Washington
Washington Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protection Order
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 2 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Washington, a Protection Order issued under the unified RCW Chapter 7.105 can be obtained by any person who qualifies under one of six covered order types; for most order types a final order lasts at least one year and may be made permanent, though Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from that one-year floor and any petitioner may request a shorter term. Eligible individuals can file at any Superior Court in the state at no cost.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help 24/7, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Types of protection orders in Washington
Washington is one of the few states to have fully unified its civil protection order system under a single statute. As of July 1, 2022, RCW Chapter 7.105 replaced six separate statutes and consolidates them into one framework with one petition form. The six covered order types are: (1) Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), for intimate partners and family or household members; (2) Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO), for any victim of sexual assault regardless of relationship; (3) Stalking Protection Order, for any person experiencing stalking; (4) Anti-Harassment Protection Order, for any person experiencing unlawful harassment; (5) Vulnerable Adult Protection Order, for adults who are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited; and (6) Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which addresses firearm risk.
The DVPO is the track most commonly associated with domestic violence situations and is the one that triggers mandatory firearm surrender and the federal firearms ban. The other five order types are available to any person without needing a qualifying domestic relationship, which means a victim of harassment by a neighbor, a stranger, or a coworker can access civil court protection under the same statute and the same court.
Who can get a protection order in Washington?
For a Domestic Violence Protection Order, the person seeking protection (the petitioner) must have a qualifying relationship with the respondent. That includes intimate partners such as spouses, domestic partners, dating partners, and persons who share a child in common. It also includes family or household members, meaning anyone related by blood, marriage, or adoption, as well as anyone currently or formerly residing in the same home.
For all other order types under RCW 7.105, no domestic relationship is required. A victim of stalking, sexual assault, harassment, or extreme firearm risk does not need any prior connection to the respondent to seek relief. Petitioners of any age may file; the court handles filings for minors as well as adults.
How to file for a protection order in Washington
You file a petition at the Superior Court. Washington's 2022 reform standardized the petition forms statewide, so the same unified petition is accepted at any Superior Court in any county. You do not need to file in the county where you live; you may choose any county. Under VAWA, there is no filing fee or service fee for a Domestic Violence Protection Order, and by extension the unified Washington system does not charge petitioners filing fees.
Court staff and self-help centers at each Superior Court can assist with completing the forms. Washington also maintains free assistance through local domestic violence organizations and legal aid providers. After you file, a judicial officer reviews your petition the same day and decides whether to issue a temporary ex parte order. If a temporary order is granted, the court schedules a full hearing within the temporary order period. You do not need a police report or a prior criminal case to file for a civil protection order.
Temporary vs. final orders: how long they last
Washington distinguishes between two stages of protection. The temporary ex parte order is issued without the respondent being present, based solely on the petitioner's sworn statements. It is designed to provide immediate protection while the case is pending.
| Order stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temporary ex parte order | Up to 14 days (extendable for good cause) |
| Final order after hearing | At least 1 year for most order types (may be made permanent); Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from the one-year floor, and any petitioner may request a shorter term |
The temporary order remains in effect until the full hearing, which must be held within the 14-day window. At the full hearing, both parties have an opportunity to present their positions. If the court grants a final order, provides that, other than for Anti-Harassment Protection Orders, the order lasts for at least one year and may be made permanent unless the petitioner has specifically requested a shorter period. A petitioner may seek renewal within 90 days of expiration; under , the petitioner bears no burden of proving continued fear or new acts, and the court grants renewal unless the respondent proves a substantial change in circumstances that makes future harm unlikely.
Firearms and a Washington protection order
Washington law imposes mandatory firearms surrender for DVPOs and for other qualifying orders that involve a credible threat. requires the respondent to surrender all firearms and any concealed pistol license to the local law enforcement agency. This requirement applies upon service of a qualifying temporary order as well as upon issuance of a final order. imposes a parallel surrender requirement specifically for Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
In addition to the state-law requirement, a qualifying final protective order triggers the federal firearm prohibition under (g)(8). Under federal law, a person subject to such an order may not possess, purchase, or receive any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the order. Violations of the federal prohibition carry serious federal criminal penalties. Respondents who own firearms are responsible for arranging surrender and providing proof to the court; failure to comply can result in contempt proceedings.
