Washington Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor A general contractor under RCW 18.27 may perform most types of construction and may subcontract work across multiple trades. General contractors may also self-perform work. Plumbing, electrical, elevator, mobile/manufactured home installation, boiler, and asbestos work have additional certification requirements on top of contractor registration. | $141.10 (2-year registration) | $141.10 every 2 years; $66.60 reinstatement fee if lapsed | $30,000 contractor bond (or assignment of account) |
| Specialty Contractor A specialty contractor is limited to work within one of the specialty categories defined by L&I (63 categories total) and cannot subcontract out work — only work within the registered specialty may be performed. Common specialties include roofing, siding, painting, flooring, concrete, landscaping, and others. | $141.10 (2-year registration) | $141.10 every 2 years; $66.60 reinstatement fee if lapsed | $15,000 specialty contractor bond (or assignment of account) |
| Electrical Administrator / Master Electrician Required for any firm holding an electrical contractor license under RCW 19.28. The administrator must pass an examination and be designated on the electrical contractor license. Master electrician is a companion certification demonstrating advanced competency. | See L&I electrical fee schedule | 3-year certificate renewal | Electrical contractor bond under RCW 19.28.041 |
| Journey-Level Electrician (01) General journey-level electrical certification under RCW 19.28.191. Authorizes the holder to perform the full scope of electrical work under a licensed electrical contractor. Requires 8,000 hours of supervised experience plus a passing exam score. | See L&I electrical fee schedule | 3-year certificate renewal | N/A (individual certificate) |
| Journey-Level Plumber (PL01) Journey-level plumber certification under RCW 18.106 authorizing work in all phases of plumbing construction. Requires 4+ years (8,000+ hours) of trainee experience — including at least 2 years in commercial/industrial work — plus a passing exam score. | See L&I plumbing fee schedule | Certificate renewal per L&I schedule | N/A (individual certificate) |
| Residential Plumber (PL02) Residential plumber certification limited to single-family dwellings, duplexes, and buildings not exceeding three stories. Requires 3+ years (6,000+ hours) of supervised experience plus a passing exam. | See L&I plumbing fee schedule | Certificate renewal per L&I schedule | N/A (individual certificate) |
| Pump & Irrigation Specialty Plumber (PL03) Specialty plumber certification for pump and irrigation work. Requires 2+ years (4,000+ hours) of supervised experience and an active electrical certification. | See L&I plumbing fee schedule | Certificate renewal per L&I schedule | N/A (individual certificate) |
Processing time: Typically 2-6 weeks from complete application to active registration. Most delays come from bond filing, insurance documentation, or missing business registration with the Washington Department of Revenue. from application submission to license issuance.
Washington (WA) regulates construction contractors through a registration system administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under the Contractor Registration Act, RCW 18.27. Unlike most states, Washington does not require a trade or law exam to register as a general or specialty contractor — applicants must instead file a surety bond, carry minimum general liability insurance, and pay the registration fee. Bond amounts were raised effective July 1, 2024, to $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. Electricians and plumbers are licensed separately by L&I under RCW 19.28 and RCW 18.106, respectively, and those trades DO require examination. All contractor and tradesperson credentials can be verified through the official L&I "Verify" lookup tool.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's L&I Registration Number
Every registered contractor in Washington is issued a unique L&I contractor registration number (often formatted like BUSINESSNAMEXX123XX). State law requires contractors to include their registration number in all advertising. If a contractor cannot or will not provide a registration number, treat that as a serious red flag.
Step 2: Look Up the Registration on L&I's Verify Tool
Use the official L&I Verify tool to confirm the contractor's registration status. You can search by contractor name, registration/license number, UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number, or workers' compensation account. The lookup displays current registration status, bond information, insurance status, any infractions or suspensions, and the contractor's UBI and expiration date.
Step 3: Verify Bond and Insurance
Washington requires every active contractor to maintain a surety bond and minimum liability insurance. The L&I Verify record shows whether both are current.
- General contractor bond: $30,000 minimum (effective July 1, 2024)
- Specialty contractor bond: $15,000 minimum (effective July 1, 2024)
- General liability insurance: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, OR $250,000 combined single limit
- Workers' compensation: required for any contractor with employees (administered by L&I)
Step 4: Check for Infractions or Suspensions
The L&I Verify record flags infractions, bond impairments, and any suspension of registration. Under RCW 18.27.040 (bond) and RCW 18.27.050 (insurance), a contractor's registration is automatically suspended if the bond or insurance is impaired or cancelled. A pattern of infractions is a strong signal to walk away.
Step 5: Confirm Trade-Specific Licensing
Electrical and plumbing work in Washington require separate trade licenses issued by L&I under RCW 19.28 and RCW 18.106. A general contractor registration does NOT authorize electrical or plumbing work — the firm and the individual performing the work must each hold the appropriate credential. Verify electricians and plumbers on the same L&I Verify tool.
