Who needs to register

As of September 9, 2021, captive insurers need to register within 120 days of issuing a policy that covers risks in Washington. You qualify as an eligible captive insurer if you:

  • Are in good standing and licensed as a captive insurer by your domicile jurisdiction.
  • Have a captive owner under RCW 48.201.020(2)(a)(b) (leg.wa.gov) that has full or partial ownership.
  • Insure risks of the captive owner, their affiliates, or both.
  • Have at least one insured whose main business location is in Washington.
  • Have assets that are at least $1 million more than your liabilities and can pay your debts on time.
  • Provide only property and casualty insurance to the captive owner, their affiliates, or both.

See RCW 48.201.020(5)(a)-(e) for complete details.

It's the responsibility of eligible captive insurers to understand the laws, regulations and applicable statutes related to captives operating in Washington. Any individual or entity conducting business in the state as a captive insurer without proper registration is in violation of the law and may face enforcement actions. 

How to register

Registrations are valid until June 30. To register:

  1. Fill out the Account Creation and Request for Application form. We'll send an email to confirm your request. 
  2. Once we approve your request, we’ll email instructions for paying your $2,500 registration fee.
  3. After you pay the fee, we’ll send a receipt and links to the captive insurer application form and DocuSign portal where you’ll upload your application. You'll need a corporate officer to sign the form.
  4. Upload the completed application and all supporting documents to the DocuSign portal. Sign the application and choose “Finish” to submit your application.

After you apply for registration

We'll review your application and documents to make sure they're complete and follow state rules. If anything is missing, we'll contact you.

Once we finish reviewing your application, we’ll mail your certificate of registration and email a copy of it. You aren't registered until you receive your certificate.

How to report premiums and pay taxes

Under 2SSB5315 (leg.wa.gov), captive insurers need to report premiums and pay taxes. During registration, you'll need to provide contact information for the person who will report your premium taxes. Once you're registered, we'll send them more information.

By March 1 each year, you must file and pay premium taxes for the previous calendar year.

Taxes on premiums from past years

If you covered Washington risks after January 1, 2011, but don't anymore, you need to file and pay premium taxes under Sec. 4(6) of 2SSB 5315 (leg.wa.gov). To learn more, contact our tax experts.

How to renew your registration

You need to renew your registration by April 1 each year. Renewals are valid from July 1 through June 30 and cost $2,500.

To renew your registration:

  1. Download and complete the captive insurer renewal application (PDF 229.44KB) form.
  2. Gather the documents you need to include with your application.
  3. Log into the Filing and Payment Center using the credentials we emailed to you.
  4. Choose “Submit a Filing.” Then choose "Filings for Year 2024" and “Continue.”
  5. Upload your renewal application and required documents.

After you apply for renewal

We'll review your application and documents to make sure they're complete and follow state rules. If anything is missing, we'll contact you.

Once we finish reviewing your application, we'll send you a confirmation email. Your registration isn't renewed until you receive the confirmation email.

RCW/WAC
RCW 48.201
WAC 284-201