How to Get a Restraining Order in Washington
In Washington these are called Civil protection orders (domestic violence protection order; also sexual assault, stalking, vulnerable adult, extreme risk, and antiharassment protection orders). A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Here is how to ask for one, what happens next, and where to get free help — each rule linked to the statute or official court page.
Quick answers for Washington
- Cost
- No fees for service of process can be charged to petitioners, and courts may not charge fees or surcharges that a petitioner must pay to get relief; petitioners get the needed certified copies and forms. No bond is required. RCW 7.105.105(8)-(9)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- If the petition shows conduct that supports an order and that serious immediate harm or irreparable injury could result without immediate action, the court can grant an ex parte temporary protection order without notice to the respondent, with or without a hearing. RCW 7.105.305(1), (3)
- How long an order lasts
- After a hearing, the court can grant relief for a fixed period or enter a permanent order. Except for antiharassment orders, a fixed order cannot be shorter than 1 year unless the petitioner asks. RCW 7.105.315, 7.105.405(1)
- Where to ask
- File in the county where you live, or in the county where the act happened, where a protected child mainly lives, or where you lived before relocating because of the respondent. RCW 7.105.075, 7.105.105(1), (7)
Last verified: 2026-10-25
Safety first
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- You can talk to a trained advocate any time, for free and confidentially, through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
- Advocates can help you make a safety plan and fill out the court forms. Many courts have advocates on site.
- Keep copies of the order with you. Give copies to people who need to know, such as your workplace or your child's school.
Getting an order
| Types of orders | Washington's civil protection order law covers six types: domestic violence protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, stalking protection orders, vulnerable adult protection orders, extreme risk protection orders, and antiharassment protection orders. One petition form is used. Source: RCW 7.105.100(1) |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A domestic violence protection order is for domestic violence by an intimate partner or a family or household member. Intimate partners include current or former spouses or domestic partners, people with a child in common, and people who have or had a dating relationship (both at least 13). Sexual assault, stalking and antiharassment orders do not require a relationship. A petitioner can also file on behalf of family or household members who are minors or vulnerable adults. Source: RCW 7.105.010(21), 7.105.100(1) |
| Where to ask | File in the county where you live, or in the county where the act happened, where a protected child mainly lives, or where you lived before relocating because of the respondent. Courts must accept petitions in person, electronically (available any time of day, processed the next judicial day if filed after hours), or by mail for people who cannot file otherwise. Leaving your home does not affect your right to file. Source: RCW 7.105.075, 7.105.105(1), (7) |
| Cost | No fees for service of process can be charged to petitioners, and courts may not charge fees or surcharges that a petitioner must pay to get relief; petitioners get the needed certified copies and forms. No bond is required. The court forms page lists fee-waiver forms for antiharassment petitions, which can involve filing fees in some cases. Source: RCW 7.105.105(8)-(9) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | If the petition shows conduct that supports an order and that serious immediate harm or irreparable injury could result without immediate action, the court can grant an ex parte temporary protection order without notice to the respondent, with or without a hearing. The court must consider ordering the respondent to surrender firearms and dangerous weapons. Source: RCW 7.105.305(1), (3) |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | Personal service by law enforcement is required in cases involving firearm surrender, child custody transfer, removing the respondent from a shared home, or an incarcerated respondent; law enforcement must make at least two timely attempts. Other cases may allow other service methods, including electronic service. No service fee is charged to petitioners. Source: RCW 7.105.150(1), 7.105.105(9) |
| The court hearing | The full hearing must be set no later than 14 days after the petition is filed (or 14 days from the next judicial day if filed after hours), which may be extended for good cause. Even if a temporary order is denied, the court generally still sets a full hearing. If the respondent has not been served, the court reissues the temporary order. |
| How long an order lasts | After a hearing, the court can grant relief for a fixed period or enter a permanent order. Except for antiharassment orders, a fixed order cannot be shorter than 1 year unless the petitioner asks. Restraints on contact with the respondent's own minor children are limited to 1 year. You can move to renew a fixed-term order within the 90 days before it expires; a renewal hearing is set within 14 days. Source: RCW 7.105.315, 7.105.405(1) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The court can order the respondent not to commit abuse, stalking or harassment; not to contact you or your household; to leave a shared home; to stay away from your home, work, school and children's school or day care (presumptively at least 1,000 feet); make residential provisions for shared children; order treatment or evaluations; give you exclusive custody of pets; order use of a vehicle and return of personal effects (with law enforcement stand-by); and other relief. Source: RCW 7.105.310(1), 7.105.320 |
|---|---|
| Firearms | When issuing protection orders, courts must consider and, where required by RCW 9.41.800, order the respondent to surrender and not access, possess, buy or receive firearms, dangerous weapons and any concealed pistol license. Cases requiring firearm surrender must be personally served by law enforcement. |
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating the main restraint provisions of a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or vulnerable adult protection order (no violence or threats, no contact, stay-away, exclusion, distance limits, pet provisions) is a gross misdemeanor. An assault in violation of an order that is not first- or second-degree assault is a class C felony. Source: RCW 7.105.450 |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | Minors aged 15 to 17 can file on their own (except vulnerable adult orders) and can file for a minor family or household member. Children under 15 need an authorized petitioner, such as a parent, guardian or custodian. A minor who was protected can petition to renew after turning 18. |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | The Washington Secretary of State runs the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which provides a substitute mailing address and mail forwarding for survivors. Phone 1 (800) 822-1065 or (360) 753-2972. |
Forms and help in Washington
- Washington courts: protective order help
- Official Washington protective order forms
- Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Free legal aid in Washington
Washington protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Washington?
