Washington contractor compliance
Washington Contractor License Renewal: L&I Guide
Renewing what is commonly called a Washington contractor license means renewing the L&I contractor registration and keeping its 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 |
| If registration is suspended | Correct the suspension issue, provide proof, and use L&I's reinstatement process | L&I current Reinstate |
How to renew a Washington contractor license
Renew the existing L&I contractor registration rather than applying for a new general contractor exam. Use this order to check the record before you pay.
- 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/.
How to reinstate a suspended Washington contractor registration
L&I says a suspended contractor registration may be reinstated online, in person, or by mail after the contractor provides the registration number and contact information, proves the suspension issue was corrected, and pays the current $70.90 reinstatement fee.
Renewal and reinstatement are different. Use renewal when the registration is eligible to renew; use L&I's reinstatement instructions when the official record shows a suspension. Check the current status in the official Verify tool before choosing a path.
Related guides
- Washington general contractor license and registration guide
- Washington contractor license cost guide
- Washington contractor license bond requirements
- Washington contractor insurance requirements
Keep business records separate from the official renewal
L&I's renewal process and record remain the official source. A contractor may separately organize recurring requests for contact details, bond or insurance files, and internal follow-up notes. Those business records do not replace an L&I filing, state form, or official verification result.
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 / 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?
In Washington, contractor license renewal means renewing the L&I contractor registration. The registration period is 2 years. 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. Check the official record, bond, and insurance information before completing 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.
How do I reinstate a suspended Washington contractor registration?
L&I says a suspended contractor registration may be reinstated online, in person, or by mail after the contractor provides the registration number and contact information, proves the suspension issue was corrected, and pays the current $70.90 reinstatement fee.