Washington Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protection Order
Washington Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protection Order
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; a final order lasts at least one year and may be made permanent. 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; may be made permanent |
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, RCW 7.105.315 provides that the order lasts for at least one year and may be made permanent. A petitioner may seek renewal within 90 days of expiration; the court may renew without requiring proof of additional acts if the petitioner has a reasonable fear that the respondent will commit future harm.
Firearms and a Washington protection order
Washington law imposes mandatory firearms surrender for DVPOs and for other qualifying orders that involve a credible threat. RCW 7.105.340 requires the respondent to surrender all firearms and any concealed pistol license to law enforcement or a licensed dealer. This requirement applies upon service of a qualifying temporary order as well as upon issuance of a final order.
In addition to the state-law requirement, a qualifying final protective order triggers the federal firearm prohibition under 18 U.S.C. 922(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 RCW 7.105.450, 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.
More Washington Laws
- Washington AI Meeting Recording Laws
- Washington Alimony Laws
- Washington At-Will Employment Laws
- Washington Car Accident Laws
- Washington Car Seat Laws
- Washington Child Custody Laws
- Washington Child Support Laws
- Washington Common Law Marriage Laws
- Washington Data Privacy Laws
- Washington Divorce Laws
- Washington Dog Bite Laws
- Washington Emancipation Laws
- Washington Expungement Laws
- Washington Hit and Run Laws
- Washington Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Washington Lemon Laws
Sources
- Washington State Legislature, RCW Chapter 7.105 (Civil Protection Orders): https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=7.105&full=true
- Washington Courts, Protection Orders self-help page: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=14
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.
