Who needs to register

Rating organizations need to apply for a license before doing business or filing rates in Washington. There are different registration requirements based on the type of insurance serviced:

It’s your responsibility to understand the laws, regulations, and applicable statutes related to operating in Washington.

How to apply

  1. Download and complete the rating organization application (PDF 1.24MB) and gather all requested documents.
  2. Have your application signed by an authorized officer and notarized.
  3. Submit your application, all applicable supplemental documents, and any cover letter via email.
  4. If you provide rating services for title insurance, submit the $250 application fee to one of our mailing addresses.

Submit your application

We acknowledge applications upon receipt.

Application fee

Rating organizations for title insurance must pay a non-refundable application fee of $250. You can send your payment to:

Mailing address:
Attn: Company Supervision Division
Office of the Insurance Commissioner
PO Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504-0255

Delivery (street) address:
Attn: Company Supervision Division
Office of the Insurance Commissioner
5000 Capitol Blvd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501

USPS will only accept the PO Box mailing address and does not allow other shippers to use that address. All non-USPS shippers must use the street address. Use of an incorrect address may result in a returned application.

After you apply

Applications are assigned to our analysts in the order received. Once assigned, an analyst will reach out to the contact listed in question 7 in your application. If there's someone else who should be contacted, be sure to include their contact information in a cover letter.

We have 60 days from the submission of a complete application to either issue a license or deny your application. A complete application means that all questions have been fully answered, all required documents have been submitted, and any deficiencies have been corrected.

If you meet all requirements and any errors in your application are resolved within 15 business days, we’ll approve your application and send an invoice for the $25 license fee.

We’ll send your license by email upon receipt of the license fee.

Licensed rating organization responsibilities

Under RCW 48.19.200, you must notify us promptly of every change to your:

  • Governance and formation documents
  • Member list
  • Subscriber list
  • Service of process contact name and/or address

You should report changes to your primary company contact as soon as possible

Submit a material change notification

Rating organizations must file rates and rules before use. Requirements vary based on the line of insurance. 

Contact our Rates and Forms Help Desk at 360-725-7111 or email rfhelpdesk@oic.wa.gov if you have filing-related questions.

Renewal applications

Licenses are valid for three years, unless suspended or revoked before expiration.

You must reapply at least 60 days before your license expires to avoid a lapse. Follow the instructions under “How to apply” above.

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, you must stop doing business in Washington. You can only resume or make new filings once you apply for and receive a new license.

RCW/WAC
RCW 48.19.170 - Application for license
RCW 48.29.410 - Rating organizations - title insurance - license applications
WAC 284-29B-010 - Licensing requirement for rating organizations for title insu…