Washington contractor compliance
Washington General Contractor License: Registration Requirements
Washington general contractor license searches usually point to L&I contractor registration. Washington does not issue a general contractor license through an exam the way some states do. Construction contractors must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before bidding or doing work. Electrical and plumbing work can require separate L&I licenses.
Washington contractor registration requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Verified value | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration type | Register with WA L&I, not a general exam-based license | L&I current Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties |
| General contractor bond | $30,000 | L&I current Step 2: Purchase your surety bond and insurance |
| Specialty contractor bond | $15,000 | L&I current Step 2: Purchase your surety bond and insurance |
| General liability insurance | $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage or $250,000 combined single limit | L&I current Insurance |
| Current L&I page fee display | $150.20 | L&I current How to register / Renew online / Renew by mail |
| WAC fee rule listing | $141.10 | RCW WAC WAC 296-200A-900 |
| Registration period | 2 years | RCW WAC WAC 296-200A-035 |
| Current L&I renewal fee display | $150.20 | L&I current Renew online / Renew by mail |
License vs. registration in Washington
Many people search for a Washington general contractor license, but the official construction contractor path is L&I registration. This guide uses both terms where helpful so readers can find the right requirement, but the compliance step is contractor registration with L&I.
General vs. specialty contractor
Washington distinguishes between general and specialty contractors. General contractors can perform most types of construction work and hire subcontractors in multiple specialties. Specialty contractors can only perform work in their registered specialty and cannot hire subcontractors.
That distinction affects the bond requirement: general contractors need a $30,000 bond, while specialty contractors need a $15,000 bond.
How registration, bond, and insurance fit together
Registration is the umbrella credential for construction contractors. To complete it, L&I requires the correct contractor bond, liability insurance, and the application fee. L&I's current registration page displays $150.20. WAC 296-200A-900 still lists $141.10, so check L&I's current payment screen or office before paying.
- See Washington contractor bond requirements.
- See Washington contractor insurance requirements.
- See Washington contractor license cost for a fee, bond, and insurance cost checklist.
- See Washington contractor license renewal for the renewal period, fee, and update checklist.
- See contractor bond vs. insurance if you are comparing the two requirements.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm whether you are registering as a general or specialty contractor.
- Get the correct surety bond: $30,000 general or $15,000 specialty.
- Get general liability insurance meeting Washington’s minimum.
- Check L&I's current fee display before submitting registration materials.
- Keep registration current. The registration period is 2 years; L&I's current renewal page displays $150.20.
Official contractor lookup
Washington’s official contractor lookup is the L&I Verify tool: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/. For a step-by-step checklist, see the Washington contractor license lookup guide.
Official sources
- https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor/ L&I current · Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties / How to register / Renew online / Renew by mail / Step 2: Purchase your surety bond and insurance / Insurance / Renew online / Renew by mail
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-200A-900 RCW WAC · WAC 296-200A-900
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-200A-035 RCW WAC · WAC 296-200A-035
- https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/ L&I current · Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-200A RCW WAC · Chapter 296-200A WAC
FAQ
How do I get a contractor license in Washington State?
For general construction work, Washington contractors register with L&I rather than passing a general contractor licensing exam. Registration requires the correct bond, liability insurance, and the application fee.
Does Washington have a general contractor license exam?
No. Washington construction contractors register with L&I rather than passing a general contractor licensing exam.
How much does Washington contractor registration cost?
L&I's current registration page displays $150.20. WAC 296-200A-900 still lists $141.10, so check L&I's current payment screen or office before paying.
How much is the Washington contractor bond?
$30,000 for a general contractor and $15,000 for a specialty contractor.
Do electrical or plumbing contractors need separate credentials?
Yes. Electrical and plumbing contracting follow separate L&I licensing paths with their own requirements.