ALERT: Our office is aware of misleading notices being sent to businesses. Please visit our "Misleading Notices" page for examples. To verify required submissions, confirm any notices from our office through your business filing history. [Posted 11/12/2024]

Service of Process/Summons and Complaint

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Service on a Business RCW 23.95.450
A business registered in the Office of the Secretary of State may be served with any process, notice, or demand required or permitted by law by serving the registered agent. (See RCW 23.95.450). You may find the registered agent name and address, principal office address, and governing persons' names and address for any business registered in our office on our online system using the search tool at: https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/ After attempting service on the registered agent and/or principal office per statute, you may serve the Secretary of State by providing the following:

  • A completed and signed Business Service Of Process Cover Sheet
    • Providing the UBI number and business name as recorded with our office
  • A copy of the documents being served
  • The required $50 filing fee
    • If serving multiple businesses a separate $50 filing fee and Service of Process Cover Sheet are required.

 

Service on a Non-Admitted Business RCW 23B.18.040
If serving a business that is not registered in the Office of the Secretary of State prior to service being provided to our office review RCW 23B.18.040 to ensure that this statute is met. If so, you may serve the Secretary of State by providing the following:

  • A completed and signed Business Service of Process Cover Sheet
    • Providing the business name, selecting the Non-Admitted box, and providing the jurisdiction of the business.
  • A copy of the documents being served
  • The required $50 filing fee
    • If serving multiple businesses a separate $50 filing fee and Service of Process Cover Sheet are required.

 

Service on a Motorist RCW 46.64.040

A non-resident motorist or a resident motorist who cannot be located within the State may be served to the Secretary of State which acts as the defendant's attorney-in-fact by providing the following:

  • A completed Motorist Service of Process Cover Sheet
    • Provide the Defendant(s) name and last known addresses.
  • Plaintiff's affidavit of compliance
  • Affidavit of the plaintiff's attorney which has the required information per RCW 46.64.040
    • The required information is outlined on the cover sheet.
  • Required filing fee
    • $50 per one marital community or individual per address. Examples are provided on the cover sheet.

 

Service on a Trademark Registrant RCW 19.77.090

A Trademark Registrant is defined as: the person to whom the registration of a trademark under this chapter is issued, his or her legal representatives, successors, or assigns of a record with the secretary of state.

A registrant who cannot be located within the State may be served to the Secretary of State, which acts as the agent for the registrant, by providing the following:

  • A completed Registrant Service of Process Cover Sheet
    • The Trademark registration number is required to confirm the registrant is accurate
  • A copy of the document being served
  • The required $50 filing fee
    • If serving multiple registrants a separate $50 filing fee and Service of Process Cover Sheet are required.

 

You may serve our office in person or by mail. Service is considered completed by our office once all required documents and payment have been received.

Physical/Overnight address:
801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98501-1226

Mailing address:
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234