How do I check an HVAC license in Washington?

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

How much does an HVAC 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 an HVAC license in Washington?

No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trades. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification.

How often does an HVAC license renew in Washington?

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

How to get an HVAC license in Washington

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

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) registers HVAC contractors in Washington. Registration is not a competency license. The L&I Contractor License Data: General, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries lists 1,310 active HVAC business records as of October 6, 2026.

Who licenses HVAC work in Washington

Credential	State registration (no competency license)
Board	Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) official statement
Official lookup	Search HVAC licenses
License types	Specialty Contractor registration: Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R), HVAC/refrigeration (06A) electrical specialty

How to get licensed

Register with L&I as a Specialty Contractor registration: Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) or HVAC/refrigeration (06A) electrical specialty.
Board page
No exam for L&I contractor registration; exams apply only to plumbing, electrical, elevator, mobile home, boiler and asbestos work. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification. source
No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trades. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification. source
Post a continuous contractor surety bond of $15,000 (specialty 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

HVAC requirements in Washington

HVAC: 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. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification. source
Experience	No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trades. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification. source
Bond	Continuous contractor surety bond of $15,000 (specialty 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 an HVAC 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 an HVAC license in Washington?: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) registers HVAC contractors in Washington. Registration is not a competency license.
How do I check an HVAC license in Washington?: The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) keeps the record for HVAC contractors in Washington. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does an HVAC 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 an HVAC license in Washington?: No experience requirement for L&I contractor registration; education and exam rules apply only to the listed trades. Electrical or plumbing work on the job may also need an L&I electrical license or plumber certification.
How often does an HVAC license renew in Washington?: Registration is valid for two years and must be renewed on or before expiration.

Other trades in Washington

HVAC 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.