Washington Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Washington is a 'registration' state for contractors, not a 'licensing' state. General and specialty contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under the Contractor's Registration Act (RCW 18.27). No trade exam or experience is required for contractor registration itself. However, electricians and plumbers must obtain separate individual certifications with exams through L&I. HVAC work requires both contractor registration and electrical specialty certification (06A/06B). Bond amounts increased significantly on July 1, 2024 (general: $12,000 to $30,000; specialty: $6,000 to $15,000).
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Washington has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Washington Licensing Overview
Washington requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $141.1 to $497.7, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Washington also participates in reciprocity agreements with 2 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Washington Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $141.1 | — | — | $30,000 | $141.1 |
| Electrician | $107.6 | $65 | $107.6 | $4,000 | $280.2 |
| Plumber | $189.8 | $80 | $227.9 | $6,000 | $497.7 |
| HVAC Technician | $141.1 | $65 | $107.6 | $15,000 | $313.7 |
| Roofing Contractor | $141.1 | — | — | $15,000 | $141.1 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Washington Contractor Licensing
- General liability: $200,000 bodily injury + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. Workers comp must be purchased through the WA State Fund (L&I) — Washington is a monopolistic state fund state; private workers comp insurance is not allowed. Sole proprietors without employees may elect coverage but are not required to carry it.
- Washington has reciprocity agreements with 2 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- Washington is a registration state — no exam or experience required for general contractor registration
- Must include contractor registration number in all advertising, business cards, bids, and estimates
- Must also obtain a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number from the Department of Revenue
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington require a contractor license?
Yes, Washington requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Washington?
Initial licensing costs range from $141.1 to $497.7 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Washington have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Washington has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Washington?
General liability: $200,000 bodily injury + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. Workers comp must be purchased through the WA State Fund (L&I) — Washington is a monopolistic state fund state; private workers comp insurance is not allowed. Sole proprietors without employees may elect coverage but are not required to carry it.
Official Washington Licensing Resources
- Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor