Registering as a Contractor

Register as a Contractor — or Renew Your Registration

The basics about being a contractor in Washington

In Washington State, general and specialty contractors must register with L&I:

• A general contractor can perform or supervise numerous building trades or crafts.
• A specialty contractor can perform one building trade or craft. View the contractor specialty list (app.leg.wa.gov).

Information on the new redesigned registrations/licenses/certificates issued by L&I.

Never registered as a contractor with L&I before?

For step-by-step instructions, go to How To Register as a Contractor for the First Time.

Important note: Before you try to register as a contractor with L&I, be sure to review the information at The Washington BusinessHub (business.wa.gov) to ensure you have met all the other business requirements for any new business.

Need to Renew? Plan ahead

Changes to your business or bond status can cause complications with your registration renewal or result in extra fees. This can also cause your registration to expire, making it illegal to work until your renewal is completed. To stay ahead of the process, review these Obstacles to renewing.

For the whole renewal process, go to How To Renew Your Contractor Registration.

For more information:

• How do changes in the Contractor Registration laws affect residential landlords? (180 KB PDF).
• Request a duplicate or replacement license online.
• Request a duplicate or replacement license by mail (F625-108-000).
• Construction Contractors - Steps for Success (F625-115-000).
• Contractor Rules, Laws and Policies.
• See WAC 296-200A (app.leg.wa.gov) and RCW 18.27 (app.leg.wa.gov).
• If you have any questions, please contact the Contractor Section in Tumwater or your local L&I office.
• Call the statewide contractor registration hotline: 1-800-647-0982.
• Get information about becoming an Electrical or Telecommunication Contractor.
• Most frequently asked questions about contractor registration.