What is a Washington Contractor License Bond?

In the state of Washington, applicants must acquire a Contractor License Bond as part of the contractor license application process. This bond ensures that contractors fulfill their construction work responsibilities, adhere to state laws, and provides compensation to the public for financial harm if the contractor doesn't comply with licensing regulations.

Pricing

Explore our table down below and find your contractor license bond with ease. From specialty contractors to general contractors and various electrical and fire protection contractors, we have a range of options available. 

• Department of Labor and Industries Continuous Contractor's Bond - General Contractor: $12,000 starting at $100
• Department of Labor and Industries Continuous Contractor's Bond - Specialty Contractor: $6,000 starting at $90
• Department of Labor & Industries Electrical/Telecommunications Contractor Bond: $4,000 starting at $99
• Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (1-10 Employees): $5,000 starting at $90
• Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (11-50 Employees): $10,000 starting at $90
• Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (51-100 Employees): $15,000 starting at $90
• Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (100+ Employees): $20,000 starting at $90
• Fire Protection Bureau Level 1 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond: $6,000 starting at $90
• Fire Protection Bureau Level 2 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond: $6,000 starting at $90
• Fire Protection Bureau Level 3 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond: $10,000 starting at $90
• Fire Protection Bureau Level I & T Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond: $6,000 starting at $90
• Fire Protection Bureau Level U Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond: $10,000 starting at $90
• Clark County District #1 Electrical Contractor Performance Bond: $5,000 starting at $90
• City of Redmond Side Sewer Contractor Bond: $5,000 starting at $90
• City of Seattle Side Sewer Contractor Bond: $30,000 starting at $90
• Lakehaven Utility District Sewer Service Contractor Bond: $10,000 starting at $90

What Contractors are Required to be Licensed in Washington?

If you're working in the state of Washington and doing any of the following types of work or submitting bids, you must be a registered contractor:

• Alter
• Repair
• Construct
• Consult or superintend
• Improve, move, wreck, or demolish
• Develop residential property for sale 
• Add or subtract from real property
• Install cabinets, move trees, or renovate houses

Contractors are required to enroll with the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) and obtain proper bonding and insurance coverage. There are two different classifications in the state of Washington, general and specialty contractors.

General Contractors

General contractors in Washington have the flexibility to do various type types of construction work and can also hire subcontractors with expertise in different specialties. However, contractors involved in the following specialties must fulfill additional education, examination, licensing requirements: 

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Elevators
• Mobile home installation
• Boilers
• Asbestos-related projects

Specialty Contractors

Specialty Contractors in Washington can only work in the specific specialty they are registered for and cannot hire subcontractors for their projects. L&I oversees 63 different specialties like roofing, painting, HVAC, tree removal, mobile home set-up, and many others.

Who Regulates Licensing for Contractors in Washington?

In Washington, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is the regulatory body for general and specialty contractors. 

Email: ContReg@Lni.wa.gov 

Toll-free: 1-800-647-0982

Phone: 360-902-5226 (Option 2)

Mailing address:

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

Contractor Registration

PO Box 44450

Olympia WA 98504-4450

Where can I check if my business information is up to date?

The L&I Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson, or Business tool can be used to verify the status of a contractor’s assignment of account, contractor license bond, or general liability insurance. More specifically, the tool enables you to:

• Search for subcontractors and tradespeople.
• Confirm if a contractor holds an active license.
• Verify the certification status of a tradesperson.
• Check if a contractor maintains an active workers' compensation account.
• Review safety citations or other infractions associated with the contractor.
• Determine if there are any lawsuits against their bond.
• Submit a tracking request for a subcontractor with an active workers' compensation account.
• Print the Certificate of Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Must I Use my Washington Contractor Registration Number on All my Business Communications?

Once you've registered, it's essential to include your contractor registration number on all your business communications.

According to the law, whenever you advertise, ask for bids, or offer to work, you must include your contractor registration number. This includes:

• Business cards
• Yellow Page ads
• Newspaper ads
• Internet ads
• Estimates and bid proposals

Are There Any Other Options Instead of a Bond in Washington?

Instead of a bond, you can use an assigned bank account as an alternative. This involves filling out an Assignment of Account form, which is also available at L&I local offices. You can deposit the required amount in the form of cash, a certificate of deposit, time deposit, or a money market account at a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union that has a branch in Washington.