Washington contractor license classes
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries issues 78 license classes and certifications. Find yours below. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab), source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the L&I website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Look up the contractor and check the registration is active, plus workers' comp status, safety violations and bond lawsuits. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Washington State Department of Labor & Industries sources. See sources.
All license classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| General | General contractor | More than one trade; $30,000 bond (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 1 | Appliances, equipment | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 2 | Asbestos and lead | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 3 | Awnings, canopies, patio covers and exterior screens | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 4 | Boiler, steam fitting, process piping | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 5 | Cabinets, millwork and finish carpentry | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 6 | Central vacuum systems | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 7 | Closets | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 8 | Commercial/industrial refrigeration | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 9 | Concrete | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 10 | Construction clean-up | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 11 | Demolitions and salvage | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 12 | Doors, gates and activating devices | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 13 | Drain cleaning and snaking | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 14 | Drilling, blasting and soil sampling | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 15 | Drywall | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 16 | Electrical | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. Electrical work also needs a separate L&I electrical license. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 17 | Elevator | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 18 | Excavation, grading and land clearing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 19 | Fencing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 20 | Fireproofing and coating | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 21 | Fire protection | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 22 | Floor covering and counter tops | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 23 | Framing and rough carpentry | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 24 | Glass and glazing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 25 | Gutters and downspouts | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 26 | Handyman | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 27 | House moving | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 28 | Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 29 | Industrial equipment/machines | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 30 | Institutional equipment, stationary furniture, lab tables, lockers | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 31 | Insulation and acoustical | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 32 | Irrigation sprinkler systems | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 33 | Landscaping | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 34 | Lathing and plastering | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 35 | Locks, security alarms and warning systems | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 36 | Masonry | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 37 | Manufactured/mobile home set up | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 38 | Metal fabrication/sheet metal | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 39 | Overhead/garage doors | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 40 | Painting and wall covering | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 41 | Paving/striping/seal coating | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 42 | Plumbing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 43 | Pressure washing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 44 | Roofing | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 45 | Sandblasting | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 46 | Sanitation systems and/or side sewers | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 47 | Scaffolding and safety railings | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 48 | Service station equipment and maintenance | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 49 | Siding | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 50 | Signs | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 51 | Steel erectors | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 52 | Structural pest control | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 53 | Suspended ceilings and acoustical tile | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 54 | Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 55 | Tanks and tank removal | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 56 | Tile, ceramic, mosaic and natural and manufactured stone | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 57 | Tree removal | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 58 | Utilities and telecommunications | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 59 | Window coverings | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 60 | Water conditioning equipment | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 61 | Welding and ornamental metal | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 62 | Well drilling | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty 63 | Wood/pellet and gas stove | Specialty contractor registration (one trade), $15,000 bond. (source: WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 01 | General electrical | Electrical certificate/license specialty. Covers all electrical and telecom work. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab), source: L&I: Electrician licensing (opens in a new tab)) |
| 02 | Residential | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 03 | Pump and irrigation | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 03A | Domestic pump | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 04 | Signs | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 06 | Limited energy system | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 06B | Restricted (limited energy) | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07 | Nonresidential maintenance | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07A | Nonresidential lighting maintenance and lighting retrofit | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07B | Residential maintenance | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07C | Restricted nonresidential maintenance | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07D | Appliance repair | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 07E | Equipment repair | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
| 09 | Telecommunications | Electrical certificate/license specialty. (source: WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab)) |
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RCW 18.27.020 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RCW 18.27.040 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RCW 18.27.060 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RCW 18.27.200 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RCW 18.27.340 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- L&I form F625-001-000 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- WAC 296-200A-016 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- WAC 296-46B-920 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- L&I news: contractor bond increase (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- L&I: Electrician licensing (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- L&I: Report a contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- EPA Section 608 technician certification (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].