Washington's civil protection order law covers six types: domestic violence protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, stalking protection orders, vulnerable adult protection orders, extreme risk protection orders, and antiharassment protection orders. One petition form is used.
Who can get a restraining order in Washington?
A domestic violence protection order is for domestic violence by an intimate partner or a family or household member. Intimate partners include current or former spouses or domestic partners, people with a child in common, and people who have or had a dating relationship (both at least 13). Sexual assault, stalking and antiharassment orders do not require a relationship. A petitioner can also file on behalf of family or household members who are minors or vulnerable adults.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Washington?
File in the county where you live, or in the county where the act happened, where a protected child mainly lives, or where you lived before relocating because of the respondent. Courts must accept petitions in person, electronically (available any time of day, processed the next judicial day if filed after hours), or by mail for people who cannot file otherwise. Leaving your home does not affect your right to file.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Washington?
No fees for service of process can be charged to petitioners, and courts may not charge fees or surcharges that a petitioner must pay to get relief; petitioners get the needed certified copies and forms. No bond is required.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Washington?
If the petition shows conduct that supports an order and that serious immediate harm or irreparable injury could result without immediate action, the court can grant an ex parte temporary protection order without notice to the respondent, with or without a hearing. The court must consider ordering the respondent to surrender firearms and dangerous weapons.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Washington?
The full hearing must be set no later than 14 days after the petition is filed (or 14 days from the next judicial day if filed after hours), which may be extended for good cause. Even if a temporary order is denied, the court generally still sets a full hearing. If the respondent has not been served, the court reissues the temporary order.
How long does a restraining order last in Washington?
After a hearing, the court can grant relief for a fixed period or enter a permanent order. Except for antiharassment orders, a fixed order cannot be shorter than 1 year unless the petitioner asks. Restraints on contact with the respondent's own minor children are limited to 1 year. You can move to renew a fixed-term order within the 90 days before it expires; a renewal hearing is set within 14 days.
What can a protective order do in Washington?
The court can order the respondent not to commit abuse, stalking or harassment; not to contact you or your household; to leave a shared home; to stay away from your home, work, school and children's school or day care (presumptively at least 1,000 feet); make residential provisions for shared children; order treatment or evaluations; give you exclusive custody of pets; order use of a vehicle and return of personal effects (with law enforcement stand-by); and other relief.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Washington?
When issuing protection orders, courts must consider and, where required by RCW 9.41.800, order the respondent to surrender and not access, possess, buy or receive firearms, dangerous weapons and any concealed pistol license. Cases requiring firearm surrender must be personally served by law enforcement.
How is a restraining order served in Washington?
Personal service by law enforcement is required in cases involving firearm surrender, child custody transfer, removing the respondent from a shared home, or an incarcerated respondent; law enforcement must make at least two timely attempts. Other cases may allow other service methods, including electronic service. No service fee is charged to petitioners.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Washington?
Knowingly violating the main restraint provisions of a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or vulnerable adult protection order (no violence or threats, no contact, stay-away, exclusion, distance limits, pet provisions) is a gross misdemeanor. An assault in violation of an order that is not first- or second-degree assault is a class C felony.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Washington?
Minors aged 15 to 17 can file on their own (except vulnerable adult orders) and can file for a minor family or household member. Children under 15 need an authorized petitioner, such as a parent, guardian or custodian. A minor who was protected can petition to renew after turning 18.
Can I keep my address confidential in Washington?
The Washington Secretary of State runs the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which provides a substitute mailing address and mail forwarding for survivors. Phone 1 (800) 822-1065 or (360) 753-2972.
Protective orders in other states
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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.