Washington contractor compliance
Washington Contractor License Renewal: Fee and 2-Year Period
Washington contractor license renewal is about keeping the L&I registration, bond, and insurance records current. It is not a new general contractor exam.
Washington contractor license renewal requirements
| Requirement | Verified value | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration type | L&I contractor registration | L&I current Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties |
| Registration period | 2 years | RCW WAC WAC 296-200A-035 |
| Current L&I renewal page display | $150.20 | L&I current Renew online / Renew by mail |
| WAC fee rule listing | $141.10 | RCW WAC WAC 296-200A-900 |
| Bond update rule | 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. | L&I current Renew / Change or Update Your Insurance or Bond |
| Insurance update rule | Before renewal, contractors should verify general liability insurance is up to date. If insurance company or coverage amount changed since last renewal, information must be updated before renewal. A registration may be suspended when bond or insurance cancels or expires. | L&I current Renew / Change or Update Your Insurance or Bond / Reinstate |
Washington contractor renewal checklist
- Use L&I’s official verification tool to confirm your current registration record.
- Check that your bond or assignment of account is still current.
- Check whether your insurance company or coverage amount changed.
- Confirm the renewal fee in L&I's current payment flow before paying.
- Keep copies of bond and insurance updates for your records.
Official lookup before renewal
Use the official L&I Verify tool to review contractor records: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/.
Related guides
- Washington general contractor license and registration guide
- Washington contractor license cost guide
- Washington contractor license bond requirements
- Washington contractor insurance requirements
Official sources
- https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor/ L&I current · Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties / Renew online / Renew by mail / Renew / Change or Update Your Insurance or Bond / Renew / Change or Update Your Insurance or Bond / Reinstate
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-200A-035 RCW WAC · WAC 296-200A-035
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-200A-900 RCW WAC · WAC 296-200A-900
- https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/ L&I current · Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business
FAQ
How do I renew a Washington contractor license?
Start by checking the contractor record in L&I’s official lookup, then make sure the registration, bond, insurance, and renewal fee information are current before renewal.
How often does a Washington contractor registration renew?
2 years.
How much is the Washington contractor renewal fee?
L&I's current renewal page displays $150.20. WAC 296-200A-900 still lists $141.10, so verify the amount in L&I's current payment flow before paying.
Should bond and insurance be checked before renewal?
Yes. Contractors should verify bond and insurance information before renewal and update L&I when required.
Is Washington contractor license renewal a new exam?
No. For construction contractors, renewal keeps the L&I registration active. It is not a new general contractor licensing exam.