• About
• Register
• Bond & Insurance
• Renew
• Fees

How to renew your registration

1. Are you a Specialty Contractor renewing your registration afterJuly 23, 2007?

If yes, you will need to choose one (1) specialty trade only during this renewal. If you want to continue working in two or more trades, you must register as a general contractor.
Contractor Specialty List (51 KB PDF)

2. Has your business changed since you last registered?

If your business has changed in any of the following ways, you will NOT be able to renew until you take the action described in the items below to correct the problem.

• New bonding company/bond amount. (L&I does not now have a current bond for you)

  I have a new bonding company/bond amount since I last renewed. The old bond expired (or was canceled). What is needed to renew my registration?

  To renew your registration, we must have:

  1. Your new surety bond. ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  2. Your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) on file with L&I.
  3. Your payment of $113.40, made payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.

  Note: Include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. It will help L&I process your renewal quickly.

• New insurance policy. (L&I does not now have current liability insurance for you)

  I bought a new insurance policy since I last renewed. The old policy is now expired (or was canceled) and my new policy has not been registered with L&I. What is needed to renew my registration?

  To renew your registration, we must have:

  1. Your new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000).
     
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It must not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  2. Your original, current surety bond or Assignment of Account on file with L&I ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
  3. Your payment of $113.40, made payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.

  Note: Include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. It will help L&I process your renewal quickly.

• Change from sole proprietorship to partnership.

  I have changed my business from a sole proprietorship to a partnership since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You cannot renew your current license. You must re-register.

  1. Complete a new Master Business Application with the Washington Department of Licensing. You will be given a new UBI number.
  2. Complete a new Application for Contractor Registration using your new UBI number.
  3. Obtain a new surety bond. ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • If you decide to list the business partners on the bond, you must list all of them.
     • If you have an Assignment of Account on file, the funds in this account cannot be transferred to your new business structure. You must open a new account.
  4. Obtain a new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000).
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • If you decide to list the business partners on the policy, you must list all of them, or none at all.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  5. Write a check for $113.40, payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.
• Change from partnership/corporation to sole proprietorship.

  I have changed my business from a partnership/corporation/limited liability corporation to a sole proprietorship since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You cannot renew your current license. You must re-register.

  1. Complete a new Master Business Application with the Washington Department of Licensing. You will be given a new UBI number.
  2. Complete a new Application for Contractor Registration using your new UBI number.
  3. Obtain rider to change entities. ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractor)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent:
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
  4. Obtain a reassignment of account
  • If you have an Assignment of Account on file, the funds in this account can be transferred to your new business structure.
  5. Obtain a new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000)
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
  6. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
• Change partners.

  My business partner/partners have changed since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You cannot renew your current license. You must re-register.

  1. Complete a new Master Business Application with the Washington Department of Licensing. You will be given a new UBI number.
  2. Complete a new Application for Contractor Registration using your new UBI number.
  3. Obtain a new surety bond. ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent:
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach us before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • If you decide to list the business partners on the bond, you must list all of theml.
     • If you have an Assignment of Account on file, the funds in this account cannot be transferred to your new business structure. You must open a new account.
  4. Obtain a new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000).
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I. If you decide to list the business partners on the policy, you must list all of them.
  5. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  6. You may deliver your completed L&I Contractor Registration application, original bond (or new Assignment of Account), insurance documents and check to your local L&I office, or send to:

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

• Change to a corporation.

  I have changed my business to a corporation since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You cannot renew your current license. You must re-register.

  1. Register your business as a corporation with the Washington Secretary of State’s Office.
  2. Complete a new Master Business Application with the Washington Department of Licensing. You will be given a new UBI number.
  3. Complete a new Application for Contractor Registration form, using your new UBI number.
  4. Obtain a rider to change entities: ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
  5. If you have an Assignment of Account on file, obtain a Reassignment of Account. The funds in this account can be transferred to your new business structure.
  6. Obtain a new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000).
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  7. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  8. You may deliver your completed L&I Contractor Registration application, original bond (or Reassignment of Account), insurance documents, and check to your local L&I office, or send to:

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

• Change to a limited liability corporation (LLC).

  I have changed my business to a limited liability partnership or limited liability corporation since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You cannot renew your current license. You must re-register.

