Quick answer: The Washington Superior Court probate filing fee is $290 statewide — a $200 base fee plus two surcharges of $40 and $50. Unlike most states, this core fee is the same in every county; only small local add-ons (certified copies, publication) vary.
Why Washington's filing fee is uniform
Washington probate is filed with the Superior Court of the county where the person lived. The petition-for-probate filing fee is set statewide at $290 ($200 base + $40 + $50 surcharges), so King (Seattle), Pierce (Tacoma), Snohomish (Everett), Spokane and Clark (Vancouver) all charge the same core fee. This is different from states like Ohio or Tennessee, where each county sets its own schedule.
| County (main city) | Probate filing fee |
|---|---|
| King (Seattle) | $290 |
| Pierce (Tacoma) | $290 |
| Snohomish (Everett) | $290 |
| Spokane | $290 |
| Clark (Vancouver) | $290 |
| All other Washington counties | $290 |
The $290 core fee is statewide; counties may add small charges for certified copies and other services. Confirm with the county Superior Court clerk before filing.
Other court-related costs
- Notice to creditors — publication in a local newspaper; roughly $80–$150.
- Certified Letters Testamentary / of Administration — needed by banks and title; a few dollars each.
- Bond — the court may require one, but it is commonly waived for nonintervention estates or where the will waives it.
Don't forget the estate tax
For Washington, the filing fee is trivial compared to the potential estate tax on estates above $3,000,000. If the estate is large, that is the number that matters — see the Washington probate cost breakdown for the estate-tax table, or estimate your total with the Washington probate cost calculator. For attorney costs, see Washington probate attorney fees.