Washington Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Required for registration under RCW 18.27.050. Minimum: $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, OR $250,000 combined single limit. The policy must name the State of Washington as a certificate holder. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any contractor with employees. Washington operates a monopolistic state workers' comp fund administered by L&I — private workers' comp policies are generally not permitted. |
Washington Contractor Bond Requirements
Washington requires every registered contractor to post a surety bond under RCW 18.27.040. Effective July 1, 2024, the general contractor bond increased from $12,000 to $30,000 and the specialty contractor bond increased from $6,000 to $15,000. As an alternative, the contractor may file an assignment of savings (cash, CD, or money market account) in the same amount. The bond protects consumers, employees, and suppliers who suffer financial harm from the contractor's work.
Washington Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Washington law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must include their L&I registration number in all advertising and on contracts.
- L&I maintains the public Verify tool so consumers can confirm registration, bond, insurance, and infraction history before signing a contract.
- Washington's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) allows consumers to pursue deceptive trade practice claims against contractors, including treble damages and attorney fees.
- L&I investigates infractions under RCW 18.27.200 and can issue notices of infraction, assess civil penalties, and suspend a contractor's registration.
- Each day an unregistered contractor works, and each worksite where the contractor works, is a separate infraction under RCW 18.27.200.
- Electrical and plumbing work are separately licensed under RCW 19.28 and RCW 18.106, so consumers can verify tradespeople independently from the general contractor.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Washington puts you at risk:
- Unregistered contracting is an infraction under RCW 18.27.200 — each day and each worksite counts separately
- No L&I bond means no bond claim available to the consumer if the contractor walks off or does defective work
- The consumer loses access to L&I's complaint and infraction process for unregistered activity
- Homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage caused by work performed by an unregistered contractor
- The contractor's written agreements may be harder to enforce, and Consumer Protection Act remedies may still apply
- L&I can issue stop-work orders and pursue civil penalties against unregistered contractors
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Washington
Report unregistered contracting activity to L&I. Under RCW 18.27.200, performing contractor work without a valid registration is an infraction, and each day and each worksite is a separate infraction. L&I investigates tips and conducts proactive compliance checks.
- Online: lni.wa.gov contractor complaint/tip form
- Phone: 1-800-647-0982
- Email: ContReg@Lni.wa.gov
- Mail: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Washington
L&I's Contractor Compliance program investigates complaints against registered and unregistered contractors. L&I can issue notices of infraction, assess monetary penalties, and suspend registration. For financial recovery, consumers may file a claim against the contractor's bond or pursue civil action under the Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86).
You can file a complaint by:
- Online and forms: lni.wa.gov contractor complaint portal
- Phone: 1-800-647-0982 (L&I Contractor Registration)
- Email: ContReg@Lni.wa.gov
- Mail: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450
Bond claims have strict timing rules — consumers generally must file a bond claim and commence legal action within one year of the contractor's work or breach. Consult the L&I bond claim guidance or an attorney before the deadline lapses.
Washington Contractor Bond Schedule
Washington contractors must maintain a continuous surety bond or cash-equivalent assignment for as long as their registration is active. The bond amount depends on registration type.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor Bond | $30,000 | Required for all active general contractor registrations. Increased from $12,000 effective July 1, 2024. |
| Specialty Contractor Bond | $15,000 | Required for all active specialty contractor registrations. Increased from $6,000 effective July 1, 2024. |
| Assignment of Account (alternative) | $30,000 or $15,000 | In lieu of a surety bond, a contractor may file an assignment of savings — cash, certificate of deposit, or money market account — held for the benefit of L&I. |
What Makes Washington Contractor Licensing Unique
Registration, Not Examination
Unlike most states, Washington does NOT require general or specialty contractors to pass a trade exam or a business-and-law exam. Contractor registration under RCW 18.27 is a filing process — submit the application, proof of bond, proof of insurance, and pay the fee. Exams ARE required for electricians (RCW 19.28) and plumbers (RCW 18.106), which are licensed separately.
Bond Amounts Increased July 1, 2024
Effective July 1, 2024, Washington raised the general contractor bond from $12,000 to $30,000 and the specialty contractor bond from $6,000 to $15,000. The increase was the first major update in decades and reflects inflation in project costs and consumer harm.
Two Registration Types: General and Specialty
General contractors can self-perform work and hire subcontractors across multiple trades. Specialty contractors are limited to a single L&I specialty category and may not subcontract out work. L&I recognizes 63 specialty categories.
Monopolistic State Workers' Comp
Washington is one of four monopolistic workers' compensation states — private workers' comp policies are generally not allowed. Contractors with employees must pay into the state fund administered by L&I.
Separate Electrical and Plumbing Licensing
Electrical contracting requires both an Electrical Contractor license (firm level) and an Electrical Administrator plus certified journey-level or specialty electricians (individual level) under RCW 19.28. Plumbing work requires journey-level, residential, or specialty plumber certification under RCW 18.106. Contractor registration alone does not authorize this work.
