How to get a contractor license in Washington

Step by step

1. Form your business LLCs and corporations form through the Secretary of State first. (source: L&I form F625-001-000 (opens in a new tab), source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
2. Get a business license Get a business license (UBI number) from the Department of Revenue. (source: L&I form F625-001-000 (opens in a new tab), source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
3. Open a workers' comp account If you have employees, open a workers' comp account. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
4. Get a bond and insurance Get a $30,000 (general) or $15,000 (specialty) bond and liability insurance with L&I as certificate holder. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
5. Register and pay Register with L&I and pay the $150.20 fee. (source: L&I form F625-001-000 (opens in a new tab))

Costs and fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Bonds and insurance

Bond: $30,000 bond required. $30,000 for general contractors, $15,000 for specialty contractors. Raised on 1 July 2024 from $12,000 / $6,000. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab), source: L&I news: contractor bond increase (opens in a new tab), source: RCW 18.27.040 (opens in a new tab))

• Electrical and plumbing contractors were not affected by the 2024 bond increase. (source: L&I news: contractor bond increase (opens in a new tab))
• You can claim against the bond through a court action for breach of contract or bad work. (source: RCW 18.27.040 (opens in a new tab), source: L&I news: contractor bond increase (opens in a new tab))

• Workers' comp: Employers must open a workers' comp account.
• General liability: $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined. L&I must be listed as certificate holder.

(source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))