Washington Securities License Requirements: A Complete Guide
Navigate Washington's securities licensing for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and agents. Understand state-specific requirements, fees, and application processes with the WA DFI.
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Washington requires individuals and firms conducting securities business in the state to be licensed or registered. The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Securities Division administers state-level licensing under Washington state law. Licensing generally involves determining the correct category (Broker-Dealer, Investment Adviser, Agent, or Investment Adviser Representative), passing required exams, submitting forms through FINRA's CRD or IARD systems, clearing a background check, and paying state fees. Consult the DFI Securities Division directly at dfi.wa.gov for current fee schedules and processing timelines.
Quick Answer: Washington Securities Licensing Overview
Washington requires individuals and firms that conduct securities business in the state to be licensed or registered. The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Securities Division, administers state-level licensing under Washington state law. The DFI coordinates with FINRA's Central Registration Depository (CRD) and the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) for most application filings.
The four core license categories are:
- Broker-Dealers (BDs): Firms that buy and sell securities for their own account or for customers.
- Investment Advisers (IAs): Firms or individuals that provide investment advice for compensation.
- Securities Salespersons (Agents): Individuals who represent a broker-dealer in securities transactions.
- Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs): Individuals who represent an investment adviser in providing advice.
Getting licensed generally means passing FINRA or NASAA-administered exams, submitting the correct forms through CRD or IARD, clearing a background check, and paying state fees to the DFI. Consult the DFI Securities Division directly at dfi.wa.gov for current fee schedules.
Sources & Verification (10)
- Encouraging renewable energy in Washington through tax policy and investment in local communities.
- Establishing a tourism self-supported assessment program to fund statewide tourism promotion.
- Supporting wildfire mitigation by modifying RCW 82.04.29005, concerning taxes on loan interest.
- Concerning language accessible public programs, activities, and services conducted, operated, or administered by state agencies.
- Concerning the medicaid access program.
- Concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities.
- Aligning the quality assurance fee for the ambulance transport fund with federal regulations.
- Creating guidelines for voter suppression and vote dilution claims under the Washington voting rights act.
- Clarifying the scope of authority of the office of independent investigations to align with current operations and practices and to include public disclosure requirements and protect privacy.
- Requiring state registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades to provide behavioral health and wellness training.
Last verified: May 14, 2026
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How we verify: 9 source adapters (FAA, DSIRE, IRS, OpenStates, etc.) → AI draft → AI editor → AI polish → spot human review.
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