If you’re planning to complete construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition work in Washington, registering as a general contractor with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is a legal requirement.
Unlike some states, Washington does not require exams or proof of prior construction experience for general contractor registration. But it does require the right business setup, bonding, and insurance.
Familiarize yourself with these steps toward becoming a legally registered general contractor in Washington State so you can go into the process with confidence.
What Does It Mean to Be a General Contractor in Washington?
In Washington, a general contractor is allowed to perform a broad range of construction activities and may hire subcontractors across multiple trades. This makes general contractor registration the best option for builders, remodelers, and project managers who oversee entire construction projects.
Washington also recognizes specialty contractors, who are limited to one specific trade. Only general contractors may subcontract multiple types of work. Failing to register can result in stop-work orders, fines, and civil liability.
Becoming a registered contractor allows you to:
- Legally advertise your services
- Bid on construction work
- Enter into building contracts
- Hire subcontractors
- Protect your business with proper bonding and insurance
Washington Contractor Types: General vs. Specialty
Washington recognizes two primary contractor categories:
| General Contractor | Specialty Contractor |
|---|---|
| -Can perform most types of construction work -Allowed to subcontract any portion of a project -Can work on both residential and commercial properties | -Limited to one specific trade (e.g., painting, HVAC, plumbing) -Cannot subcontract work outside that specialty -Stricter licensing applies to certain regulated trades (plumbing, electrical, asbestos, elevators) |
If you plan to oversee diverse projects or hire subcontractors, general contractor registration is the correct choice. But if you’re interested in specialization, explore the dozens of specialties here.
Step 1: Form Your Business & Get a UBI Number
Before applying for your contractor registration, you must first establish a legal business.
Business Setup Requirements
- Choose a business structure: sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership
- Register with the Washington Secretary of State (if forming an LLC or corporation)
- Apply for a Washington Business License
- Obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue
Step 2: Secure Your Surety Bond (Required)
Washington requires general contractors to hold a $30,000 surety bond. This amount increased on July 1, 2024, replacing the old $12,000 requirement. You may use an approved assignment of savings instead of purchasing a bond, but most contractors choose a surety bond.
The bond protects customers and the state if:
- You cause property damage
- You abandon a project
- You fail to pay workers or subcontractors
- You violate state contracting laws
Step 3: Obtain the Required Liability Insurance
To register as a general contractor in Washington, you must carry general liability insurance that meets L&I’s minimum coverage requirements. This protects your business and clients from financial losses related to property damage, injuries, or other claims that may arise from your work.
Required Coverage
Washington allows either of the following:
- $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 in property damage OR
- A $250,000 combined single-limit policy
While the state minimum is $250,000, many contractors opt for higher limits (often $500,000–$1 million) because the cost difference is small and many clients (especially commercial ones) require higher coverage.
Step 4: Complete the Washington Contractor Registration Application
The official registration form is available through L&I. To complete it, you’ll need:
- Business name and UBI
- Proof of bond
- Proof of liability insurance
- Business structure documentation
- Names and details for all business owners
- Notarized signatures
- Application fee (currently $141.10, subject to change)
Step 5: Submit Your Application to L&I
You may submit your completed and notarized application by mail or in person at a local L&I office. Applications are processed once all documents are verified. Missing or incorrect documents will delay approval.
Once processed, you will receive your official contractor registration number as well as permission to legally advertise, bid, and perform construction work in Washington.
Do You Need Exams or Experience?
Unlike many states, Washington does not require:
- Trade exams
- Business & law exams
- Proof of construction experience
- Continuing education
However, if you plan to perform regulated specialty work, you may need additional licensing (e.g., electrical, plumbing, elevator, boiler, asbestos abatement). General contractors may subcontract these specialties, but cannot self-perform them without proper licensing.
Staying Compliant After Registration
Once registered, you must maintain:
1. Surety Bond
If the bond is canceled or lapses, L&I will suspend your registration.
2. Liability Insurance
Insurance cancellation automatically invalidates your registration.
3. Workers’ Compensation (Industrial Insurance)
Required if you hire employees.
4. Local Licensing
Many cities and counties require additional business licenses or permits before you can operate.
5. Verified Subcontractor Licensing
General contractors must ensure subcontractors performing regulated trades are properly licensed — a key legal responsibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Applying without business registration or UBI | Register your business first. |
| Bond does not meet new $30,000 requirement | Confirm bond amounts updated in 2024. |
| Insurance form missing L&I as certificate holder | Verify your agent lists L&I correctly. |
| Using unlicensed subcontractors for regulated trades | Always check licenses via L&I’s contractor lookup tool. |
| Assuming there is a state exam | Washington general contractors do not take exams unless performing specialty trades. |
FAQs: Washington General Contractors
How long does it take to become a general contractor in Washington?
Most applicants complete the process in 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly they obtain their bond, insurance, and business registration.
Can out-of-state contractors work in Washington?
Yes, but they must still register with L&I and meet Washington bond and insurance requirements. Washington does not offer contractor reciprocity.
Is there a difference between commercial and residential contractor registration?
No. General contractor registration covers both residential and commercial work.
Quick Checklist: How to Become a General Contractor in Washington
- Form a business (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)
- Get a Washington State business license and UBI number
- Secure a $30,000 surety bond
- Obtain $250,000 combined liability insurance
- Complete contractor registration form F625-001-000
- Get signatures notarized
- Pay the $141.10 application fee
- Submit in person or by mail to L&I
- Receive your registration number
- Maintain bond, insurance, and local licenses
Need Support on Your Jobsite? ZTERS Can Help
Once you’re officially registered as a general contractor in Washington, you’ll need reliable partners to keep your projects running smoothly. That’s where ZTERS comes in. We support contractors nationwide with temporary site services such as roll-off dumpsters, portable toilets, and temporary fencing that make jobsite setup faster, safer, and more efficient.
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