What happens if someone violates the order?
Violating a Washington protection order is a criminal offense. Under , a knowing violation of a protection order is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. A third or subsequent violation, or any violation that involves assault, is elevated to a Class C felony, which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.
Police may arrest a respondent without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred. If someone violates the order against you, call 911 immediately. It is also helpful to document the violation as thoroughly as you can (date, time, what happened, any witnesses) and report it to the court that issued the order. Courts take violations seriously, and a documented violation may be used to support renewal, modification, or escalation of the order.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and it is not a safety plan. Protective-order rules vary by state and change. If you are in danger, call 911. For help with your specific situation, contact your local court's self-help center, a domestic-violence advocate, or a licensed attorney.
Related pages
For more background on Washington state law, see the cluster hub at Restraining Order Laws by State. Washington's recording consent laws are covered on the Washington recording law page. For self-defense doctrines in Washington, see the Washington self-defense laws page.
More Washington Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a restraining order in Washington?
File a petition for a Protection Order at any Washington Superior Court. You can file in any county. Court staff can help you complete the unified petition form at no cost. A judge reviews your petition the same day and can issue a temporary order immediately if there is danger.
How long does a protection order last in Washington?
A temporary ex parte order lasts up to 14 days until the full hearing. For most order types, a final order issued after the hearing lasts at least one year and may be made permanent, though Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are exempt from that floor and any petitioner may request a shorter term. The petitioner can seek renewal within 90 days of expiration.
How much does a restraining order cost in Washington?
Filing is free. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, courts cannot charge a filing fee or service fee for a domestic violence protective order. Washington's unified protection order system does not charge petitioners for any covered order type.
Can I get a protection order without a police report?
Yes. A civil protection order is a separate process from any criminal case. You do not need a police report, a prior arrest, or a criminal conviction to file. You file directly with the Superior Court based on your own sworn statements.
Does a protection order take away gun rights in Washington?
A qualifying final Domestic Violence Protection Order requires the respondent to surrender all firearms to the local law enforcement agency under RCW 9.41.800 (RCW 7.105.340 covers surrender specifically for Extreme Risk Protection Orders). The federal law under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8) also bans the respondent from possessing any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the order.
What happens if the abuser violates the order?
Violating a Washington protection order is a gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail and a $5,000 fine). A third or subsequent violation, or one involving assault, is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Call 911 if the order is violated and document what happened.
What is Washington's unified protection order and how is it different from other states?
Washington's SB 5297 (2021, effective July 1, 2022) consolidated six separate protection order types into one statute, RCW Chapter 7.105, with one petition form. This means victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and harassment all use the same process and the same court, which simplifies access to protection compared to states with multiple separate systems.
Updates
Corrected the bill number credited with unifying Washington's protection-order system (SB 5297, not SB 5245, which is an unrelated crime-victims bill) and fixed the renewal-standard description so it correctly states that the respondent, not the petitioner, bears the burden of proof at renewal.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected two blanket rules: the 'final order lasts at least one year' claim now notes Anti-Harassment Protection Orders are statutorily exempt and any petitioner may request a shorter term, and the DVPO firearms-surrender attribution was moved from RCW 7.105.340 (which governs Extreme Risk Protection Orders only) to RCW 9.41.800.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Revised Code of Washington
§ 7.105.315Duration of full protection orders—Other than for extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1) When issuing an order after notice to the respondent and a hearing, the court may either grant relief for a fixed period of time or enter a permanent order of protection. Other than for antiharassment orders, the court shall not grant relief for less than one year unless the petitioner has specifically requested relief for a shorter period of time. (2)(a) If a protection order restrains the respondent from contacting the respondent's minor children, the restraint must be for a fixed period not to exceed one year. This limitation is not applicable to protection orders issued under chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW. (b) If the petitioner has petitioned for relief on behalf of the respondent's minor children, the court shall advise the petitioner that if the petitioner wants to continue protection for a period beyond one year, the petitioner may either petition for renewal pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or may seek relief pursuant to the provisions of chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 8 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- Jamie Ann Sullivan v. Cory Daniel Schuyler (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 556 P.3d 157)“…ed period or enter a permanent order of protection.”) with RCW 7.105.315(1) (“When issuing an order after notice…”
