Washington specialty contractor
Washington Specialty Contractor License Requirements
Use this page when the business is registering for a specific construction specialty rather than the broader general contractor category. The key difference is scope: specialty registration is narrower, and L&I uses a different bond amount for that category.
Specialty contractor requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Verified value | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration category | Specialty contractor registration | L&I current Construction Contractors Must Be Registered / Contractor Specialties |
| Specialty contractor bond | $15,000 | L&I current Step 2: Purchase your surety bond and insurance |
| Application fee | $150.20 | L&I current How to register / Renew online / Renew by mail |
| General liability insurance | $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage or $250,000 combined single limit | L&I current Insurance |
| Official lookup | https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/ | L&I current Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business |
When specialty registration is the right path
Specialty registration is for contractors working within their registered specialty. It is not the same as the broader general contractor category, and it is not a substitute for electrical or plumbing licensing when those separate L&I trade paths apply.
What is different from general contractor registration?
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 difference is why this page keeps the specialty bond and lookup steps separate from the general contractor guide.
Specialty contractor checklist
- Confirm the business fits the specialty contractor category.
- Prepare the $15,000 specialty contractor bond.
- Prepare the $150.20 application fee.
- Confirm the L&I record after registration using the official lookup tool.
Related Washington guides
- general contractor registration for broader construction work
- the Washington bond amount comparison
- the official L&I lookup checklist
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 / How to register / Renew online / Renew by mail / Insurance
- https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/ L&I current · Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business
FAQ
Does Washington have a specialty contractor license?
Washington construction contractors register with L&I. The specialty contractor category is a registration category, not a general exam-based license.
How much is the Washington specialty contractor bond?
$15,000.
Is specialty contractor registration the same as electrical or plumbing licensing?
No. Electrical and plumbing contractors follow separate L&I licensing paths in addition to any construction contractor registration that applies.