Washington § 19.16.140 - License — Application — Fees — Exemptions.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 19.16.140 — License — Application — Fees — Exemptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19.16.140. License — Application — Fees — Exemptions.

Each applicant when submitting his or her application shall pay a licensing fee and an investigation fee determined by the director as provided in RCW 43.24.086. The licensing fee for an out-of-state collection agency shall not exceed fifty percent of the licensing fee for a collection agency. An out-of-state collection agency is exempt from the licensing fee if the agency is licensed or registered in a state that does not require payment of an initial fee by any person who collects debts in the state only by means of interstate communications from the person's location in another state. If a license is not issued in response to the application, the license fee shall be returned to the applicant.
An annual license fee determined by the director as provided in RCW 43.24.086 shall be paid to the director on or before January first of each year. The annual license fee for an out-of-state collection agency shall not exceed fifty percent of the annual license fee for a collection agency. An out-of-state collection agency is exempt from the annual license fee if the agency is licensed or registered in a state that does not require payment of an annual fee by any person who collects debts in the state only by means of interstate communications from the person's location in another state. If the annual license fee is not paid on or before January first, the licensee shall be assessed a penalty for late payment in an amount determined by the director as provided in RCW 43.24.086. If the fee and penalty are not paid by January thirty-first, it will be necessary for the licensee to submit a new application for a license: PROVIDED, That no license shall be issued upon such new application unless and until all fees and penalties previously accrued under this section have been paid.
Any license or branch office certificate issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire on December thirty-first following the issuance thereof.
[ 2011 c 336 s 509; 1994 c 195 s 4; 1985 c 7 s 81; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 90; 1971 ex.s. c 253 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 19.16.140

What does Revised Code of Washington § 19.16.140 cover?

Section 19.16.140 ("License — Application — Fees — Exemptions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 19.16.140?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 19.16.140" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 19.16.140 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.