In the state of Washington, applicants must acquire a Washington surety 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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
In Washington, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is the regulatory body for general and specialty contractors.
Email: [email protected]
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
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:
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:
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.
In Washington, a surety bond is often required by law to protect consumers and the general public, help guarantee performance on a contract, or ensure compliance with regulations. The exact reason you might need a surety bond depends on your situation—most commonly, individuals or businesses are required to obtain a surety bond if they are:
Local jurisdictions sometimes mandate surety bonds for activities that carry particular risks—such as certain building, moving, or environmental permits—to ensure compliance with municipal codes and protect public safety and property. Overall, surety bonds offer a layer of protection to the public and encourage businesses to act responsibly and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. If a bonded individual or business fails to fulfill their legal or contractual obligations, claims can be made against the bond to cover damages or losses up to the bond amount.
Obtaining a Washington surety bond is quick and straightforward with SuretyNow. Here’s how our experts help you through the nation’s fastest bonding process:
1. Identify Your Washington Surety Bond Contact the obligee requiring the bond to determine which Washington surety bond you need.
2. Submit Your Free Online Application Fill out our simple application here at SuretyNow for instant review.
3. Receive a Fast Quote We’ll promptly evaluate your application and provide a competitive quote.
4. Pay & Get Your Bond Immediately Once you pay the bond premium, we’ll issue your Washington surety bond right away.
5. Sign & File Your Bond Finalize the process by signing and filing your bond with the obligee. Rely on SuretyNow for a seamless experience every time you need a Washington surety bond.