  1. Register your business as a corporation with the Washington Secretary of State’s Office.
  2. Complete a new Master Business Application with the Washington Department of Licensing. You will be given a new UBI number.
  3. Complete a new Application for Contractor Registration form, using your new UBI number.
  4. Obtain a rider to change entities: ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • If you decide to list the business partners on the bond, you must list all of them, or none at all.
  5. If you have an Assignment of Account on file, obtain a Reassignment of Account. The funds in this account can be transferred to your new business structure.
  6. Obtain a new certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000)
     • It must be signed by your insurance agent
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections or "white-outs."
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • If you decide to list the business partners on the policy, you must list all of them or none at all.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  7. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  8. You may deliver your completed L&I Contractor Registration application, original bond (or new Assignment of Account), insurance documents and check to your local L&I office, or send to:

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

• Change corporate officers.

  My business changed its corporate officers since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  To renew your registration, we must have:

  1. A letter from your company indicating the new and old corporate officers, including the social security numbers and the position held by the officers. This letter must be the original, not a photocopy, and must be signed by a representative of your company.
  2. Your original, current surety bond or Assignment of Account on file with L&I ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
  3. Your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) on file with L&I.
  4. Your payment of $113.40, made payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.
     Please include:
     
     • Your registration renewal card with your paperwork. It will help L&I process your renewal quickly.
     • A copy of the “Application to Form a Profit Corporation” form you filed earlier with the Office of the Secretary of State, which listed your corporate officers. (You may notify L&I by letter of any corporate officer changes for no charge even when you are not up for renewal.)
  5. You may deliver all needed documents and check to your local L&I office, or send to:

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

• Business name change.

  I have changed the name of my business since I last renewed. What is needed to renew my registration?

  To renew your registration, we must have:

  1. A name-change rider from your bonding company. (We will keep your original, current surety bond on file with L&I.) Or, if you have an Assignment of Savings account on file with L&I instead of a bond, fill out a Reassignment of Savings Account form to change the business name on the account.
  2. A new, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) showing your new business name.

  3. Your payment of $113.40 (or $53.60 if you are changing the business name on a current registration that is not up for renewal), made payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.
     
     Note: Please include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. It will help L&I process your renewal quickly.

  4. You may deliver the above documents and check to your local L&I office or send to:

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

• Canceled insurance/suspended registration.

  My insurance was canceled, and L&I suspended my registration. What is needed to reinstate my registration?

  If you still need to be registered as a contractor registration, we must have:

  1. A reinstatement notice from the insurance company that canceled your coverage, or a certificate of liability insurance with a new policy number.
  2. Your original, current surety bond or Assignment of Account on file with L&I ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors.)
  3. A reinstatement fee of $53.60. Make your check out to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  4. You may deliver the above materials to your local L&I office or send to:

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

• Canceled bond/suspended registration.

  My bond was canceled and L&I suspended my registration. What is needed to reinstate my registration?

  If you still need to be registered as a contractor, we must have:

  1. A reinstatement notice from the bonding company that canceled your coverage. Or, if you have changed your bonding company, we must have your new, original contractor’s surety bond. (This cannot be a photocopy).
  2. Your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) on file with L&I.
  3. A reinstatement fee of $53.60. Make your check out to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  4. You may deliver the above materials to your local L&I office or send to:

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

• Unpaid/Outstanding infractions.

  I have an outstanding, unpaid infraction with L&I — or with a collection agency. What is needed to renew my registration?

  To renew your registration, you must:

  1. Call our infraction desk at 360-902-5205 and make arrangements to either pay your bill in full or negotiate a payment plan with L&I.
  2. If we have sent your bill to a collection agency, you must pay them in full and bring L&I verification that you did so.
  3. We will also need:
  • Your original, current surety bond or Assignment of Account on file with L&I. ($6,000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors)
  • Your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) on file with L&I.
  • Your payment of $113.40, made payable to: Department of Labor and Industries.
    Note: Please include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. It will help L&I process your renewal quickly.
  4. You may deliver the above documents and check to your local L&I office or send to:

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

• Unsatisfied judgment.

  I have an unsatisfied legal judgment against my company. What is needed to renew my registration?

  You may not renew or reinstate your contractor registration until you:

  1. Pay the judgment in full and provide L&I with a copy of the Satisfaction of Judgment.
  2. Ask L&I whether you will be required to provide a new surety bond or Assignment of Account. If you have questions, please call L&I’s Summons & Complaints desk: 360-902-5214.
  3. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.

