50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Guide Contents
Overview
State Information

Washington Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Washington.

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Company Licenses

Washington Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Washington Asbestos Contractor Registration

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Asbestos Removal Program
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

Certified Asbestos Supervisor licensed in the state of Washington

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Contractor - New Application for Certification

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$1050 and The prorated fee would be: $87.50 x no of months

Notes:

See the instructions on the back of this form to determine your pro-rated fee for this initial application. The annual fee for this certificate is $1,050. The fee is due on the same month and day as your Contractor Registration. Prorating your annual fee If your certification will be granted for less than a full year, the $1,050 annual fee can be prorated to $87.50 for each month or partial month that will be covered by the certificate

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of active contractor registration with the State of Washington Deptartment of Labor and Industries

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Contractor Application for Certification - Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$1050 and The prorated fee would be: $87.50 x no of months

Due:

Annually

Notes:

The annual fee for this certificate is $1,050.00. The fee is due on the same month and day as your Washington Contractor Registration.

Washington Construction Contractor Registration

Agency:Washington Department of Labor and Industries - Contractor Section
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance coverage with $50,000 of property damage coverage and $200,000 public liability coverage or $250,000 of combined coverage.

Bond Requirements:

$6,000 for specialty contractors and $12,000 for general contractors.

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Construction Contractor Registration

Agency Fee:

$124.70

Original Ink:Required
Notarization Required?:Required
Required Attachments:
  • Each principal owner, corporate office, member, and partner listed with BLS must complete the affidavit of Signature section of the application.
  • A Surety Bond or Assigned Savings Account
  • A Certificate of Liability Insurance listing L&I as the certificate holder
  • The business name on the contractor registration application, certificate of liability insurance, and bond must be listed/registered with BLS. All documents must be signed originals.
Bond Amount:

General Contractor $12,000. Speciality Contractor $6,000

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$124.70

Due:

Biennially

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Washington Electrical Contractor License

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Electrical Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Electrical Contractors License

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$319.20

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor's License Renewal Notice

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$277.60 by mail or $240.10 online.

Due:

Biennially

Washington Elevator Contractor License

Agency:Washington Department of Labor and Industries - Contractor Section

Initial Registration

Form:

Washington Elevator Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$193

Registration Renewal

Form:

Washington Elevator Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$129

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Washington Telecommunications Contractor License

Agency:Washington Department of Labor and Industries - Contractor Section

Initial Registration

Form:

Washington Telecommunications Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$277.60 license fee + $41.60 assignment of assignment administrator fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Washington Telecommunications Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$278

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Seattle General Contractor License

Not required



General Contractor Company licensure is not required on the City level in Seattle.

The city of Seattle does have a license requirement for general contractors.

More information: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (WA)

Seattle Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor's License

Agency:Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (WA)
Notes:

A refrigeration and air conditioning contractor's license allows your business to install, repair, or alter refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. This includes planning, engineering, and supervising that work. You are required to have an employee with a journeyman refrigeration mechanic license designated to do the work.

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on license class:

  • $270.35 for a Class A or B license
  • $431.35 for a Class C license

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on license class:

  • $270.35 for a Class A or B license
  • $431.35 for a Class C license
Due:

Annually by June 30.

Individual Licenses

Washington Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Washington Asbestos Supervisor Certification

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Asbestos Removal Program

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$750 for week-long class; site locations listed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification

Notes:

To become certified: You must attend a 40-hour Asbestos Supervisor training course, complete 1600 hours of work in one or more of L&I?s five qualifying work categories, have your employer(s) complete an Affidavit of Experience (F413-078-000) to attach to your application. Upon completion of training and verification of hours, you will be issued an Asbestos Supervisor Certification. Information at: https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Information

Agency Fee:

$280 refresher course; site locations listed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification

Due:

Certification expires 1 year from the course completion.

Washington Asbestos Worker Certification

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Asbestos Removal Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Certification Information

Agency Fee:

$550 for week-long class; site locations listed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification

Notes:

To become certified: You must attend a 32-hour Asbestos Worker training course. Upon completion of training and verification of hours, you will be issued an Asbestos Supervisor Certification.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Information

Agency Fee:

$250 refresher course; site locations listed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification

Due:

Certification expires 1 year from the course completion.

Washington Certificate of Competency - Level 1

Agency:Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Level 1 Certificate of Competency Application

Agency Fee:

Fees are pro-rated based on when the application is filed. Fees range from $8 to $100.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. If renewing independently of your licensed employer the certification will not be issued until the employer has also renewed.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to certificate holders prior to expiration.

Washington Certificate of Competency - Level 2

Agency:Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Level 2 Certificate of Competency Application

Agency Fee:

Fees are pro-rated based on when the application is filed. Fees range from $8 to $100.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. If renewing independently of your licensed employer the certification will not be issued until the employer has also renewed.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to certificate holders prior to expiration.

Washington Certificate of Competency - Level 3

Agency:Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Level 3 Certificate of Competency Application

Agency Fee:

Fees are pro-rated based on when the application is filed. Fees range from $8 to $100.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. If renewing independently of your licensed employer the certification will not be issued until the employer has also renewed.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to certificate holders prior to expiration.

Washington Certificate of Competency - Level ITT

Agency:Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Level ITT Certificate of Competency Application

Agency Fee:

Fees are pro-rated based on when the application is filed. Fees range from $8 to $100.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. If renewing independently of your licensed employer the certification will not be issued until the employer has also renewed.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to certificate holders prior to expiration.

Washington Certificate of Competency - Level U

Agency:Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Level U Certificate of Competency Application

Agency Fee:

Fees are pro-rated based on when the application is filed. Fees range from $8 to $100.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31. If renewing independently of your licensed employer the certification will not be issued until the employer has also renewed.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to certificate holders prior to expiration.

