General Contractor License Requirements in Washington
Registration Required — Not a License
Washington does not license general contractors at the state level, but it does require a mandatory statewide registration with the Department of Labor & Industries — no trade exam. The fees, bond and insurance below are what registration requires; the difference from a license is that the state does not test competency. Some cities and counties require additional business licenses. Seattle, Tacoma, and other municipalities may have supplemental requirements.
| 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 | $150.20 |
| Est. Initial Total | $150.20 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| UBI number (Department of Revenue) | $0 |
Renewal: $150.2 every 2 years
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→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
You're registered in Washington as a general contractor — 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→
Register locally.
Some cities and counties require additional business licenses. Seattle, Tacoma, and other municipalities may have supplemental 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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $150.20.
Other licenses in Washington
- Electrician license in Washington
Statewide license required · $280.2 in initial government fees · L&I
- Plumber license in Washington
Statewide license required · $497.7 in initial government fees · L&I
- HVAC Technician license in Washington
Statewide license required · $313.7 in initial government fees · L&I
- Roofing Contractor license in Washington
Statewide registration, not a license · $141.1 in fees · L&I
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Washington?
No — Washington does not issue a statewide general contractor license, but it requires a mandatory statewide registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. There is no trade exam; registration carries its own fee, a $30,000 bond and insurance requirements.
Do I need a general contractor license in Washington?
No, Washington does not require a statewide general contractor license. However, local permits or registrations may be required. Some cities and counties require additional business licenses. Seattle, Tacoma, and other municipalities may have supplemental requirements.
What do I need to work as a general contractor in Washington?
While no statewide license is required, you may need local business licenses, building permits, or contractor registration depending on your city or county. 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.
Does Washington require insurance for general contractors?
General liability insurance is required for general contractors in Washington. Workers compensation is required if you have employees. 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.
What trades DO require a state license in Washington?
Washington requires statewide licensing for: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. Each has its own licensing authority, fees, and requirements.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Washington— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-09-14 | Source: L&I