Washington operates as a licensed court reporter jurisdiction. When a stenographic deposition transcript is intended to serve as the official record for use in Washington courts, it must be prepared and certified by a properly licensed Certified Court Reporter (CCR) under the authority of the Washington State Department of Licensing and in compliance with the Washington Court Rules governing depositions. A transcript prepared by an unlicensed individual may be subject to evidentiary objection if offered as the official record in motion practice, trial proceedings, or appellate review.
Under Washington Civil Rule (CR) 28 and CR 30, depositions must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified by that officer. The certification must affirm that the testimony was accurately reported and transcribed and that the reporter held valid Washington licensure at the time of the proceeding. Washington courts rely on the certified stenographic transcript as the authoritative evidentiary record.
Remote depositions are permitted under Washington procedural rules by stipulation of the parties or court order. The licensure requirement for official stenographic transcripts applies equally to remote proceedings. Oath administration must comply with statutory authority, and certification language must reflect compliance with Washington standards. Audio or video recordings may supplement testimony but do not replace a certified stenographic transcript absent express agreement or judicial authorization.
For deposition transcripts intended for filing, evidentiary reliance, or trial use in Washington courts, confirmation of active CCR licensure and adherence to procedural requirements ensures admissibility and procedural defensibility.
Under Washington Civil Rule (CR) 28 and CR 30, depositions must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified by that officer. The certification must affirm that the testimony was accurately reported and transcribed and that the reporter held valid Washington licensure at the time of the proceeding. Washington courts rely on the certified stenographic transcript as the authoritative evidentiary record.
Remote depositions are permitted under Washington procedural rules by stipulation of the parties or court order. The licensure requirement for official stenographic transcripts applies equally to remote proceedings. Oath administration must comply with statutory authority, and certification language must reflect compliance with Washington standards. Audio or video recordings may supplement testimony but do not replace a certified stenographic transcript absent express agreement or judicial authorization.
For deposition transcripts intended for filing, evidentiary reliance, or trial use in Washington courts, confirmation of active CCR licensure and adherence to procedural requirements ensures admissibility and procedural defensibility.
Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026