- Aiden Asbach v. Adam Couto (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…ated to a renewal of the DVPO for a period of one year, and RCW 7.105.315(2) limits a protection order that rest…”
- John Loop, V. Lisa Loop (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…ing orders protecting minors are limited to one year under RCW 7.105.315(2)(a). While a protection order issued…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.340Surrender of firearms—Extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1) Upon the issuance of any extreme risk protection order under this chapter, including a temporary extreme risk protection order, the court shall: (a) Order the respondent to surrender to the local law enforcement agency all firearms in the respondent's custody, control, or possession, or subject to the respondent's immediate possession or control, and any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070; and (b) Other than for ex parte temporary protection orders, direct law enforcement to revoke any concealed pistol license issued to the respondent. (2) The law enforcement officer serving any extreme risk protection order under this chapter, including a temporary extreme risk protection order, shall request that the respondent immediately surrender all firearms in the respondent's custody, control, or possession, and any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070, and conduct any search permitted by law for such firearms. The law enforcement officer shall take possession of all firearms belonging to the respondent that are surrendered, in plain sight, or discovered pursuant to a lawful search.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2024
Leading cases:
- Joshua Mckinney, V. Christine Booker (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024)“…trial court erred in not awarding him attorney fees under RCW 7.105.340(7)(f). That statute provides, “The cour…”
- Frerichs v. Spokane City Police Department (District Court, E.D. Washington 2024)“…year limitations period. 1 B. Second Amendment & RCW 7.105.340 Claims 2…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.405Renewal of protection orders—Other than extreme risk protection orders.In force
The following provisions apply to the renewal of all full protection orders issued under this chapter, with the exception of the renewal of extreme risk protection orders. (1) If the court grants a protection order for a fixed time period, the petitioner or protected party may file a motion to renew the order at any time within the 90 days before the order expires. A minor who is or was previously protected by a protection order who has reached the age of 18 may petition for renewal of the order as the petitioner pursuant to subsection (10) of this section. The motion for renewal must state the reasons the petitioner seeks to renew the protection order. Upon receipt of a motion for renewal, the court shall order a hearing, which must be not later than 14 days from the date of the order. Service must be made on the respondent not less than five judicial days before the hearing, as provided in RCW 7.105.150. (2) If the motion for renewal is uncontested and the petitioner seeks no modification of the order, the order may be renewed on the basis of the petitioner's motion and statement of the reason for the requested renewal.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 14 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- Heather A. Hudon, Obo H.p And S.p., V. Nicolai Piffath (Court of Appeals of Washington 2025)“…ed chapter 26.50 RCW effective 2022. LAWS OF 2021, ch. 215. RCW 7.105.405(1) now refers to the request as a “moti…”
- Danielle Rae Prussak, V. Robert Allan Prussak (Court of Appeals of Washington 2023)“…e has a current reasonable fear of harm by the respondent.” RCW 7.105.405(3). Rather, the respondent must prove b…”
- Amy Espinoza, V Ursurla Uribe (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…eals the renewal and argues that the trial court misapplied RCW 7.105.405 and infringed upon her Fifth Amendment…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 7.105.450Enforcement and penalties—Other than antiharassment protection orders and extreme risk protection orders.In force
(1)(a) Whenever a domestic violence protection order, a sexual assault protection order, a stalking protection order, or a vulnerable adult protection order is granted under this chapter, or an order is granted under chapter 9A.40, 9A.44, 9A.46, 9A.88, 9.94A, 10.77, 10.99, 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW, or there is a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, or there is a Canadian domestic violence protection order as defined in RCW 26.55.010, and the respondent or person to be restrained knows of the order, a violation of any of the following provisions of the order is a gross misdemeanor, except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section: (i) The restraint provisions prohibiting acts or threats of violence against, or stalking of, a protected party, or the restraint provisions prohibiting contact with a protected party; (ii) A provision excluding the person from a residence, workplace, school, or day care; (iii) A provision prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle; (iv) A provision prohibiting interfering with…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 22 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- Jamie Ann Sullivan v. Cory Daniel Schuyler (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 556 P.3d 157)“…the portion criminalizing violations of protection orders. RCW 7.105.450- .470. Schuyler does not challenge tho…”
