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How to register as a contractor for the first time

If this is a new business, you must:

1. Choose your business structure
   If you are going to operate as a Sole-Proprietor or General Partnership, skip to step #3. If you are going to operate as a Corporation, Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) continue to step #2.
2. Register with WA Secretary of State or you can call 360-753-7115. Cost: Approximately $175.
3. Complete a Master Business Application online to get your Uniform Business Identifier number (UBI#)
   ...or you can go into a Department of Revenue, Employment Security, or Labor & Industries office to pick up the form and get your business license. Cost: $15-$20.
4. Get your IRS Employer ID# if you plan to employ workers
   Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Free.

5. Fill out the Application for Contractor Registration and have it notarized

   Your local L&I office will notarize it for you.

6. Purchase bond & liability insurance

   Get a surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
   • $12,000 for a general contractor.
   • $6,000 for a specialty contractor (one trade only).
   Get proof of general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent.
   • $50,000 property damage policy and $200,000 public liability policy
     OR
   • $250,000 combined single limit policy.

   NOTE: Originals of your bond and insurance will be required to complete your registration.

7. Prepare to pay the registration fee

   Go to Contractor Registration Fees page for the correct amount.

8. Submit your application and required documents to L&I

   The easiest and quickest way to complete this process is to:

  Walk in to any local L&I office

Be sure to bring:

• Your completed and notarized Application for Contractor Registration (35 KB PDF).
• Evidence of your surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
• Evidence of your general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent.
• A check or money order, Visa or MasterCard, to pay the registration fee.

The local customer service representative will make sure all information is complete and answer any questions you may have. You will receive your temporary registration number (your receipt) at that time if all your paperwork is in order.

• You may also mail in your application and all required documentation

• Be sure to include all of the following:

  • Your completed and notarized Application for Contractor Registration (35 KB PDF).
  • Evidence of your surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
  • Evidence of your general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent.
  • A check or money order for the contractor registration fee payable to Department of Labor & Industries.

  Mail all originals of the above to:

  Department of Labor & Industries
  Contractor Registration Section
  PO Box 44450
  Olympia, WA 98504-4450

  Note: Be sure to make copies of all the above for yourself.

  After evaluating your application information, L&I will do one of the following:

  • If approved, mail your registration within 2-4 weeks.
  • If rejected, contact you about missing documentation within 2-4 weeks.

  NOTE: If you do not receive a response within 2-4 weeks, please call 1-800-647-0982 to verify we received your application.

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Additional information to help you register as a contractor.

• Access Washington's 'Doing Business in Washington' page great for any new business.
• For additional information, review the following: Applying for Your Washington Business License: A Step-by-Step Guide (Contractor Registration Guidelines Included).