Inactive Status FAQs

What is Inactive status?

A member on Inactive status may not practice law or participate in WSBA affairs. You may not be an Inactive member if your employment or duties in Washington constitute the practice of law.

How do I change my status to Inactive?

If your current membership status is Active or Emeritus, you may change it to Inactive by using the Application for Change of Membership Status to Inactive. You may also use your annual licensing form by signing on the line to change to Inactive status.

If your current membership status is Suspended, you must use the Application for Change of Membership Status From Suspended to Inactive to change from Suspended to Inactive.

Do I pay a license fee while on Inactive status?

Yes, the annual license fee for Inactive members is $120.

Do I still need to earn CLE credits while on Inactive status?

While you are not required to report CLE credits while on Inactive status, you may be required to report CLE credits for the years you were Inactive in order to return to Active status. It depends on when you transferred to Inactive status:

Before September 1, 2003: If your status was changed from Active or Emeritus to Inactive before September 1, 2003, then you are not required to report CLE credits for the years in which you are Inactive, provided you were compliant with MCLE requirements at the time of your transfer to Inactive. You will, however, need to be current on all MCLE requirements for the years in which you were previously Active if you plan to return to Active status. If you were non-compliant with MCLE requirements at the time of your transfer to Inactive, you will be required to report CLE credits for the years that you were Inactive in addition to the prior Active years. See Appendix APR 11, Reg. 113.
On or after September 1, 2003: If your status was changed from Active or Emeritus to Inactive on or after September 1, 2003, you will be required to report credits for all Active and Inactive years upon your return to Active status. In order to return to Active status, you must provide satisfactory evidence that you are current with the MCLE requirements for all prior full reporting periods.

How long can I be Inactive and return to Active without retaking the Bar Exam?

There are limits on how long a member can remain on Inactive status without re-taking the Bar exam. The length of time that you can be Inactive without re-taking the Bar exam depends on when you changed to Inactive status:

Before September 1, 2003: If you are Inactive longer than three years, you may have to take and pass the Washington State Bar examination in order to return to Active status, unless you establish active legal experience for three of the five years immediately preceding your application to Active status. If you cannot establish active legal experience, you may qualify under the current bylaws that took effect September 1, 2003 (below).
On or after September 1, 2003: You may be on Inactive status only for five years or less of the preceding 10 years, and you must report CLE credits for all years of all prior full reporting periods to return to Active status. If you are on Inactive status for longer than five years of the preceding ten years, you must take and pass the Washington State Bar examination in order to return to Active status.

How do I change back to Active status?

For inactive, judicial or emeritus members to return to Active status, you must be current on MCLE requirements, annual licensing fees, and all conditions set forth in the WSBA Bylaws and the Admission to Practice Rules (APR). In order to determine your eligibility and requirements to return to active status, you must submit a Request for Application to Active Status form with the required non-refundable $100 status change investigation fee. Following receipt and processing of the required fee and request form, a status change application packet will be sent to you. This packet will contain your specific and individual requirements to be met to change your status to active, including all necessary forms. Because the requirements for each particular status change are based on the facts of the individual member�s situation and requires investigation of that member�s records, the WSBA cannot assess or discuss your specific requirements prior to receiving the Status Change to Active Request Form and the investigation fee.

Forms are available on the status change page of the WSBA website or by request via e-mail to statuschanges@wsba.org. You may also contact the WSBA Service Center at 206-443-9722 or 800-945-9722.

Is there any more information about Inactive status I should know?

Yes, for further information, please carefully read section II.C.1-3 of the WSBA Bylaws. In addition, please click here see Appendix APR 11, Reg. 113.

Will I receive Bar News while on Inactive status?

Not without asking. You may receive a free subscription to Bar News while on Inactive status, but you must specifically request the subscription either by letter or by marking the appropriate box on the annual licensing form.