by an approved instructor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"f06965a91631a073d39fad5a906c27d900a38cd46cb61733e515f8cf5ebbf393"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/692002","version":"BB-692-002 (R/8/25)WA"},"value":"The form offers a written state exam or twelve hours of agency training. RCW 18.185.030(1)(a)-(b) outranks this form and requires the qualified-agent examination or three years of qualifying experience; training alone does not remove the statutory exam for an applicant lacking that experience."}
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after inactive cancellation by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Reactivate unexpired inactive license
- Application
- Apply for active status and comply with Chapter 18.185 RCW; expired inactive licences instead require new licensing.
- Continuing qualifications
- Maintain applicable agency affiliation, bond, existing qualifications, education and certifications.
- Inactive license
- Existing licence was surrendered as inactive, has not expired and is not revoked or suspended.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 2
Reinstatement after bond restored
- Bond suspension
- Agency licence suspended for failure to maintain the required bond.
- Restoration
- Restore the bond in full force and maintain other licensing qualifications.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.070; text segment 1
Reinstatement after ebt compliance
- Eligibility
- DOL may reinstate after compliance is restored and the holder otherwise remained eligible; DOL instructs disabling EBT acceptance at ATMs and point-of-sale machines.
- Suspension
- Suspended for electronic-benefit-card noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.056; text segment 1
- Frequently asked questions: Bail bonds
Bail bond agencies: EBT suspension and reinstatement
Reissuance after support order compliance
- Release
- DOL receives the release establishing compliance; all other reinstatement requirements continued to be met during suspension.
- Suspension
- Suspended for certified support-order noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.057; text segment 1
Return from military status
- Documentation fee
- Pay applicable renewal fees and supply orders, discharge papers or DD-214 if requested.
- Education
- Continuing education applies after the first post-discharge renewal; missed deadlines invoke normal late-renewal/cancellation rules.
- Return deadline
- Notify DOL within six months of honorable discharge.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-050; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Bail Bond Agent License
Washington licensing under Chapter 18.185 RCW and Chapter 308-19 WAC.
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information
Annual renewal
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay the renewal fee on or before expiry; DOL permits renewal up to 120 days early.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Initial issuance
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol faq conflict
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Bail bond licenses: test requirement","name":"Frequently asked questions: Bail bonds","quote":"We require an exam for bail bond agents who don't have 3 years of experience.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"b0b124785fb1f2fe32db94fa8ef6774279fd2a10307a58e5b3437bfcf8261d85"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/bail-bond-agency/frequently-asked-questions-bail-bonds","version":"DOL official page checked October 2, 2026, read with the pinned controlling provisions applicable September 22, 2026"},"value":"The DOL FAQ states: \"We require an exam for bail bond agents who don't have 3 years of experience.\" The controlling WAC twelve-hour training alternative governs; retain this conflicting implementing instruction for the applicant."}
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
Late renewal within one year
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay renewal fee and late penalty within one year after expiration.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Military scra license portability
- Affidavit
- Supply a notarized affidavit verifying identity, complete truthful statements, knowledge of Washington scope and requirements, compliance and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
- Background check
- DOL may conduct background checks and require fingerprints.
- Compact
- An applicable interstate compact governs instead of SCRA portability.
- Covered license
- Good standing with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender under investigation.
