Engaging in business without certificate of coverage — Unlawful actions — Penalties.
RCW 51.48.103
in effect(1) It is a gross misdemeanor: (a) For any employer to engage in business subject to this title without having obtained a certificate of coverage as provided for in this title; (b) For the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or other officer of any company to cause or permit the company to engage in business subject to this title without having obtained a certificate of coverage as provided for in this title. (2) It is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW: (a) For any employer to engage in business subject to this title after the employer's certificate of coverage has been revoked by order of the department; (b) For the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or other officer of any company to cause or permit the company to engage in business subject to this title after revocation of a certificate of coverage. (3) An employer found to have violated this section shall, in addition to any other penalties, be subject to the penalties in RCW 39.12.055 .
(1) It is a gross misdemeanor:
(a) For any employer to engage in business subject to this title without having obtained a certificate of coverage as provided for in this title;
(b) For the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or other officer of any company to cause or permit the company to engage in business subject to this title without having obtained a certificate of coverage as provided for in this title.
(2) It is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW:
(a) For any employer to engage in business subject to this title after the employer's certificate of coverage has been revoked by order of the department;
(b) For the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or other officer of any company to cause or permit the company to engage in business subject to this title after revocation of a certificate of coverage.
(3) An employer found to have violated this section shall, in addition to any other penalties, be subject to the penalties in RCW 39.12.055 .
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=51.48&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026