- State Of Washington, V. Brennaris Marquis Johnson (Court of Appeals of Washington 2024, 540 P.3d 831)“…mum on Johnson’s no-contact order violation was 60 months. RCW 7.105.450(5) (no-contact order violation is a cl…”
- State of Washington v. Ian Connor Takeshi Ozasa (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…i felony violation of an NCO under.RCW 10.99.050(2)(a) and RCW 7.105.450(5). ·Rew 10.99.050(2)(a) provides that…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 9.41.800Surrender of weapons or licenses—Prohibition on future possession or licensing.In force
(1) Any court when entering an order authorized under chapter 7.105 RCW, RCW 9A.40.102, 9A.44.210, 9A.46.080, 9A.88.160, 10.99.040, 10.99.045, 26.09.050, 26.09.060, 26.26B.020, 26.26A.470, or 46.61.5055 shall, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, that a party has: Used, displayed, or threatened to use a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a felony, or is ineligible to possess a firearm under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040: (a) Require that the party immediately surrender all firearms and other dangerous weapons; (b) Require that the party immediately surrender any concealed pistol license issued under RCW 9.41.070; (c) Prohibit the party from accessing, having custody or control, possessing, purchasing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, any firearms or other dangerous weapons; (d) Prohibit the party from obtaining or possessing a concealed pistol license; (e) Other than for ex parte temporary protection orders, unless the ex parte temporary protection order was reissued after the party received noticed and had an opportunity to be heard, direct law enforcement to revoke any concealed pistol license issued to the party.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 34 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- Alexandra Braatz v. Michael Braatz (Court of Appeals of Washington 2018, 413 P.3d 612)“…rson to surrender all firearms and other dangerous weapons. RCW 9.41.800(3). We are asked to determine the burde…”
- Jennifer Jo Dare Medlin v. Andrew Allen Miller (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…firearms, dangerous weapons, and concealed pistol licenses. RCW 9.41.800(1)(a), (b), (2)(c)(ii)(A), (B). The ord…”
- State Of Washington, V. Caleb Dane Bell (Court of Appeals of Washington 2026)“…ith No. 87502-7-I)/4 (II) Includes an order under RCW 9.41.800 requiring the person to surrend…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
United States Code Title 18
§ 922Unlawful actsIn forcecited in 61 of our articles
It shall be unlawful— for any person— except a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, or in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce; or except a licensed importer or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the business of importing or manufacturing ammunition, or in the course of such business, to ship, transport, or receive any ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce; for any importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector licensed under the provisions of this chapter to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, except that— this paragraph and subsection (b)(3) shall not be held to preclude a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector from returning a firearm or replacement firearm of the same kind and type to a person from whom it was received; and this paragraph shall not be held to preclude an individual from mailing a firearm owned in compliance…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 40,024 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Section 922(g)(1) bars a felon from possessing a firearm, and the Supreme Court cases in this line turn on sentencing, not on the ban. Taylor v. United States (1990) and Shepard v. United States (2005) held that whether prior convictions enhance a 922(g) sentence under 924(e) is decided from offense elements and limited plea records.
Leading cases:
- United States v. Booker (Supreme Court of the United States 2004, 543 U.S. 220)“…e Johnson with one crime (say, illegal gun possession, see 18 U. S. C. § 922 (g)) and Jackson with another (say, ban…”
- Almendarez-Torres v. United States (Supreme Court of the United States 1998, 523 U.S. 224)“…cidivism an offense element in such circumstances. But cf. 18 U. S. C. § 922 (g)(1) (prior felony conviction an elem…”
- Taylor v. United States (Supreme Court of the United States 1990, 495 U.S. 575)✓Taylor pleaded guilty to felon-in-possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and had two Missouri burglary convictions; the Court held that 'burglary' in the § 924(e) enhancement attached to a § 922(g) conviction means generic burglary judged by the prior statute's elements.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Can You Become an ICE Agent with a Criminal Record? (2026 Guide), How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record? (2026), Supreme Court Limits the Federal Gun Ban on Marijuana Users (Hemani, 2026)
Explore the law
This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Revised Code of Washington § 7.105.010 (Definitions.)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- RCW Chapter 7.105 - Civil Protection Orders (Washington State Legislature)(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- Washington Courts - Protection Orders Self-Help(courts.wa.gov).gov