When you have a resident license from another state and are moving to Washington state

Exam requirements must be completed by anyone who wants a resident license, unless you had or have a resident license in another state before you move to Washington.

The exam can be waived if you complete the following steps, in order, within 90 days of your move:

  1. Cancel your previous home state license.
  2. Apply for your resident Washington state license online (including paying new license fees).
  3. If you have a letter of clearance from your previous state, please attach it to your application.
  4. Get your e-fingerprints.

If we receive an application but it has been more than 90 days since your previous resident license was canceled, you will not qualify for the exam waiver. You'll have to pass Washington state exam(s) before you apply for your resident license.

If you already have a non-resident license for Washington state, call us before you apply online. We will need to modify your license record internally before our system will allow you to list a new resident state on your online application.

When you’re licensed as a Washington state resident and moving to another state

You will need to cancel your Washington state resident license to obtain a resident license from your new home state.

NOTICE: Effective March 1, 2022, we no longer issue letters of clearance. Your new home state can access information about your Washington license from the NAIC producer database “PDB.”

If you'll be transacting insurance business in Washington after you've moved to another state

What you’ll need to do in this situation depends on when you cancel your Washington resident license.

If it’s been 30 days or less since your Washington resident license was canceled

  1. Obtain a resident license from your new home state.
  2. Send a us a message online or fax to 360-586-2019 for your non-resident Washington license.

You will not have to complete a new application or pay new license fees if your request is received within 30 days of canceling of your Washington state resident license.

Your request for a new non-resident license needs to include:

  • Notice that your Washington state license status has changed from resident to non-resident.
  • Your name and WAOIC number.
  • Your old resident and mailing addresses.
  • Your new resident and mailing addresses.
  • A copy of your new resident license—we will not verify your new resident licensure online; you must provide a copy.

If it’s been more than 30 days since your Washington resident license was canceled

  1. Obtain a resident license from your new home state.
  2. Send a us a message online or fax to 360-586-2019 with your new resident address information before you try to submit your application. We will need to modify your license record internally before our online system will allow you to list a new resident state on your application.
  3. Complete your new application and pay new license fees.

When you have a Washington state non-resident license and resident license from another state and are changing your resident state

Send us notice via fax or email within 30 days of changing your home state, and we will update our non-resident record for you. Remember, your non-resident license with Washington state is granted based on you holding an active resident license with another state. Be sure we can verify your new resident license status online.