Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 48.15.073 — Nonresident surplus line brokers — Licensing — Reciprocity — Service of process., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48.15.073. Nonresident surplus line brokers — Licensing — Reciprocity — Service of process.
(1) The commissioner may license a nonresident person as a surplus line broker who is not a resident of this state if the person's resident state issues nonresident surplus line broker licenses to residents of this state on the same basis.
(2) A nonresident that holds a surplus line broker's license, or the equivalent, in the applicant's home state, and that license is in good standing is deemed qualified and meets the minimum standards of this state for licensing as a nonresident surplus line broker.
(3) Once a person has been issued a nonresident surplus line broker's license by the commissioner, the licensee must fulfill all the same responsibilities as a resident surplus line broker, except for bonding, and is subject to the (a) commissioner's supervision as though resident in this state and (b) rules adopted under this chapter.
(4) A nonresident surplus line broker's license expires if not timely renewed. A nonresident surplus line broker's license is valid for the time period established by the commissioner unless suspended or revoked at an earlier date. The request and fee for the renewal of the license is the same as the renewal and fee requirements for a resident surplus line broker licensed under RCW
48.15.070.
(5) Each licensed nonresident surplus line broker, by application for and issuance of a license, is deemed to have appointed the commissioner as the surplus line broker's attorney to receive service of legal process issued against the surplus line broker in this state upon causes of action arising within this state. Service upon the commissioner as attorney constitutes effective legal service upon the surplus line broker.
(a) The appointment of the commissioner as attorney is irrevocable, binds any successor in interest or to the assets or liabilities of the surplus line broker, and remains in effect for as long as there could be any cause of action against the surplus line broker arising out of the surplus line broker's insurance transactions in this state.
(b) Service of legal process must be accomplished and processed in the manner prescribed in RCW
48.02.200.
Notes
Effective date—2017 c 49: See note following RCW
48.15.070.
Effective date—2010 c 18: See note following RCW
48.15.070.
Effective date—2009 c 162: See note following RCW
48.03.020.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 48.15.073
What does Revised Code of Washington § 48.15.073 cover?
Section 48.15.073 ("Nonresident surplus line brokers — Licensing — Reciprocity — Service of process.") 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 § 48.15.073?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 48.15.073" (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 § 48.15.073 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.
