Surrogacy Escrow Services – License Required to Conduct Business in Washington

Alert number: CAC-25-4142_03/26

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning consumers to verify the license of any surrogacy escrow services provider they are considering doing business with. You can verify a license by calling the Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING DFI (746-4334) or online at https://www.dfi.wa.gov.

Verify Licenses

DFI warns Washington consumers that before doing business with a surrogacy services agency, the consumer should verify that funds paid by or on behalf of the intended parents are kept in a separate, licensed escrow account. DFI strongly recommends that consumers verify the escrow services provider is properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether escrow agents are properly licensed using "Verify a License" feature on the Department of Financial Institutions website at Verify Financial Services and Industry Licenses in Washington State.

Escrow Services Laws

Escrow services are subject to the Escrow Agent Registration Act unless otherwise exempt from licensing pursuant to the Escrow Agent Registration Act. Escrow Agents providing surrogacy escrow services are required to have a valid license.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by an escrow agent, please contact the Department at 1-877-RING DFI (746-4334) or online at https://www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraud you may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.fbi.gov.

See: RCW 19.380.010: Regulation of surrogacy brokers.