- Dol prior use condition
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Eligibility: prior-use instruction","name":"Military SCRA out-of-state professional license portability","quote":"Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"819e5f143db94686aa3e31e64bdb8dfa9184ce27a7fa26de98a8961898b2b4fb"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/license-and-registration-rules-military-personnel-and-veterans/business-and-professional-licenses-military-personnel-spouses-and-domestic-partners/military-scra-out-state-professional-license-portability","version":"DOL official page checked October 2, 2026, read with the pinned controlling provisions applicable September 22, 2026"},"value":"DOL states a two-year prior-use condition. Section 705A, rewritten by P.L. 118-159, defines covered licences exhaustively without that former prior-use condition. The federal statute controls; retain the DOL instruction for applicants."}
- Military orders
- A servicemember or spouse relocates to Washington under military orders; provide orders and the spouse's marriage certificate if applicable.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(a), page 39
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(c)(2)-(3), page 40
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(d)-(e), page 40
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(f)(1)-(2), page 40
- Military SCRA out-of-state professional license portability
SCRA portability: eligibility and application
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-100; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-100; text segment 2
Military spouse license by equivalency
- Application
- Supply application, fees, verification, transfer affirmation, fingerprints and background documentation; affirm no pending regulatory investigation or discipline.
- Equivalence
- DOL must determine substantially equivalent licensing requirements have been met and the applicant otherwise qualifies. Existing licences, training, experience and examinations are qualifications; this route identifies no new Washington examination.
- Military spouse
- Hold an active professional licence in good standing and move to Washington due to the spouse's military transfer; the DOL rule also includes registered domestic partners.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.005; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-100; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-100; text segment 2
Military spouse return from inactive status
- Education
- Complete current-cycle continuing education and other program conditions; DOL may allow ninety days to finish education.
- Inactive license
- An existing licence in good standing was placed inactive during a spouse or registered domestic partner's deployment outside Washington.
- Return deadline
- Within six months of return, request active status and pay applicable renewal fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-025; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Military status maintenance
- Maintenance
- No renewal or continuing education while in military status; return courtesy notices with current orders.
- Military service
- The existing active licence remains in full force during service after a written military-status request and service orders.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-040; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
New license after expiration cancellation
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
New license after inactive cancellation
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
Reactivate unexpired inactive license
- Application
- Apply for active status and comply with Chapter 18.185 RCW; expired inactive licences instead require new licensing.
- Continuing qualifications
- Maintain applicable agency affiliation, bond, existing qualifications, education and certifications.
- Inactive license
- Existing licence was surrendered as inactive, has not expired and is not revoked or suspended.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 2
Reinstatement after ebt compliance
- Eligibility
- DOL may reinstate after compliance is restored and the holder otherwise remained eligible; DOL instructs disabling EBT acceptance at ATMs and point-of-sale machines.
- Suspension
- Suspended for electronic-benefit-card noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.056; text segment 1
- Frequently asked questions: Bail bonds
Bail bond agencies: EBT suspension and reinstatement
Reissuance after support order compliance
- Release
- DOL receives the release establishing compliance; all other reinstatement requirements continued to be met during suspension.
- Suspension
- Suspended for certified support-order noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.057; text segment 1
Return from military status
- Documentation fee
- Pay applicable renewal fees and supply orders, discharge papers or DD-214 if requested.
- Education
- Continuing education applies after the first post-discharge renewal; missed deadlines invoke normal late-renewal/cancellation rules.
- Return deadline
- Notify DOL within six months of honorable discharge.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-050; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Qualified Agent License
Licensed responsible qualified agent of an agency or branch; a qualifying owner or corporate manager serves without an additional license fee, using the agency application and qualified-agent qualification.
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information
Annual renewal
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay the renewal fee on or before expiry; DOL permits renewal up to 120 days early.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Initial issuance by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Page 3: Qualification criteria","name":"Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application","quote":"To qualify for a license, you must do one of the following: (check one)\n\n Attach proof of 3 years (6,000 hours) experience in Washington State as a manager, supervisor, or\n administrator in the bail bond business and proof of 12 hours training as described in WAC 308-19-300.\n Request to take the written state exam by selecting a location from the list below or provide proof of\n twelve hours of bail bond agency training administered by an approved instructor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"f06965a91631a073d39fad5a906c27d900a38cd46cb61733e515f8cf5ebbf393"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/692002","version":"BB-692-002 (R/8/25)WA"},"value":"The form offers a written state exam or twelve hours of agency training. RCW 18.185.030(1)(a)-(b) outranks this form and requires the qualified-agent examination or three years of qualifying experience; training alone does not remove the statutory exam for an applicant lacking that experience."}
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Experience
- Applicant without three years of qualifying managerial experience must pass the qualified-agent examination under RCW 18.185.030(1)(a).
