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Escrow Agents

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.

Quick Links for Escrow Agents

Featured Information

Subscribe To Email Updates

Spring 2013 Newsletter
The Division of Consumer Services Spring 2013 newsletter is now available.

Spring 2013 Newsletter
Escrow Operations Survey
DFI has prepared a five question survey to gain further knowledge on the systems and processes you utilize for your Escrow Operations. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. The survey will be available until November 21, 2012.

Escrow Operations Survey
Model Policies and Procedures for Background Checks
This document is intended to provide some guidance to Escrow Agents in developing policies and procedures to comply with RCW 18.44.311 and WAC 208-680-275. Escrow Agents are not required to adopt the model policy or model procedures, and are free to develop their own policies and procedures as long as they comply with the statute and regulations. The model policy is intended to explain when background checks are required and how they are conducted.

Model Policy for Background Checks (PDF)*
Escrow Agent Quarterly Report
The Escrow Agent Quarterly form has changed and starting this first quarter of 2011, ending on March 31, 2011, all escrow agents will use this form for their quarterly reporting.

Escrow agents must pay close attention to Part C – Escrow Agent Operation Data, which requires reporting of escrow closing, funds receipts and funds disbursements activities. Also, escrow agents must report their gross receipts.

Quarterly Report Forms: Print Only PDF* or Fillable Word**

Laws, Rules, & Interpretations

Escrow Laws (RCW 18.44)
Escrow Rules (WAC 208-680)
Escrow Act Interpretive Statements
Escrow Interpretive Letters
Escrow Act Policy Statement 02-07 (PDF)*
Necessary documentation under WAC 208-680D-040 when the Escrow Agent provides tracking or reconveyance services or uses a third party service provider for tracking or reconveyance services.

Compliance

Model Policy and Procedures for Background Checks (PDF)*
This document is intended to provide some guidance to Escrow Agents in developing policies and procedures to comply with RCW 18.44.311 and WAC 208-680-275. The model policy is intended to explain when background checks are required and how they are conducted.
Applicable Statutes & Regulations You Should Know
Applicable statues and regulations you should know as an Escrow Officer.

Newsletters

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.

* This document is a PDF file, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may download it for free from Adobe.

** This document is a Microsoft Word file, and you will need Microsoft Word to view it. If you do not have Microsoft Word installed on your machine, you can download the free Microsoft Word Viewer.

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