Last Updated:November 6, 2024|Reflects July 2024 bond increases ($30K/$15K)

✓ 2024 Bond Increase Verified

First Increase Since 2001

Washington Contractor License Bond$30,000 General • $15,000 Specialty

Washington's first bond increase since 2001 reflects inflation and enhanced consumer protection. New requirements effective July 1, 2024 for the Evergreen State's tech-driven construction market.

General Contractor

$30,000

(was $12,000)

Specialty Contractor

$15,000

(was $6,000)

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Fast approval • Competitive rates

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65,000+

Active Contractors

No Exam

Required

23 Years

Since Last Increase

2-Year

License Term

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Washington L&I Bond Requirements

Updated July 2024 - Enhanced consumer protection standards

$30,000

General Contractor

All construction types, unlimited project size

Previous Amount:$12,000

New Amount:$30,000

All construction work

No project size limits

Commercial & residential

$15,000

Specialty Contractor

Trade-specific work: electrical, plumbing, HVAC

Previous Amount:$6,000

New Amount:$15,000

Specific trade work only

Multiple specialty classifications

Lower bonding requirement

Washington License Classifications

$30,000

General Contractor

All types of construction work without trade restrictions

New construction

Remodeling

Multi-trade projects

Commercial & residential

$15,000

Specialty Contractor

Trade-specific work in designated specialties

Electrical

Plumbing

HVAC

Roofing

$15,000

Specialty - Low Voltage

Low voltage systems and communications

Security systems

Data cabling

Audio/visual

Smart home

How to Get Your Washington Contractor Registration

Register Your Business

File with Washington Secretary of State and obtain UBI number. Washington requires state business registration before contractor registration.

Obtain Your Surety Bond

Purchase $30,000 (general) or $15,000 (specialty) bond from a Treasury-approved carrier. Instant approval available through our system.

Get Required Insurance

Secure workers compensation (or exemption) and general liability insurance meeting L&I minimum requirements.

Submit L&I Application

Complete contractor registration application with bond, insurance certificates, and fees. Processing: 21-35 days.

Renew Every 2 Years

Maintain active registration with biennial renewal, updated bond, and current insurance. No exam required in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed with Washington bond amounts in July 2024?

Washington increased bond amounts effective July 1, 2024: General contractors now require $30,000 (up from $12,000), and specialty contractors require $15,000 (up from $6,000). This marked the first increase since 2001, reflecting 23 years of inflation and enhancing consumer protection.

How does Labor & Industries (L&I) licensing work?

L&I oversees contractor registration under RCW 18.27. Unlike many states, Washington requires registration rather than licensing and does not require state exams. The focus is on bonding, insurance, and business registration rather than competency testing.

Can I work on Microsoft or Amazon tech campus projects?

Yes, Washington contractors can work on tech campus construction. These projects often require expertise in data center infrastructure, sustainable building practices, and specialized mechanical/electrical systems. Additional performance bonds are typically required for large corporate projects.

What are Revised Code of Washington Chapter 18.27 requirements?

RCW 18.27 governs contractor registration, establishing bond requirements, insurance mandates, and business registration. It defines general and specialty contractors and sets consumer protection standards. View the full statute at app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.27.

How does green building affect Washington contractors?

Washington emphasizes sustainable construction with numerous LEED-certified projects. Contractors benefit from expertise in green building techniques, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance. State incentives and Seattle building codes often require sustainable practices.

Are Washington contractor bonds backed by Treasury-backed carriers?

Yes, Washington requires bonds from Treasury-backed surety carriers authorized to do business in Washington. These carriers meet federal Department of Treasury standards, ensuring financial stability and the ability to pay valid claims for consumer protection.

Does Washington participate in NASCLA reciprocity?

Washington participates in NASCLA (www.nascla.org), though its registration system differs from traditional licensing states. Reciprocity benefits may vary due to Washington's unique approach focusing on bonding and insurance rather than competency exams.

Washington contractor bonds are backed by Treasury-backed carriers. Learn more at NASCLA.org.

Other State Contractor License Bonds

View All State Requirements

Official Resources

L&I Website

Official contractor registration portal

RCW Chapter 18.27

Contractor registration laws

NASCLA

Reciprocity information

Ready to Bid on Larger Projects?

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1. Bid Bond

Required to submit proposals on bonded projects

2. Performance Bond

Guarantees you'll complete the project

3. Payment Bond

Guarantees you'll pay your subs and suppliers

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Washington's Tech Hub & Pacific Northwest Markets

Puget Sound Metro Region

Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent: Tech giant campuses (Amazon, Microsoft), downtown high-rise construction, seismic retrofitting requirements, waterfront development. Eastside (Bellevue/Redmond) tech boom.

Tacoma, Federal Way: Port of Tacoma expansion, industrial construction, South Sound residential growth, logistics facilities.

Everett: Boeing aerospace manufacturing, Paine Field development, Snohomish County residential boom.

Vancouver: Portland metro overflow, I-5 corridor growth, no state income tax advantage drives residential construction.

Eastern Washington & Regional

Spokane & Spokane Valley: Eastern Washington hub, Gonzaga University construction, medical facilities (MultiCare), Fairchild Air Force Base contracting.

Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco): Hanford Site nuclear cleanup, wine country construction, agricultural facilities, Columbia River waterfront development.

Yakima, Wenatchee: Agricultural processing facilities, wine industry construction, orchard infrastructure.

Olympic Peninsula: Tourism facilities, Naval base construction (Bremerton), ferry terminal infrastructure.

Get Your Washington Contractor Bond Today

Start your L&I registration with updated 2024 bond amounts

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