Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Washington
| Licensing Authority | Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
| License Type | Specialty Contractor Registration |
| Experience Required | No experience requirement. Washington does not require proof of experience or trade exams for roofing contractor registration. |
| Exam Required | No |
| Bond Required | Yes — $15,000 |
| 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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $141.1 |
Renewal: $141.1 every 2 years
Notes
- No trade exam or experience required — registration only
- Roofing is one of 63 specialty contractor classifications regulated by L&I
- Must include contractor registration number in all advertising and bids
- Specialty contractors can only perform work in their registered specialty and cannot hire subcontractors
- 2024 change: Specialty contractor bond increased from $6,000 to $15,000 (first increase in 22 years)
- No fingerprinting requirement for contractor registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Washington?
Yes, Washington requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Department of Labor & Industries.
How much does a roofing 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