How do I check a general contractor license in Washington?

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration keeps the record for general contractors in Washington. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Washington?

$150.20 (Registration fee, each issuance, renewal or reregistration (WAC effective 7/1/26)). $70.90 (Reinstatement of a suspended registration). $16.50 (Duplicate certificate of registration).

How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Washington?

No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trade.

How often does a general contractor license renew in Washington?

Registration is valid for two years and must be renewed on or before expiration.

How to get a general contractor license in Washington

Edited by John Voll. Last verified October 6, 2026.

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration registers general contractors in Washington. Registration is not a competency license. The L&I Contractor License Data: General, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries lists 51,786 active general contractor business records as of October 6, 2026.

Who licenses general contractor work in Washington

Credential	State registration (no competency license)
Board	Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration official statement
Official lookup	Search general contractor licenses
License types	General Contractor, Specialty Contractor

How to get licensed

Register with L&I as a General Contractor or Specialty Contractor.
Board page
No exam for L&I contractor registration; exams apply only to plumbing, electrical, elevator, mobile home, boiler and asbestos work. source
No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trades. source
Post a continuous contractor surety bond of $30,000 (general contractor). source
Carry general liability insurance: $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. source
Pay the registration fee, each issuance, renewal or reregistration (WAC effective 7/1/26): $150.20. source
Registration is valid for two years and must be renewed on or before expiration. source

General contractor requirements in Washington

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam	No exam for L&I contractor registration; exams apply only to plumbing, electrical, elevator, mobile home, boiler and asbestos work. source
Experience	No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trade. source
Bond	Continuous contractor surety bond of $30,000 (general contractor). source
Insurance	General liability insurance: $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. source
Renewal	2 years (Registration is valid for two years and must be renewed on or before expiration). source
Reciprocity	Not found on an official source. No reciprocity provision in RCW 18.27 or on the L&I registration page. Registration has no exam, so there is no competency license to reciprocate.
Fees	$150.20 (Registration fee, each issuance, renewal or reregistration (WAC effective 7/1/26)). source $70.90 (Reinstatement of a suspended registration). source $16.50 (Duplicate certificate of registration). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in Washington, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Washington

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Washington?: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration registers general contractors in Washington. Registration is not a competency license.
How do I check a general contractor license in Washington?: The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Contractor Registration keeps the record for general contractors in Washington. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Washington?: $150.20 (Registration fee, each issuance, renewal or reregistration (WAC effective 7/1/26)). $70.90 (Reinstatement of a suspended registration). $16.50 (Duplicate certificate of registration).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Washington?: No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trade.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Washington?: Registration is valid for two years and must be renewed on or before expiration.

Other trades in Washington

General contractor license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.