How to transfer your Washington real estate license to a new brokerage
In Washington you file the License Transfer and Activation form. It needs your old firm's designated broker or branch manager to sign, and your new firm's designated broker.
Your old broker's part: has its designated broker or branch manager sign the form. Process checked against the Washington State Department of Licensing's own forms and portal on September 19, 2026. Boards change forms, so confirm there before you file.
How the Washington transfer works
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Tell your current firm you are leaving. Then download form RE-620-004 from the DOL forms page.
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Get your old firm's signature. The designated broker or branch manager signs it. DOL will not process it without them.
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Get your new firm's designated broker to sign. Then file it with DOL.
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Questions on your file. DOL real estate: 360-664-6488.
Where Washington transfers get stuck
Two signatures
Line up your old firm's signature early.
What to sort out before you switch
The state filing is the easy part. These are the things that cost agents money when they skip them.
Read your contract with your broker
Your independent contractor agreement sets your notice period, any fees you owe on the way out, and how deals that close after you leave get paid.
Listings stay with the brokerage
A listing agreement is a contract between the seller and the brokerage, not you. You can only take a listing with your old broker's written release and your seller's agreement.
Pending deals
Deals under contract usually close with your old brokerage, and your agreement decides how you are paid on them. Get it in writing before your last day.
MLS and association
Move your MLS and REALTOR® association membership to your new office so your access does not lapse.
Update every ad the same day
Signs, your website, social media and business cards must show your new brokerage once you move. State ad rules require the brokerage name.
CE and E&O
Several states will not complete a transfer while your continuing education is overdue or your errors and omissions cover has lapsed. Check both first.
What changes if you move to AXEN
No commission split. You keep 100% and pay a flat fee per closing instead.
AXEN charges a flat fee per closing ($500 on the Pro plan; less on smaller deals) that caps at $6,000 a year, or $12,000 on the Elite plan, plus a $295 per-file admin fee and a $50 a month platform fee. There is no commission split.
Revenue share and equity depend on plan and participation. Earnings examples are illustrations, not guarantees; your income depends on your own sales.
Compare the math on AXEN vs eXp vs Real fees, or look inside the AXEN portal for free. Our Washington broker handles the new-broker side of this for agents joining AXEN. See the Washington guide.
Washington license transfer questions
How long does it take to transfer a Washington real estate license?
You can start working with your new brokerage once DOL processes it. How fast that comes depends mostly on how quickly both brokers act.
How much does it cost to transfer a Washington real estate license?
DOL lists any fee on form RE-620-004.
Does my old broker have to do anything in Washington?
Yes. Your old firm's designated broker or branch manager must sign the transfer form.
What happens to my listings when I change brokerages?
Listings belong to the brokerage, not the agent. You can only take one with your old broker's written release and the seller's agreement.
Does my old firm have to sign my Washington transfer?
Yes. Their designated broker or branch manager signs form RE-620-004.
Can I transfer my license to AXEN?
Yes. AXEN is licensed in Washington, and our Washington broker handles the new-broker side of the transfer. Start at axenrealty.com/join.