Washington contractor compliance
Washington Contractor License Bond: Continuous Surety Bond Requirements
To register as a construction contractor in Washington, you must file a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond or accepted security with L&I. The amount is $30,000 for a general contractor and $15,000 for a specialty contractor.
What is a Washington continuous contractor surety bond?
L&I's official contractor bond form is called the Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond. It is used when a contractor files the bond required for Washington contractor registration. Washington Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond is the L&I form F625-003-000 used for contractor registration bond filing. The form states it remains in force continuously unless the surety gives written cancellation notice to L&I.
Washington contractor bond amounts
| Requirement | Verified value | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Official L&I bond form | Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond | L&I form Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond F625-003-000 |
| Legal basis | RCW 18.27.040 and WAC 296-200A-030 | RCW WAC RCW 18.27.040 |
Why the amount differs
Washington treats general and specialty contractors differently. General contractors can perform most construction work and hire subcontractors across multiple specialties. Specialty contractors are limited to their registered specialty and cannot hire subcontractors.
Keeping your bond current
L&I requires the continuous contractor surety bond or assignment of account to stay current before renewal. Before renewal, contractors should verify their surety bond or assignment of account is up to date. A new or updated bond must be signed by the bonding agent with the bonding company seal, match the business name on file, and reach L&I before the filing date shown on the bond.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm whether your registration is general or specialty.
- Use the L&I Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond form or an accepted assignment of account.
- Get the correct bond amount: $30,000 general or $15,000 specialty.
- Make sure the business name matches the L&I registration record.
- Keep the bond current through each renewal.
Related Washington guides
- Washington general contractor license and registration guide
- Washington contractor license cost guide
- Washington contractor insurance requirements
- contractor bond vs. insurance comparison
Official sources
- https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor/ L&I current · Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties / Step 2: Purchase your surety bond and insurance / Renew / Change or Update Your Insurance or Bond
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.27.040 RCW WAC · RCW 18.27.040
- https://lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F625-003-000.pdf L&I form · Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond F625-003-000
FAQ
How much is a contractor bond in Washington?
$30,000 for a general contractor and $15,000 for a specialty contractor.
How much is a Washington contractor license bond?
Washington lists a $30,000 bond for general contractors and a $15,000 bond for specialty contractors.
What is a Washington continuous contractor surety bond?
It is the official L&I contractor registration bond form. The bond remains in force continuously unless the surety gives written cancellation notice to L&I.
Is a contractor bond the same as insurance?
No. A bond protects customers and certain claimants; liability insurance protects the business against covered claims.
What is the legal basis for the Washington contractor bond?
RCW 18.27.040 and WAC 296-200A-030 are the official sources used for this guide.