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Initial issuance by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Experience
- Applicant proves the three-year, 6,000-hour managerial-experience alternative; this replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while the agent exam remains an alternative to twelve hours of training.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Late renewal within one year
- Continuing education
- Agents and qualified agents: four annual hours under WAC 308-19-302. Recovery licensees and endorsees: eight annual hours under 308-19-330, plus annual weapon recertification if applicable. Agency/branch renewal includes the responsible qualified agent; retain required records.
- Existing license
- Renew the existing licence or endorsement yearly.
- Renewal fee
- Pay renewal fee and late penalty within one year after expiration.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-140; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-302; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-330; text segment 1
- Renew or update your license: Bail bonds
Renew your license: application procedure
Military scra license portability
- Affidavit
- Supply a notarized affidavit verifying identity, complete truthful statements, knowledge of Washington scope and requirements, compliance and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
- Background check
- DOL may conduct background checks and require fingerprints.
- Compact
- An applicable interstate compact governs instead of SCRA portability.
- Covered license
- Good standing with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender under investigation.
- Dol prior use condition
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Eligibility: prior-use instruction","name":"Military SCRA out-of-state professional license portability","quote":"Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"819e5f143db94686aa3e31e64bdb8dfa9184ce27a7fa26de98a8961898b2b4fb"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/license-and-registration-rules-military-personnel-and-veterans/business-and-professional-licenses-military-personnel-spouses-and-domestic-partners/military-scra-out-state-professional-license-portability","version":"DOL official page checked October 2, 2026, read with the pinned controlling provisions applicable September 22, 2026"},"value":"DOL states a two-year prior-use condition. Section 705A, rewritten by P.L. 118-159, defines covered licences exhaustively without that former prior-use condition. The federal statute controls; retain the DOL instruction for applicants."}
- Military orders
- A servicemember or spouse relocates to Washington under military orders; provide orders and the spouse's marriage certificate if applicable.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(a), page 39
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(c)(2)-(3), page 40
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(d)-(e), page 40
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, official GovInfo compilation
Section 705A(f)(1)-(2), page 40
- Military SCRA out-of-state professional license portability
SCRA portability: eligibility and application
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-107; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-107; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 2
Military spouse license by equivalency
- Application
- Supply application, fees, verification, transfer affirmation, fingerprints and background documentation; affirm no pending regulatory investigation or discipline.
- Equivalence
- DOL must determine substantially equivalent licensing requirements have been met and the applicant otherwise qualifies. Existing licences, training, experience and examinations are qualifications; this route identifies no new Washington examination.
- Military spouse
- Hold an active professional licence in good standing and move to Washington due to the spouse's military transfer; the DOL rule also includes registered domestic partners.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-010; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-015; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.005; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.340 RCW — Military Spouses — Professional Licensing
RCW 18.340.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.235 RCW — Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act
RCW 18.235.020; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.030; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-107; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-107; text segment 2
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 2
Military spouse return from inactive status
- Education
- Complete current-cycle continuing education and other program conditions; DOL may allow ninety days to finish education.
- Inactive license
- An existing licence in good standing was placed inactive during a spouse or registered domestic partner's deployment outside Washington.
- Return deadline
- Within six months of return, request active status and pay applicable renewal fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-025; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-030; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Military status maintenance
- Maintenance
- No renewal or continuing education while in military status; return courtesy notices with current orders.