Washington Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Washington Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Washington?
Go to the L&I Verify tool at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify and search by contractor name, registration number, UBI number, or workers' comp account. The result shows current registration status, bond information, insurance status, UBI, expiration date, and any infractions or suspensions. You can also call L&I Contractor Registration at 1-800-647-0982.
Does Washington require a contractor's exam?
No. Washington does not require an exam for general or specialty contractor registration under RCW 18.27 — it is a registration system, not a licensing system. However, exams ARE required for electricians under RCW 19.28 and plumbers under RCW 18.106, both of which are licensed separately by L&I.
What's the difference between a general contractor and a specialty contractor in Washington?
A general contractor can perform most types of construction and hire subcontractors across multiple trades. A specialty contractor is limited to one L&I-defined specialty category (out of 63) and cannot subcontract out work — they can only perform work within their registered specialty.
How much does a Washington contractor registration cost?
The registration application fee is $141.10 for a 2-year registration, with a $141.10 renewal fee every 2 years. If a registration lapses, the reinstatement fee is $66.60. These fees are separate from the surety bond premium and general liability insurance premium the contractor must also carry.
Do Washington contractors need a surety bond?
Yes. As of July 1, 2024, general contractors must post a $30,000 bond (up from $12,000) and specialty contractors must post a $15,000 bond (up from $6,000). Instead of a surety bond, a contractor may file an assignment of savings (cash, CD, or money market) in the same amount with L&I.
What insurance does a Washington contractor need?
Under RCW 18.27.050, contractors must carry general liability insurance of at least $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, OR $250,000 combined single limit. Any contractor with employees must also pay into the state workers' compensation fund administered by L&I — Washington is a monopolistic workers' comp state.
What happens if I hire an unregistered contractor in Washington?
Unregistered contracting is an infraction under RCW 18.27.200. Each day the contractor works and each worksite where the contractor works counts as a separate infraction. L&I can issue notices of infraction, assess civil penalties, and pursue stop-work orders. For the consumer, hiring an unregistered contractor means no L&I bond to claim against, limited Consumer Protection Act leverage, and potential issues with homeowner's insurance if work causes damage.
How do I file a complaint against a Washington contractor?
File a complaint with L&I online at lni.wa.gov, by phone at 1-800-647-0982, by email at ContReg@Lni.wa.gov, or by mail to P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450. For financial recovery, consider filing a bond claim (strict 1-year timing rule) or pursuing a Consumer Protection Act claim under RCW 19.86.
Do I need a separate license for electrical or plumbing work in Washington?
Yes. Electrical contracting is licensed separately under RCW 19.28 — the firm needs an Electrical Contractor license with a designated Electrical Administrator, and individual electricians need a journey-level or specialty certificate. Plumbing is licensed separately under RCW 18.106 — journey-level (PL01), residential (PL02), pump & irrigation (PL03), and other specialty certifications. A general contractor registration does NOT authorize this work.
How long does it take to register as a contractor in Washington?
Most applications are processed in 2 to 6 weeks once L&I receives the complete application, proof of bond, proof of general liability insurance, and confirmation of business registration with the Washington Department of Revenue (UBI number). No exam means the timeline is generally much faster than in exam-based states like California.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- L&I — Register as a Contractor (official) — Primary L&I page covering contractor registration requirements, fees, bond and insurance minimums. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- L&I Verify — Contractor and Tradesperson Lookup — Official L&I lookup tool for contractors, electricians, plumbers, and workers' comp accounts. Search by name, license number, or UBI. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- RCW Chapter 18.27 — Registration of Contractors — Full text of the Contractor Registration Act, including registration requirement (18.27.020), bond (18.27.040), insurance (18.27.050), and enforcement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- RCW 18.27.200 — Infractions — Defines unregistered contracting as an infraction; each day and each worksite is a separate infraction. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- RCW Chapter 19.28 — Electricians and Electrical Installations — Statutory framework for electrical contractor licenses, administrator certificates, and journey-level/specialty electrician certificates. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- RCW Chapter 18.106 — Plumbers — Statutory framework for Washington plumber certification — journey-level, residential, and specialty credentials. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- RCW Chapter 19.86 — Consumer Protection Act — Washington's Consumer Protection Act — unfair and deceptive practices claims, treble damages, and attorney fees. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- L&I — Plumber Certification (RCW 18.106) — Overview of Washington plumber certifications: PL01 journey-level, PL02 residential, PL03 pump & irrigation, PL04 residential service, PL30 backflow, and medical gas endorsement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- L&I — Electrical Licensing, Exams & Education — Entry point for Washington's electrical licensing system under RCW 19.28 — contractor license, administrator certificate, and journey-level/specialty electrician certificates. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- L&I — Problems with a Contractor — How to file complaints against registered or unregistered contractors, bond claim information, and L&I enforcement process. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- L&I — Prevailing Wage — Prevailing wage requirements applicable to contractors on Washington public works projects. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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