Contractor licenses in
Washington
Washington licenses or registers contractors statewide.
Official search run by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration at lni.wa.gov
Which work needs a license
The state licenses general, specialty, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing work.
Small jobs
Under $500
Work on one project with an aggregate price under $500 for labor and materials is exempt as casual or minor, unless it is part of a larger operation.
What a licensed contractor had to show
- Exam
- No exam for general or specialty contractor registration; electrical and plumbing work have separate education and exam requirements.
- Bond
- Continuous contractor surety bond of $30,000 for general contractors or $15,000 for specialty contractors.
- Insurance
- General liability of $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
- Experience
- Not confirmed
State license searches
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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration
Registration of all general and specialty construction contractors (63 specialties including roofing, painting, HVAC)
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical Program
Electrical contractors and certified electricians
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Plumber Certification Program
Certified plumbers
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
If something goes wrong
- File a complaint about a contractor (opens official site)
- Permits come from your city or county building department.