Washington Bitcoin ATM Regulations
Washington’s DFI says most virtual currency exchanges, kiosks, or ATMs are likely money transmitters under the Uniform Money Services Act.
Licensing Requirements
Washington’s DFI publishes a virtual currency primer stating that persons who receive money or virtual currency to transmit money or virtual currency to another location are money transmitters.
The same primer notes that most persons operating virtual currency exchanges, kiosks, or ATMs are likely to meet the definition of money transmitter, subject to statutory exclusions.
Washington also has an active enforcement record involving virtual currency kiosk operators and money transmitter compliance.
Federal Requirements
Federal rules still matter even where a state has no Bitcoin ATM-specific statute.
- Register with FinCEN as a money services business when required by federal law.
- Maintain a written anti-money-laundering program, designate a compliance officer, and train kiosk support staff.
- Use customer identification, sanctions screening, and scam-escalation procedures sized to transaction risk.
- File Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports when thresholds or facts require them.
Consumer Protection Resources
Washington Department of Financial Institutions is the main public contact for scam complaints and consumer questions in Washington.
Consumers can start with Washington Department of Financial Institutions or call 1-877-RING DFI.
- Washington has published policy statements and consumer alerts specifically addressing scams involving virtual currency kiosks.
- Consumers should verify licensure and use caution with kiosks that request urgent transfers or QR-code scans.
- Washington has taken enforcement action when kiosk activity created likely consumer harm.
Operator Requirements
Washington is one of the states with the clearest public guidance for virtual currency kiosks.
- Most kiosks and exchanges are likely to be treated as money transmitters.
- Licensees transmitting virtual currency may also face like-kind permissible-investment rules.
- Consumer disclosures around scam risk matter, especially for kiosk transactions.
Legislative Reference
Primary state framework: RCW 19.230 (Uniform Money Services Act).
Primary regulator: Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Washington uses the Uniform Money Services Act, policy statements, and enforcement actions rather than a separate Bitcoin ATM-only statute.
Official source: state licensing and guidance materials.