Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Washington
Contractor, WA
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Washington?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Washington?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Washington
What Are the Requirements of a Washington Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Washington?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Washington?
Washington Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Washington Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Washington?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Washington?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives, and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Washington employs 7,460 managers and 27,720 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Washington, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is more than double the national number at 20%, and for managers it’s double at 18%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Washington?
The state of Washington requires all contractors to hold a license and to be bonded and insured. This enables them to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish buildings, roads, and other property.
General contractors must be licensed to perform nearly any type of construction work. The state also requires specialty contractors to hold a license. Certain trades in the construction industry have additional requirements for education, examination, and licensing.
Contractors also may need to get a city license endorsement, also called a local business license. Check with the localities where you plan to work to meet local licensing requirements.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) regulates contractor licensing. The state requires commercial, residential, and specialty contractors to obtain a license.
To get a contractor license, you’ll need to form your contracting business and register with the appropriate state entities, such as the Washington State Department of Revenue. You’ll also need to get a surety bond, general liability insurance, and meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
The Department of Labor and Industries lists the steps to register as a contractor on this page. The department also provides this contractor overview training video to walk contractors through the requirements and application process.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Washington
Washington has two types of contractor licenses:
General Contractor License: This license allows contractors to perform most types of construction work. They can hire subcontractors in multiple specialties. Contractors working with plumbing, electrical, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers, and asbestos must follow additional requirements.
Specialty Contractor License: This license allows contractors to perform work only in the registered specialty area. They cannot hire subcontractors.
Washington has 60 specialty contractor license classifications. These include:
Concrete
Commercial/industrial refrigeration
Drywall
Framing and rough carpentry
HVAC
Lathing and plastering
Masonry
Roofing
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be licensed in the state of Washington to do any kind of commercial or residential construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition. Here’s how you go about getting a contractor license.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS: Contractors forming a new business, including those setting up as a sole proprietor, must register their business name and apply for a business license with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Those with a limited liability partnership, liability company, partnership, or corporation business structure must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. The Revenue Department lists business license application steps on this page. You’ll be assigned a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number when you receive your business license.
Certain cities or towns have additional local business registration requirements. Contractors can view local license requirements on this page to see if they need to obtain a city license endorsement.
OBTAIN SURETY BOND AND INSURANCE: Contractors must obtain and show proof of a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond and general liability insurance coverage. The bond amount is $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. All contractors must have a general liability insurance policy with $200,000 public liability coverage and $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit. The Department of Labor and Industries must be listed as the certificate holder. The department recommends contractors contact a licensed insurance agent for more information about how to purchase a surety bond and insurance. Businesses must also comply with state workers’ compensation (workers comp) insurance requirements.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Contractors can submit the contractor license application in two ways:
In person: Download, print, and complete the PDF application for contractor registration. Visit your local L&I office to register your business. You will also need to bring:
Your business name and business structure, or your Department of Revenue business registration and UBI number.
An original, completed application with notarized signatures. The department can also notarize signatures with any applicants who are present.
Your continuous contractor surety bond or assignment of savings.
Your certificate of general liability insurance.
By mail: Download, print, and complete the PDF application for contractor registration. Mail your original, signed, and notarized application, continuous contractor surety bond or assignment of savings, and certificate of general liability insurance to: Contractor Registration, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450.
PAY APPLICATION FEE: If registering in person, pay the $132.60 application fee at the local L&I office. If mailing your registration application, make the check or money order payable to the Department of Labor & Industries.
Getting a residential or specialty license
In Washington, a contractor’s license covers both commercial and residential construction. General contractors and specialty contractors follow the same application process listed above.
The state offers specialty contractor licenses for contractors who specialize in one trade. For instance, demolition work, HVAC, and roofing all require specialty licenses. In the case of HVAC, the state may require additional electrical and plumbing licenses. Plumbers, electrical contractors, and electricians follow separate licensing processes with the state.
For more information, you can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Washington.
What Are the Requirements of a Washington Contractor License?
The state Department of Labor and Industries aims to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through the regulation of contractors. To that end, there are business and financial prerequisites.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must have a driver’s license or government-issued identification number.
You must have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Depending on your business structure, register with the Washington Secretary of State.
Register your business with the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Obtain a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond.
Obtain general liability insurance.
Meet workers’ compensation requirements.
Apply for a contractor license.
Pay application fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Washington?
It takes the Department of Labor and Industries up to six weeks to process documents sent to its office, according to the department’s website.
The order you complete application steps affects how quickly you complete the registration process. It’s important to register with the appropriate state departments before submitting your contractor registration application.
Once your business is registered, you’ll be listed in the department’s “Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson, or Business” online tool. Contractors receive a registration card in about two weeks, according to the department’s website.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Washington?
It costs $132.60 to get your contractor license in Washington. If your specialty license requires additional education, examination, or licenses, that could increase the cost.
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Washington Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
There are no specific educational or course requirements to get a contractor license in Washington. However, training programs throughout the state can help you prepare for a career in construction.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Evergreen State offering these types of programs.
The following schools offer a Construction Management or Construction Management Technology Bachelor of Science degrees.
The state’s system of public community and technical colleges provides many locations throughout the state to pursue a degree or diploma in the areas of construction and the trades.
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries lists apprenticeship information and apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state.
Other resources for finding Washington apprenticeships in the skilled trades include:
Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program.
Does Washington Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Washington does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for construction contractor licenses. The state has reciprocal agreements for a few licenses in the trades, such as:
General journeyman electrician license: Reciprocity agreement with Oregon.
Journey level plumbers: Reciprocity agreement with Idaho. Out-of-state plumbers may present a comparable license from another state or show equivalent experience in the U.S. military for consideration.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Washington?
Yes, Washington contractor licenses must be renewed every two years, according to state law. Before renewing, the Department of Labor and Industries asks contractors to use its “Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson, or Business” online tool to ensure their surety bond and general liability insurance information remains up to date. The license renewal fee is $132.60.
The department provides three ways to renew contractor licenses:
Online: Renew online by providing your 12-digit contractor registration number, UBI number, and submitting payment.
By mail: Review the information on the contractor registration renewal card you received in the mail. If the information is correct and documentation remains current, mail back the card and a check or money order for renewal payment.
In person: Visit your local L&I office with your renewal card and pay the renewal fee by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
In addition, most city endorsements require annual renewal, according to the Department of Revenue.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Washington?
Yes, Washington law outlines the procedures addressing violations and penalties for contractors who do not follow state registration requirements. A contractor is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if they continue to work after receiving a citation for working without being registered. If the contractor becomes registered after receiving an infraction or conviction, they will be under a two-year audit and monitoring program. The contractor may also be subject to additional fees and penalties.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
The state does not require continuing education in order to renew general contractor licenses. Some licenses in the trades, such as plumbing and electrical licenses, require license holders to complete continuing education before license renewal.
Although there aren’t continuing education requirements for general contractors, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards, and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option to stay in the know is continuing education courses with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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