Washington § 19.31.245 - Registration or licensing prerequisite to suit by employment agency — Action against unregistered or unlicensed employment agency.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 19.31.245 — Registration or licensing prerequisite to suit by employment agency — Action against unregistered or unlicensed employment agency., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19.31.245. Registration or licensing prerequisite to suit by employment agency — Action against unregistered or unlicensed employment agency.

(1) No employment agency may bring or maintain a cause of action in any court of this state for compensation for, or seeking equitable relief in regard to, services rendered employers and applicants, unless such agency shall allege and prove that at the time of rendering the services in question, or making the contract therefor, it was registered with the department or the holder of a valid license issued under this chapter.
(2) Any person who shall give consideration of any kind to any employment agency for the performance of employment services in this state when said employment agency shall not be registered with the department or be the holder of a valid license issued under this chapter shall have a cause of action against the employment agency. Any court having jurisdiction may enter judgment therein for treble the amount of such consideration so paid, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(3) A person performing the services of an employment agency, employment listing service, or employment directory without being registered with the department or holding a valid license shall cease operations or immediately apply for a valid license or register with the department. If the person continues to operate in violation of this chapter the director or the attorney general has a cause of action in any court having jurisdiction for the return of any consideration paid by any person to the agency. The court may enter judgment in the action for treble the amount of the consideration so paid, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
[ 1993 c 499 s 8; 1990 c 70 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 51 s 10.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 19.31.245

What does Revised Code of Washington § 19.31.245 cover?

Section 19.31.245 ("Registration or licensing prerequisite to suit by employment agency — Action against unregistered or unlicensed employment agency.") 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 § 19.31.245?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 19.31.245" (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 § 19.31.245 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

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