General Contractor License Requirements in Washington
| Licensing Authority | Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
| License Type | General Contractor Registration |
| Experience Required | No experience requirement. Washington does not require proof of experience or trade exams for general contractor registration. |
| Exam Required | No |
| Bond Required | Yes — $30,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 3-4 weeks by mail; registration card arrives ~2 weeks after activation |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $141.1 |
| UBI number (Department of Revenue) | $0 |
| Est. Initial Total | $141.1 |
Renewal: $141.1 every 2 years
Notes
- 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
- 2024 change: Bond amount increased from $12,000 to $30,000 (first increase in 22 years)
- L&I regulates 63 specialty contractor classifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Washington?
Yes, Washington requires a statewide general contractor license through the Department of Labor & Industries.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Washington?
The estimated initial cost is $141.1, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: L&I