Escrow Agent Information
The Division of Consumer Services administers the Escrow Agent Registration Act, Chapter 18.44 RCW. The Division licenses and inspects escrow agents under the Act, investigates complaints and may take enforcement action against those who violate the Act.
What's New
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Spring 2008 Newsletter
The first escrow newsletter is available. View the newsletter.
If you didn't receive the newsletter via email, subscribe to the escrow agent ListServ.
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License Renewal Changes
Effective August 22, 2007, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions will no longer accept paper forms for escrow officer license renewal.
All licensed escrow officers must use the automated renewal system on or before their license expiration date.
To access the escrow officer license renewal system please click here.
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Escrow Agent ListServ
Subscribe to the escrow agent ListServ.
Licensing and Regulation of Escrow Agents
It is illegal to engage in business as an escrow agent within the State of Washington or with respect to transactions that involve personal property or real property located in the state unless the escrow agent is licensed. There are some exceptions to this requirement, such as those for title insurance companies, banks, credit unions, bankruptcy trustees, and in some cases, attorneys and real estate brokers. For more information on who is required to be licensed, please consult the Escrow Agent Registration Act.
The Escrow Agent Registration Act and related rules (WAC 208-680A through WAC 208-680G) contain various requirements and restrictions intended to protect the interests of the clients of escrow agents. The Act imposes bonding, record-keeping, disclosure, and reporting requirements on escrow agents, places restrictions on affiliations and office closures, and prohibits fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive practices by escrow agents.
Limited Practice Officer (LPO) Licensing
The LPO license is issued by the LPO Board, not by the Division of Consumer Services. Visit the Washington State Bar Association for information about obtaining an LPO license. You may contact the Board by e-mail at questions@wsba.org or phone (206) 443-9722 or (800) 945-9722.
Inspections
The Division of Consumer Services periodically conducts on-site examinations of licensed escrow agents. Financial examiners conduct inspections on a risk-based examination cycle. Financial examiners also conduct "for cause" inspections in response to complaints or other indications that violations may be occurring.
Complaints and Enforcement
The Division investigates complaints against escrow agents and may take appropriate enforcement action against escrow agents who violate the Escrow Agent Registration Act and related rules. For more information about filing a complaint or to access the complaint form, please consult our file a complaint page.
Statutes, Rules, & Interpretations
RCWs - Escrow
WACs - Escrow (WAC 208-680A through WAC 208-680G)
Escrow Act Interpretive Statements
Escrow Interpretive Letters
Rule Changes
Applications and Forms
Testing Information
Escrow Testing Dates & Times
Escrow Officer Exam Registration (PDF)
Escrow Officer Exam Cover Letter (PDF)
If you are studying to take the escrow officer examination, you may find some helpful information on the websites of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Escrow Association of Washington (EAW). Both sites contain helpful information on the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Please click on the following icons to access these sites:
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Miscellaneous Forms
Public Record Request Form (PDF)
Escrow Commission Meetings
As authorized pursuant to RCW 18.44.500, the escrow commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Division focusing on the needs of the escrow profession. Members of the commission, appointed by the agency director, meet quarterly to discuss industry issues.
Learn more about the commission and view the meeting schedule.
Keeping Data Secure
To protect non-public sensitive information from unauthorized access, the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) does not send, receive, or request the transmission of unencrypted electronic non-public sensitive information. Learn more...
Contact Us
Mailing Address:
Department of Financial Institutions
Consumer Services Division
PO Box 41200
Olympia, WA 98504-1200
Phone Numbers:
Main Telephone Line: (360) 902-8703
Toll Free: (877) RING DFI (746-4334)
TDD: (360) 664-8126
Email: dcs@dfi.wa.gov
Please also see our staff directory.
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