- Military service
- The existing active licence remains in full force during service after a written military-status request and service orders.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-040; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-045; text segment 2
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
New license after expiration cancellation by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
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- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after expiration cancellation by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after inactive cancellation by examination
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Dol training only opt out
- {"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Page 3: Qualification criteria","name":"Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application","quote":"To qualify for a license, you must do one of the following: (check one)\n\n Attach proof of 3 years (6,000 hours) experience in Washington State as a manager, supervisor, or\n administrator in the bail bond business and proof of 12 hours training as described in WAC 308-19-300.\n Request to take the written state exam by selecting a location from the list below or provide proof of\n twelve hours of bail bond agency training administered by an approved instructor.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"f06965a91631a073d39fad5a906c27d900a38cd46cb61733e515f8cf5ebbf393"},"url":"https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/692002","version":"BB-692-002 (R/8/25)WA"},"value":"The form offers a written state exam or twelve hours of agency training. RCW 18.185.030(1)(a)-(b) outranks this form and requires the qualified-agent examination or three years of qualifying experience; training alone does not remove the statutory exam for an applicant lacking that experience."}
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
New license after inactive cancellation by managerial experience
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.185.020.
- Agency relationship
- Be employed by a licensed agency or licensed as an agency; DOL also accepts a job offer.
- Application fee
- Submit the DOL application and required fee.
- Bond
- File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or deposit under RCW 18.185.070; the director may waive the bond under adopted rules.
- Bond activity
- For surety bonds, maintain an OIC Surety Producer License with current affiliations; for property bonds, identify courts approving placing property bonds. The surety-producer credential is a condition, not another profession's exam leaf.
- Business location license
- Maintain a Washington physical location and Department of Revenue business licence.
- Cancellation
- Canceled licences and endorsements require a new application and current initial licensing, exam and education qualifications.
- Criminal history
- DOL may withhold for a directly related conviction in the preceding ten years when public protection warrants it, under RCW 18.185.020(2).
- Entity documents
- Provide applicable partnership and corporate incorporation documents and officer/department addresses; supply foreign-entity registrations where applicable.
- Managerial experience
- Three years in Washington as a manager, supervisor or administrator in bail bonds or a related field, at least 2,000 compensated hours each year; written employer certifications or personal-knowledge certifications establish it. This replaces the additional qualified-agent exam, while agent-level exam or training requirements remain.
- Military equivalent training
- Military training or experience satisfies requirements unless DOL finds it not substantially equivalent, under RCW 18.185.310.
- Passing score
- If examined, score at least 85%; wait seven days after failure before retesting.
- Prelicense training alternative
- Twelve hours of training within six months replaces the written agent examination under WAC 308-19-100(4) and 300(1): eight approved instructional hours plus four hours of laws-and-rules self-study or formal instruction. The examination is retained as the currently offered exam involved in initial issuance; this opt-out is an applicant condition.
- Proof of instruction
- WAC 308-19-300(2) separately states proof of eight hours of approved instruction must accompany the agent or qualified-agent application.
- Responsible agent
- The qualifying sole proprietor, principal partner or corporate manager, officer or chief operating officer serves as qualified agent without an extra licence fee.
- Surety property disclosures
- Disclose surety, attorney in fact and build-up fund details, or courts approving property bonds.
Reactivate unexpired inactive license
- Application
- Apply for active status and comply with Chapter 18.185 RCW; expired inactive licences instead require new licensing.
- Continuing qualifications
- Maintain applicable agency affiliation, bond, existing qualifications, education and certifications.
- Inactive license
- Existing licence was surrendered as inactive, has not expired and is not revoked or suspended.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-160; text segment 2
Reinstatement after ebt compliance
- Eligibility
- DOL may reinstate after compliance is restored and the holder otherwise remained eligible; DOL instructs disabling EBT acceptance at ATMs and point-of-sale machines.
- Suspension
- Suspended for electronic-benefit-card noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.056; text segment 1
- Frequently asked questions: Bail bonds
Bail bond agencies: EBT suspension and reinstatement
Reissuance after support order compliance
- Release
- DOL receives the release establishing compliance; all other reinstatement requirements continued to be met during suspension.
