Purchase Permits & Request Inspections

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries' (L&I) web site does not properly display because JavaScript is disabled or not supported by your browser.The following links may help you navigate the L&I web site:

Topic Index.

Home.

Safety.

Find a Law (RCW) or Rule (WAC).

Help.


Purchase Permits & Request Inspections

Log on to
Secure Access Washington (SAW)

Important Information
New user must also submit an Application to Access Electronic Permits & Inspection System (EPIS) to receive access to EPIS through SAW.

EPIS changes
EPIS now has the ability for customers to pay additional fees online once they have been added by L&I staff.

EPIS now requires the zip code for all job site addresses.

How to purchase an electrical permit

Most electrical work needs a permit. L&I conducts inspections for the permits we issue. Some cities issue their own permits and conduct inspections. If you're not sure your work requires a permit, check WAC 296-46B-901.

Below are your options for purchasing a permit depending on whether you are a contractor, property owner or a partner city.

Contractors.
Property Owners.
Partner Cities.

Contractors

Apply Online with SecureAccess Washington (SAW) (subscription required see below for sign-up instructions)

Payment method: Visa, MasterCard or contractor deposit (CD) account. Open a contractor deposit account with L&I. SAW benefit: Track your account balance and history. Review your L&I permits and inspection results at a glance.
Note: Apple/MacIntosh users – Safari browser will not work, use Firefox/Mozilla browser.

Sign-up instructions:

Complete the Application to Access L&I's Electronic Permit & Inspection System (EPIS) and submit it to L&I using the directions on the application form.
Create a username and password in SAW.
Add EPIS (Electronic Permit & Inspection System) to your SAW account.

Apply Online with Electrical Permit/Inspection System (EPIS) (no subscription required)

Payment method: Visa and MasterCard. A printer is required.
Note: Apple/MacIntosh users – Safari browser will not work, use Firefox/Mozilla browser.

Faxing, mailing or visiting an L&I office

Download and complete the Contractor Electrical Work Permit Application.
Your method of payment determines your options for paying:

Contractor deposit (CD) account:
Fax, mail or bring the application to your local L&I office.
Credit card (Visa or MasterCard):
Bring the application to your local L&I office.
Check or money order:
Mail or bring the check or money order and the application to your local L&I office.
Cash:
Bring the application to your local L&I office.

Property owners

Important:

If you hire an electrical contractor they must purchase the permit for the work they do for you. Be sure your electrical contractor is licensed and certified.
You should consult with your serving utility before performing an electrical installation that will alter your service.

Apply Online with Electrical Permit/Inspection System (EPIS) using your credit card.

Payment method: Visa and MasterCard. A printer is required.
Note: Apple/MacIntosh users – Safari browser will not work, use Firefox/Mozilla browser.

Mailing or visiting an L&I office

Download and complete the Property Owner Electrical Work Permit Application.
Mail or bring the check or money order and the application to your local L&I office.
Paying by cash? Bring your application to a local L&I office.

Next step

Request an inspection from L&I or your city to make sure it is safe and up to code.

Partner Cities

Apply Online with SecureAccess Washington (SAW) (subscription required)

Payment method: Contractor deposit (CD) account.
Note: Apple/MacIntosh users – Safari browser will not work, use Firefox/Mozilla browser.

Note: Some cities have their own electrical inspection program. These cities charge fees that are in addition to L&I permit fees. However, some of those cities have decided to contract with L&I to perform the inspections.