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Washington aquatic land lease bonds.
From $100.

When you lease state-owned aquatic lands from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for more than a year, DNR can require the rent and lease terms to be secured by a bond under RCW 79.105.330 — in an amount up to two years’ rent. Premiums start from $100; a quick soft credit check may apply and never affects your score.

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Required at DNR’s discretion under RCW 79.105.330 on leases of more than one year

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Amount may not exceed two years’ rent — DNR can also require security for other lease provisions

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A soft credit check may apply — never affects your score, and premiums are 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum

From $100starting premium2%of the bond amountSoft pullnever a hard inquiry

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How it works

Apply to issued in one sitting.

Enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, and deliver the executed bond to DNR. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the lease, the bond amount DNR requires, and the effective date. The only added step is a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most clear quickly. The soft credit pull never affects your score — it informs approval, and premiums are 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

SAME DAY

Deliver to DNR

Submit the executed bond to the Department of Natural Resources as security on your aquatic lands lease. Wet-ink originals mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the aquatic lease bond actually covers

Washington’s Department of Natural Resources manages state-owned aquatic lands — tidelands, shorelands, and the beds of navigable waters — and leases them for marinas, docks, aquaculture, and other water-dependent uses under RCW 79.105.

For any lease of more than one year, RCW 79.105.330 lets DNR require that the rent be secured by insurance, a bond, or other security satisfactory to the department, in an amount not exceeding two years’ rent. DNR may also require additional security for other lease provisions.

The bond runs to DNR (the state) as obligee and stands behind your rent and the obligations in the lease. It is not insurance for you — if DNR makes a valid claim, you repay the surety. We write the amount DNR sets starting from $100, with one soft credit pull that never affects your score.

RCW 79.105.330 (DNR)Under RCW 79.105.330, for any lease of state-owned aquatic lands for a term of more than one year, the Department of Natural Resources may require that the rent be secured by insurance, bond, or other security satisfactory to the department, in an amount not exceeding two years’ rent, and may require additional security for other lease provisions. The exact amount is set by DNR for your lease — confirm it on your lease documents.

You need this bond if you are

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Leasing state-owned aquatic lands from DNR for more than one year

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A marina or dock operator on tidelands, shorelands, or navigable waterbeds

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An aquaculture or shellfish lessee DNR has asked to secure the rent

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A water-dependent business renewing or amending an aquatic lands lease

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and deliver the bond to DNR.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Washington aquatic land lease bond?Premiums are 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The amount is set by DNR for your lease and, under RCW 79.105.330, may not exceed two years’ rent. Enter that figure at the application to see your exact price.

Is the bond always required?No. RCW 79.105.330 makes it discretionary — DNR may require security on leases of more than one year. Whether a bond is required, and at what amount, depends on your lease. Confirm it on your DNR lease documents.

Can I use insurance or cash instead?The statute lets DNR accept insurance, a bond, or other security satisfactory to the department. A surety bond is usually the cheapest option — you pay the premium rather than tying up cash or a letter of credit for the full amount.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. It confirms eligibility — premiums are a flat 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, regardless of credit tier.

Where do I file it?With the Washington Department of Natural Resources, as security on your aquatic lands lease. We issue the executed bond ready to deliver.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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Aquatic lease bond, issued today.

From $100. Enter the amount DNR requires and deliver it the same day.

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Your premiumfrom $100

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