Trade business resources for Washington.

In Washington State, contractors must register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) before performing most construction or home improvement work, regardless of trade specialty. Separate licensing or certification programs exist for electrical, plumbing, and other specialized trades, each administered by L&I under distinct statutory requirements.

State licensing board

Washington requires all contractors performing work over $500 (labor and materials combined) to hold a current Contractor Registration with L&I — either as a 'General' contractor (unlimited scope) or 'Specialty' contractor (limited to specific trades). Electricians must be individually licensed through L&I's Electrical Program at one of four levels (Trainee, Journey, Administrator, or Master/Specialty), and electrical contractor businesses must hold a separate Electrical Contractor License. Plumbers must be certified by L&I as Journey or Specialty plumbers, and plumbing businesses must register as well. HVAC/refrigeration contractors working on systems above a certain BTU threshold must hold an HVAC/R contractor license and their technicians must be certified. Roofers are covered under general contractor registration but must also carry specific bonding ($12,000 for general contractors, $6,000 for specialty contractors) and insurance. There is no separate GC license class beyond the standard Contractor Registration; the 'General' designation simply means the business is not limited to a single trade specialty.

Business registration