- Suspension
- Suspended for certified support-order noncompliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.057; text segment 1
Return from military status
- Documentation fee
- Pay applicable renewal fees and supply orders, discharge papers or DD-214 if requested.
- Education
- Continuing education applies after the first post-discharge renewal; missed deadlines invoke normal late-renewal/cancellation rules.
- Return deadline
- Notify DOL within six months of honorable discharge.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-005; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-09 WAC — Military Service Members or Spouses — Professional License
WAC 308-09-050; text segment 1
- Chapter 18.185 RCW — Bail Bond Agents
RCW 18.185.240; text segment 1
Washington Bail Bond Agent Exam
- Provider
- Washington State Department of Licensing
- Format
- Online written examination
- Exam questions
- 70 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score
- 85%
Examination outline
Federal laws
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
State laws
- Courts of record (RCW 2)
- Firearms and dangerous weapons (RCW 9.41)
- Washington criminal code (RCW 9A)
- Bail and appearance bonds (RCW 10.19)
- Warrants and arrests (RCW 10.31)
- Uniform criminal extradition act (RCW 10.88)
- Power of attorney (RCW 11.94)
- Bail bond agents (RCW 18.185)
- Notaries public (RCW 42.44)
- Insurance (RCW 48)
State rules
- Bail bond agencies and bail bond agents (WAC 308-19)
Business and professional information
- Audits and recordkeeping
- Contracts
- General insurance practices
Examination sources
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
Study guide: complete published subject list
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
About the exam
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
How to take the exam
- Bail Bond Agent/Recovery Agent Reexam Application
Application type: qualified, agent and recovery reexaminations
Qualified Agent Exam
- Provider
- Washington State Department of Licensing
- Format
- Online written examination
- Exam questions
- 70 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score
- 85%
Examination outline
Federal laws
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
State laws
- Courts of record (RCW 2)
- Firearms and dangerous weapons (RCW 9.41)
- Washington criminal code (RCW 9A)
- Bail and appearance bonds (RCW 10.19)
- Warrants and arrests (RCW 10.31)
- Uniform criminal extradition act (RCW 10.88)
- Power of attorney (RCW 11.94)
- Bail bond agents (RCW 18.185)
- Notaries public (RCW 42.44)
- Insurance (RCW 48)
State rules
- Bail bond agencies and bail bond agents (WAC 308-19)
Business and professional information
- Audits and recordkeeping
- Contracts
- General insurance practices
- Business licensing requirements (for qualified agents only)
The prelicense bail bond agent training topic requirements
- The basics of bail bonds
- Responsibilities of a bail bond agent
- Understanding power of attorney
- Court jurisdiction
- Articulated offense
- Understanding the liability in surety bonds
- Role in criminal justice
- The rights of the clients
- Ethics pertaining to how to treat your clients
- Sexual harassment between agents and clients
- Transporting clients
- Phone service in jails
- How to be in compliance with jail requirements
- Collect call companies
- Harassment and no contact orders of the client
- Collateral
- General recordkeeping
- Contracts
- Basic requirements of bail bond recovery agents
- Understanding of the privacy laws
- The basics of notaries
- Basic understanding of the trust account
- Application of the Consumer Protection Act
Additional subjects for qualified bail bond agent license applicants
- Recordkeeping and filing
- Business licensing, taxation and related reporting and recordkeeping requirements
- Personnel management
- Laws relating to employment
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
Examination sources
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
Study guide: complete published subject list
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-300; text segment 2
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
About the exam
- Bail Bond Agent/Recovery Agent Reexam Application
Application type: qualified, agent and recovery reexaminations
- Exams: Bail bond agents and qualified agents
How to take the exam
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-105; text segment 1
- Chapter 308-19 WAC — Bail Bond Agencies and Bail Bond Agents
WAC 308-19-105; text segment 2