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Investment Advisor License in Washington

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Investment Advisor license in WA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$500

Processing Time

4-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Series 65 or Series 66 Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Investment Advisor license in Washington.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Investment Advisor training program in Washington.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your WA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Series 65 or Series 66 Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Washington licensing board and pay the $500 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-8 weeks in WA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

The path to becoming a licensed Investment Advisor in Washington involves several key steps. First, complete an approved education program recognized by WA. Next, prepare for and successfully pass the Series 65 or Series 66 Exam. Finally, gather your documentation and submit your license application through the Washington state licensing portal.

Requirements

Washington has specific requirements for Investment Advisor licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to provide investment advice and manage client portfolios. A clean background check is mandatory in WA, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The Series 65 or Series 66 Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Washington board.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Investment Advisor license in Washington is approximately $500. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. WA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Washington may incur additional penalties of up to $125.

License Fee Calculator — Investment Advisor in Washington

Base License Fee$500
Estimated Total$500

Renewal Process

Washington requires Investment Advisor license holders to renew their credentials every 1 year. The renewal fee is $350 in WA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Washington offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Investment Advisor in WA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Washington requires renewal every 1 year.

Additional Information

Washington takes professional licensing seriously, and the Investment Advisor field is no exception. The state board in WA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Investment Advisor in Washington, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The WA licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Investment Advisor

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Washington Investment Advisor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize WA Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts WA Investment Advisor license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize WA Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize WA Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize WA Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Washington

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Olympia

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504

(360) 236-4700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Seattle

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8484

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spokane

808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 625-6250

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tacoma

747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 591-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Vancouver

415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-8600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Washington Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Washington state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.