Washington Contractor License Requirements
2026 Guide — Everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Washington.
83,224
Contractors in WA
77,731
Verified Licenses
9 yrs
Avg. Experience
10
Cities Covered
Washington Licensing Board
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Contractor Registration
License Types in Washington
General Contractor
Registration required for all construction work
Specialty Contractor
Trade-specific registration
Electrical Contractor
Separate license through L&I
Bond Requirements
$12,000
Minimum surety bond
Surety bond: $12,000 for general; $6,000 for specialty; additional bond for specific trades
Insurance Requirements
General Liability Insurance
Required. General liability required; industrial insurance (workers comp) through L&I
Workers' Compensation
Required when you have employees.
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Gross misdemeanor; fines up to $10,000; civil penalty up to $5,000/day; no lien rights; contracts voidable
How to Verify a License in Washington
1. Use Our Free Verification Tool
Search our database of 83,224 contractors in Washington by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the Official State Board
Visit the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Contractor Registration for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Contractor RegistrationFrequently Asked Questions
Does Washington require a contractor license?
Yes, Washington requires contractors to obtain a state license through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Contractor Registration. 3 license types are available depending on the scope of work.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in Washington?
Washington requires a minimum surety bond of $12,000. Surety bond: $12,000 for general; $6,000 for specialty; additional bond for specific trades
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Washington?
Gross misdemeanor; fines up to $10,000; civil penalty up to $5,000/day; no lien rights; contracts voidable
Is insurance required for contractors in Washington?
Yes, Washington requires contractors to carry insurance. General liability required; industrial insurance (workers comp) through L&I
How do I verify a contractor's license in Washington?
You can verify a contractor's license through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Contractor Registration website at https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 83,224 contractor profiles in Washington.
How many licensed contractors are there in Washington?
Our database includes 83,224 contractor profiles in Washington, with 77,731 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in Washington has 9 years of experience.