Washington Elevator Mechanic License

Agency:Washington Department of Labor and Industries - Contractor Section

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Licensure as an Elevator Mechanic

Agency Fee:

$134

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal of Elevator Mechanic License

Agency Fee:

$134

Due:

Biennially by the licensee's date of birth.

Washington General Journey Electrician Certification

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Electrical Program

Initial Registration

Form:

In-State Application for Electrical Examination

Agency Fee:

$90 plus examination fee ? this fee varies by specialty and is paid directly to the testing agency (PSI)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Administrator/Electrician/Master Electrician Certificate Renewal

Agency Fee:

$84

Due:

Electrician?s certificates must be renewed every 3 years and expire on the licensee's birthdate.

Washington Journey Level Plumber Certification

Agency:Washington Department of Labor & Industries - Plumber Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumber Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$151.90 examination fee; upon successful completion of the exam, a $121.60 invoice for the certification fee will be mailed.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Plumber, Medical Gas, or Trainee Renewal

Agency Fee:

$122

Due:

Plumber certification renews on licensee's birthdate every 2 years.

Washington Master Electrician License

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Electrical Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Master Electrician Certification Examination

Agency Fee:

$160.60 plus examination fee which varies by specialty and is paid directly to the testing agency (PSI)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Administrator/Electrician/Master Electrician Certificate Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$159

Due:

Triennially by the licensee's date of birth.

Washington Plumber Trainee Certification

Agency:Washington Department of Labor & Industries - Plumber Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumber Trainee Certificate

Agency Fee:

$45

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Form:

Plumber, Medical Gas, or Trainee Renewal

Agency Fee:

$45

Due:

Annually by the licensee's date of birth.

Washington Specialty Electrician Certification

Agency:Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Electrical Program

Initial Registration

Form:

In-State Application for Electrical Examination

Agency Fee:

$90 plus examination fee which varies by specialty and is paid directly to the testing agency (PSI)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Administrator/Electrician/Master Electrician Certificate Renewal

Agency Fee:

$84

Due:

Triennially by the licensee's date of birth.

Washington Specialty Plumber Certification

Agency:Washington Department of Labor & Industries - Plumber Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumber Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$151.90 examination fee; upon successful completion of the exam, a $121.60 invoice for the certification fee will be mailed.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Plumber, Medical Gas, or Trainee Renewal

Agency Fee:

$84

Due:

Plumber certification renews on licensee's birthdate every 2 years.

Washington Telecommunications Administrator Certification

Agency:Washington Department of Labor and Industries - Contractor Section

Initial Registration

Form:

Exam Information

Agency Fee:

$84

Notes:

To become a telecommunications administrator you must take and pass the telecommunications administrator exam. Exams are admistered throu PSI. They will provide score report which serves as your application.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$91

Due:

Biennially by the licensee's date of birth.

Local Construction and Contracting Individual Licenses

Seattle Gas Piping Mechanic License

Agency:Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (WA)
Notes:

A gas piping mechanic license allows you to install gas piping from the meter to the appliance or to the point of use.

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$54.10 exam fee + $120.15 license fee. The license fee is halved if the license will expire within 6 months of the date of issuance.

How to Apply:
  1. Read the law and learn the requirements for prequalification.
  2. Review the trade license requirements in the code.
  3. Submit an application through the Seattle Services Portal.
  4. Submit an affidavit, through the Seattle Services Portal, with proof that you have:
    1. Either 6 months experience as a gas piping mechanic or an unlicensed worker supervised by a gas piping mechanic, or a combination of the two
    2. A certificate of completion from a board-approved gas piping mechanic class
    3. A valid plumber’s license
  5. Once your application is approved, SDCI will send you an email with a link and instructions for how to take an online exam. Complete the exam.
  6. Pay for your license.
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$120.15

Due:

Annually by March 31.

Seattle Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic License

Agency:Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (WA)
Notes:

A journey refrigeration mechanic license allows you to install, repair, or alter refrigeration or air conditioner equipment.

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$54.10 exam fee + $120.15 license fee. The license fee is halved if the license will expire within 6 months of the date of issuance.

How to Apply:
  1. Read the law and learn the requirements for prequalification.
  2. Review the trade license requirements in the code.
  3. Submit an application and an affidavit, if required, through the Seattle Services Portal.
  4. Once your application is approved, SDCI will send you an email with a link and instructions for how to take an online exam. Complete the exam.
  5. Pay for your license.
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$120.15

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Seattle Refrigeration Operating Engineer License

Agency:Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (WA)
Notes:

A refrigeration operating engineer license limits you to working on systems in specific buildings that are owned or operated by your employer. You need a refrigeration operating engineer license if:

  • You are a full-time employee in a building that manufactures, processes, or stores materials or products in cold storage
  • You spend a significant portion of your time maintaining and operating a refrigeration or air conditioning unit

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$54.10 exam fee + $120.15 license fee. The license fee is halved if the license will expire within 6 months of the date of issuance.

How to Apply:
  1. Read the law and learn the requirements for prequalification.
  2. Review the trade license requirements in the code.
  3. Submit an application and an affidavit, if required, through the Seattle Services Portal.
  4. Once your application is approved, SDCI will send you an email with a link and instructions for how to take an online exam. Complete the exam.
  5. Pay for your license.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$120.15

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Explore Licensing in Other States

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Associated General Contractors of America
Professional association providing advocacy and organization for construction firms and workers.

National Association of Home Builders
National association for the promotion of the housing industry.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies
National organization that represents and promotes the interests of state level contractor licensing agencies.

Revised October 27, 2023. Complete data last reviewed April 27, 2018.
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