Washington General Contractor License Requirements (2026)
By Gabriel Giner, Editor · Reviewed 2026-05-16 · CLR Editorial Review Desk
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) registers general contractors statewide under RCW Chapter 18.27. Washington uses a registration model rather than a competency licensing model — there is no statewide trade examination and no experience requirement for general contractor registration. Instead, the state requires a $12,000 surety bond, $250,000/$50,000 general liability insurance, and a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) from the Department of Revenue. The model assumes that general contracting competency is enforced through bonding, insurance, and the L&I complaint and judgment process rather than through testing.
Governing Authority
This license is issued and enforced by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) pursuant to Revised Code of Washington Chapter 18.27 (Contractors); Chapter 19.28 (Electricians); Chapter 18.106 (Plumbers). L&I registers contractors statewide, certifies individual electricians and plumbers, administers prevailing wage, and conducts complaint investigations.
- Official portal: https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/
- Address: 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
- Phone: (360) 902-5226
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant qualifies only after meeting the age floor of 18 and producing a valid Social Security Number. No Washington residency requirement.
Good moral character
L&I conducts a fitness review on every applicant. Prior contractor judgments and L&I infractions are reviewed individually.
Background investigation
L&I screens for unpaid contractor judgments, prior L&I infractions, and active workers compensation account standing.
Experience & Education Matrix
Eligibility here is not measured in years of experience but by Washington imposes no statutory experience requirement for general contractor registration. Competency is enforced through bonding, insurance, and the complaint process., per the cited materials.
Accepted proof of experience or eligibility
- L&I Contractor Registration application (Form F625-001-000)
- Unified Business Identifier (UBI) from Washington Department of Revenue
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Education substitution
Not applicable.
Examination Structure
This credential carries no state-administered written exam under the cited sources. What governs instead is: No examination required for general contractor registration.
Examination fee: No examination fee.
Insurance & Financial Security
A contractor license surety bond of $12,000, on the L&I's prescribed form, is a precondition to issuance.
General liability
Washington requires $250,000 per occurrence and $200,000 property damage (or $250,000 combined single limit) general liability insurance for general contractors under RCW 18.27.050.
Workers' compensation
Washington workers compensation is administered by L&I under RCW Title 51. Contractors with employees must open an L&I workers compensation account before registering.
Additional financial requirements
Surety bond: $12,000 for general contractors and $6,000 for specialty contractors under RCW 18.27.040. The bond protects consumers against unpaid judgments, suppliers, and employees.
Application and License Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) | $124 |
| Initial license | $124 |
| Renewal (every 2 years) | $124 |
Maintenance & Renewal
Expect to renew the Washington Registered General Contractor every 2 years. Renewal currently costs $124. Washington contractor registrations renew every two years.
Continuing education: Washington does not require continuing education for general contractor registration renewal.
Downloadable Asset
2026 Washington General Contractor License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.
Download the PDF roadmap →Reciprocity and Endorsement
Washington does not accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination for this classification.
| Reciprocal State | Accepted Exam | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| No formal bilateral reciprocity agreements identified. | ||
Washington does not maintain trade-exam reciprocity because no trade exam is required. Out-of-state contractors must register with L&I, post the bond, and obtain Washington insurance.
Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares General Contractor license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.
Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
- Form a business and obtain a UBI. Register the business with the Washington Secretary of State (if applicable) and obtain a Unified Business Identifier from the Department of Revenue.
- Open a workers compensation account with L&I. Required if the business will have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may opt out.
- Post a $12,000 contractor surety bond. Bond must be filed directly with L&I by the surety company. Specialty contractors require only $6,000.
- Obtain $250,000 general liability insurance. $250,000 per occurrence, $200,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. The policy must list L&I as a certificate holder.
- File the L&I Contractor Registration application. Submit Form F625-001-000 with the $124.40 registration fee.
- Receive the L&I Contractor Registration. L&I issues the registration after the bond, insurance, and UBI are verified. The registration must be renewed every two years.
Study and Reference Materials
What follows are the regulator-cited and commonly used preparation references for this trade. They appear here for convenience only; CLR takes no compensation for them.
- L&I Contractor Registration Handbook (Form F625-085-000) — Washington L&I. Step-by-step guide to the registration process.
- RCW Chapter 18.27 (Contractors) — State of Washington. Statutory basis for contractor registration.
Common Filing Mistakes
Working from the cited board instructions, here are the snags most likely to trip up a Washington General Contractor filing.
Confusing registration with licensing
Washington registration confirms bonding and insurance, not competency. Contractors who assume the state vouches for skill level are mistaken.
Letting the bond lapse
A lapsed bond automatically suspends the registration. L&I will not allow work to continue until the bond is reinstated.
Skipping workers compensation
Washington workers compensation is monopolistic — coverage is purchased from L&I, not a private carrier. Contractors with employees must open the account before starting work.
Underestimating local licensing
Some Washington cities (notably Seattle) require additional local business licenses beyond the L&I registration.
Misunderstanding the bond beneficiary
The $12,000 bond protects consumers, suppliers, and employees against unpaid judgments — it is not a performance bond and does not guarantee project completion.
Pre-Submission Checklist
The most critical documents or confirmations the applicant should have in hand before filing with L&I:
- ☐ Unified Business Identifier (UBI) from Washington Department of Revenue
- ☐ L&I workers compensation account (if any employees)
- ☐ $12,000 surety bond filed directly with L&I
- ☐ $250,000 general liability insurance certificate
- ☐ L&I Contractor Registration application (Form F625-001-000) with $124.40 fee
Other Washington Trade Licenses
CLR covers other Washington trades as well — the published guides below may be more relevant:
- Washington Electrician License Requirements
- Washington Plumber License Requirements
- Washington HVAC Technician License Requirements
- Washington Roofing Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Painting Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Landscaping Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Masonry Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Carpentry Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Solar Installer License Requirements
- Washington Low-Voltage Technician License Requirements
- Washington Fire Sprinkler Contractor License Requirements
- Washington Home Inspector License Requirements
- Washington Pool Contractor License Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have a state general contractor exam?
No. Washington uses a registration model under RCW 18.27, not a competency licensing model. There is no trade exam and no experience requirement at the state level.
How much is the Washington contractor surety bond?
$12,000 for general contractors and $6,000 for specialty contractors. The bond is filed directly with L&I by the surety company.
What insurance is required for Washington contractors?
$250,000 per occurrence and $200,000 property damage (or $250,000 combined single limit) general liability under RCW 18.27.050. Workers compensation is also required for any business with employees.
Is the Washington general contractor registration the same as a license?
Functionally yes, but legally it is a registration, not a competency license. The state confirms bonding and insurance rather than skills.
How often does Washington contractor registration renew?
Every two years. The bond and insurance must remain in force throughout the cycle.
Primary Sources
Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.
- Washington Department of Labor & Industries
- L&I Contractor Registration
- RCW Chapter 18.27 — Contractors
- RCW Chapter 19.28 — Electricians
- RCW Chapter 18.106 — Plumbers
Verified 2026-05-16 · Next scheduled review 2026-08-14