Washington · RCW 61.16.030, 61.24.110Washington mortgage satisfaction and reconveyance: 60 days, then a declaration of payment

When a Washington mortgage is paid, the mortgagee executes, at the request of anyone interested in the property, an acknowledged written instrument acknowledging satisfaction in full, recorded on request in the county where the property is (RCW 61.16.020). A mortgagee that doesn't acknowledge satisfaction within 60 days of the request forfeits damages and a reasonable attorney's fee, and the court, once convinced the mortgage was satisfied, orders the auditor to record its order (RCW 61.16.030). Most Washington home loans use a deed of trust, which the trustee reconveys on the beneficiary's written request or on satisfaction and request (RCW 61.24.110(1)). If the beneficiary doesn't request reconveyance within those 60 days after being paid per its demand statement, a title insurance company or agent, licensed escrow agent or attorney that paid the demand from escrow may, as agent for the person entitled, submit proof of satisfaction and request the trustee to reconvey (61.24.110(2)). If the trustee can't or won't reconvey within 120 days after payment, that company, agent or attorney may record a notarized "declaration of payment" with the county auditor, mail a copy by certified mail to the beneficiary and trustee within two business days, and they have 60 days to record an objection (61.24.110(3)).