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Defamation Laws in Washington

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Washington, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Washington you must sue for libel or slander (defamation) within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to written and spoken defamation. RCW 4.16.100(1)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)In Washington you must sue for libel or slander (defamation) within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to written and spoken defamation.
Source: RCW 4.16.100(1)
Retraction (correction) rulesYes. Under Washington's Uniform Correction or Clarification of Defamation Act, which covers all kinds of publications (print, broadcast, spoken and online) made on or after July 28, 2013, a person may sue for defamation only if they made a timely and adequate written request for a correction or clarification, or the defendant already made one; the request is timely if made within the two-year filing period, and a complaint containing the required details can count as the request. If the publisher makes a timely and sufficient correction (generally within 30 days of the request), the plaintiff cannot recover damages for injury to reputation or presumed damages, though other damages remain available.
Source: RCW 7.96.030, 7.96.040, 7.96.060, 7.96.070

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Washington?
In Washington you must sue for libel or slander (defamation) within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to written and spoken defamation.
Does Washington have a defamation retraction law?
Yes. Under Washington's Uniform Correction or Clarification of Defamation Act, which covers all kinds of publications (print, broadcast, spoken and online) made on or after July 28, 2013, a person may sue for defamation only if they made a timely and adequate written request for a correction or clarification, or the defendant already made one; the request is timely if made within the two-year filing period, and a complaint containing the required details can count as the request. If the publisher makes a timely and sufficient correction (generally within 30 days of the request), the plaintiff cannot recover damages for injury to reputation or presumed damages, though other damages remain available.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.