Check Casher/Seller and Payday Lender Industry Update
| License Types | As of April 2020 | As of April 2019 |
| Check Casher - Main Office | 96 | 102 |
| Check Casher Branch Office | 255 | 264 |
| Check Seller Main Office | 0 | 1 |
| Payday - Main Office | 20 | 23 |
| Payday - Branch Office | 49 | 53 |
Check Casher Annual Assessments
A word of thanks to the Check Casher and Small Loan Endorsement licensees who completed the annual assessment process on or ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
This year, to streamline the filing process, the Department launched an online assessment filing system. This new system allowed licensees to file the Annual Assessment Report (AAR) and Consolidated Annual Report (CAR) as well as make an electronic payment, if applicable.
As of the filing deadline, 84% of licensees filed the required report on time. Licensees who failed to file timely will receive suspension notices soon and are encouraged to file as soon as possible.
Check Casher and Small Loan Endorsements Annual Assessments
Exemption from Licensure under Certain Circumstances
The Department recently received several inquiries from entities regarding cashing checks and licensure requirements.
As a reminder, there are certain circumstances where a Washington State check casher license may not be required for a business cashing checks. To be eligible, the business must comply with all three of the conditions listed below:
- The check cashing activity must be a minor part of the customary business;
- The business can charge up to $5 for cashing checks for the convenience of customers; and
- The business cannot advertise or solicit for check cashing.
Any businesses with questions about this exemption can contact CSLS2@dfi.wa.gov.