  4. Deliver the above documents and check to your local L&I office or send them to:

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

• Change from a general to a specialty contractor.

  I want to change from general contractor to a specialty contractor. What is needed to renew my registration?

  Note: You cannot change from a general contractor to a specialty contractor in the middle of your registration period. This change can only be made when you renew.

  To renew your registration:

  1. Look up your new Specialty Contractor code.
     Note: You will need to choose one (1) specialty trade only. If you want to continue working in two or more trades, you must remain a general contractor.
  2. Write L&I a short note to explain the change. Make sure you include the following:
     • The Specialty Contractor code.
     • Your contractor registration number.
     • Your signature.
     Here is a sample message: “I would like to change from a general to a specialty contractor. My specialty trade is: Weather stripping."
  3. Make sure your surety bond is on file with L&I ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors).
  4. If you decide to lower your bond amount, you must submit a new, original surety bond. Ask the company to send the new bond to you so that you may submit it to L&I with the rest of your materials.
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  5. Make sure your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) is on file with L&I.
  6. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  7. Important note: All documents should be received in one packet. Include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. This will help L&I process your renewal quickly.
  8. You may deliver all needed materials and the check to your local L&I office, or send them to:

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

• Change from a specialty to a general contractor.

  I want to change from a specialty contractor to a general contractor. What is needed to renew my registration?

  Note: You may change from a specialty contractor to a general contractor at any time during the year. However, if you change mid-year, the cost is $53.60. If you change at the time of renewal, there is no extra charge; only the renewal fee is needed.

  To renew your registration:

  1. Write L&I a short note to explain the change. Make sure you include the following:
     • Your contractor registration number.
     • Your signature.
     Here is a sample message: “I would like to change from a specialty to a general contractor."
  2. Contact your bonding company. You must upgrade your bond amount or increase your Assignment of Account from $6000 (for specialty contractors) to $12,000 (for general contractors). Ask the company to send the new bond to you, so that you may submit it to L&I with the rest of your materials.
     • It must be signed by your bonding agent.
     • It must be affixed with the bonding company’s seal.
     • It must be the original document, not a photocopy.
     • It may not have any errors, corrections, or "white-outs."
     • It must reach L&I before the “filing date” shown on the bond.
     • It must show the name of your business exactly as you want it registered with L&I.
     • It must remain on file with L&I.
  3. Make sure your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) is on file with L&I.
  4. Write a check for $113.40 payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  5. IMPORTANT: All documents should be received in one packet. Include your registration renewal card with your paperwork. This will help L&I process your renewal quickly.
  6. You may deliver all needed materials and the check to your local L&I office, or send them to:

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

• Change specialty.

  I have changed my specialty. What is needed to renew my registration?

  Note: You may change your specialty only at the time you renew.

  To renew your registration:

  1. Look up your new Specialty Contractor code.
     Note: You will need to choose one (1) specialty trade only. If you want to continue working in two or more trades, you must remain a general contractor.
  2. Write L&I a short note to explain the change. Make sure you include the following:
     • The Specialty Contractor code.
     • Your contractor registration number.
     • Your signature.
     Here is a sample message: “I would like to change my specialty trade. My old specialty trade is: Weather stripping. My new specialty trade is: Insulation."
  3. Make sure your surety bond is on file with L&I ($6000 for specialty contractors/$12,000 for general contractors).
  4. Make sure your original, current Certificate of Liability Insurance (for $250,000) is on file with L&I.
  5. Write a check for $113.40, payable to the Department of Labor and Industries.
  6. You may deliver all needed materials and the check to your local L&I office, or send them to:

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

3. Required Documentation: Make sure L&I has current copies of each of these.

L&I must have current original copies of the documents described below on file before you can renew.

• Get a surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
  • $12,000 for a general contractor (Can perform or supervise numerous building trades or crafts.)
  • $6,000 for a specialty contractor (Can perform no more than two unrelated building trades or crafts.
• Get 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.

• Submit the Contractor Registration Renewal card you received in the mail and/or any other documentation required by one of the situations listed above to L&I.

4. Choose one of the three following ways to renew:

  Renew online any time of day.

  Renew by mail.

  Walk in to any local L&I office.