Inactive Status 

Changing to Inactive Status

Inactive status is designed for periods of time when you will not be using your license to practice law. You are not permitted to practice law while inactive and you are not eligible to vote in Bar matters. A complete description of inactive status is in Art. III Sec. B.2 of the WSBA Bylaws.

How do I change to Inactive Status

• If you are on Active, Judicial, or Pro Bono status, you can request a change to Inactive status by completing the Application for Change of Status to Inactive. Active and Pro Bono status members may change to Inactive status in their online license renewal by clicking Edit in the License Status box or on page 2 of the License Renewal Form.
• If you are suspended, you can request to be reinstated to Inactive status by sending an email to statuschanges@wsba.org.
• While on Inactive status:
  • You are not permitted to practice law, as defined by Washington Supreme Court General Rule 24.
    You must pay a $200 annual license fee.
  • You are not required to report MCLE credits, but you will be required to have completed a certain number of MCLE credits to return to Active status. 
• Time spent on Inactive status does not count towards the 50 years of service required to receive Honorary status.
• Returning to Active status after six years will require that you attend an additional reinstatement course offered only twice a year. Requesting a return to Active status after ten years will (with some exceptions) require that you retake the bar examination required for admission.
• Complete details about Inactive status and the full requirements to return to Active status can be found here: Facts to Active from Inactive.

Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.