Contractor Licensing in Washington: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Washington requires a statewide license for 3 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Department of Labor & Industries. Initial costs run $280.2 to $497.7.
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
RegistrationOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RegistrationInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Washington has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Washington reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
Washington Licensing Overview
Washington requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician, plumber, hvac technician — are regulated by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). General Contractor and Roofing Contractor requirea statewide registration rather than a license — mandatory, with its own fees and bond, but no trade exam. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $280.2 to $497.7, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. 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 | $150.2 | — | — | $30,000 | $150.2 |
| 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, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Washington
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Washington. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→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 requires statewide registration, not a license, for general contractor and roofing contractors — no trade exam.
- 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
You're registered in Washington — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Labor & Industries issues the General Contractor Registration; the business that invoices Washington customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the registration number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Washington requires a $30,000 surety bond. Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond of $30,000 (increased from $12,000 on July 1, 2024). Alternative: assignment of savings account for same amount. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the registration requires.
Washington requires general liability insurance for this registration. 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. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington require a contractor license?
Yes, Washington requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 trades: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Washington?
Initial licensing costs range from $280.2 to $497.7 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
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.
What trades require a state license in Washington?
Washington requires statewide licenses for: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
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 electrician, plumber, hvac technician