L&I contractor lookup: how to check a Washington contractor

Step by step

1. Open L&I's Verify a Contractor page (button above). (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))
2. Search for the contractor or business. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))
3. Open the result and check the registration is active. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))
4. Check workers' comp status, safety violations and lawsuits against the bond. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))

What the results mean

• Registration: every contractor must register with L&I. Working, bidding or advertising unregistered is a gross misdemeanor. (source: RCW 18.27.020 (opens in a new tab))
• Bond: $30,000 for general contractors, $15,000 for specialty contractors. You can claim against the bond through a court action. (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))
• Insurance: $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
• Electricians and plumbers are separately licensed or certified by L&I. (source: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab), source: L&I: Electrician licensing (opens in a new tab))

Red flags when hiring

• The contractor is not registered, or the registration is not active, in L&I Verify. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab), source: RCW 18.27.020 (opens in a new tab))
• L&I Verify shows lawsuits against their bond or safety violations. (source: L&I: Verify a contractor, tradesperson or business (opens in a new tab))
• A contractor who hires an unregistered subcontractor. (source: RCW 18.27.200 (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor before you hire

Common questions