Registering as a Contractor
 
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Register as a contractor
— or renew your registration

Get the Basics about Being a Contractor in Washington

Recent Changes to the Contractor Registration Law (180 KB PDF) - Recent changes to the Contractor Registration Law requires "property owner developers" to be registered and bonded, requires notification of legal actions and judgments, holds contractors liable for hiring unregistered subcontractors, requires a $200 bond to appeal an infraction, requires tree removal and cabinet installers to be registered and much more. (Spanish version - 179 KB PDF)

How do changes in the Contractor Registration laws affect residential landlords? (180 KB PDF)

The Basics about Being a Contractor in Washington

In Washington State, general and specialty contractors must register with the Department of Labor and Industries.

  • A general contractor can perform or supervise numerous building trades or crafts.
  • A specialty contractor can perform one building trade or craft.
    Contractor Specialty List (51 KB PDF)

Never registered as a contractor with L&I before?

For step-by-step instructions, go to the 'Register' tab above.

Important note: Before you try to register as a contractor with L&I, be sure to review the information on Access Washington's 'Doing Business in Washington' page 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. Delays to your renewal can cause your registration to expire, making it illegal to work until your renewal comes through. To stay ahead of the process, review these Obstacles to renewing.

Specialty Contractors — As of July 23, 2007, you may now have one specialty only.

Click on the 'Renew' tab above for the whole renewal process.

For more information: