LicenseCompass

Financial Planner License in Washington

Quick Answer

Washington requires IARD registration ($40 as firm representative or $150 as sole proprietor), passing qualifying exams (Series 65 or Series 7+66), filing a financial statement, and submitting a proposed client contract.

Exam
Series 65 or Series 7 + Series 66
Total Cost
$600 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Annually (December 31)

Requirements

Financial Planner license in Washington

gold
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$40
Exam Fee
$305
Total Estimated Cost
$600

Licensing Agency

Department of Financial Institutions

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Financial Planner license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$40
Exam FeeEst.$305
Total Estimated Cost$345

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.

Financial Planner Salary in Washington

Entry Level

$63,150

Median

$112,020

Experienced

$239,200

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Financial Planner in Washington.

  1. 1

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — Series 65 or Series 7 + Series 66

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$40.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 months.

Financial Planner Licensing in Washington: What to Know

Washington specifically lists Financial Planner through the Department of Financial Institutions. The COS data states that individuals must register in the Investment Advisor Registration Depository (IARD) operated by FINRA. Registration in Washington costs $40 as a representative of a firm or $150 as a sole proprietor. Individuals must pass qualifying examinations, file a financial statement, and file a proposed client contract. A third-party exam is required and there are no criminal record prohibitions noted in the structured data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Financial Planner license cost in Washington?
The estimated total cost is $600, including application fees, exam fees ($305), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Financial Planner license in Washington?
The process typically takes 2-4 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Financial Planner license in Washington?
You need to pass the Series 65 or Series 7 + Series 66. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Financial Planner requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.