Washington Contractor License Lookup

Washington requires every construction contractor to register with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Electrical contractors need an L&I electrical license and plumbers need an L&I certificate. Search contractors on the official site of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and see the rules for trades and the job price where each applies. Runs in your browser; nothing is stored.

Search Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Washington rules checked against official sources on October 25, 2026.

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Labor and materials together, in dollars. Leave it blank to see the state's dollar limits.

Washington: Remodel, repair or home improvement

  • This state rule applies to jobs of $500 or more. Credential: contractor registration.

    Contractors must register with L&I. The only dollar exemption is for casual, minor work on one project where all contracts together total less than $500. Source: RCW 18.27.010, 18.27.020(1); 18.27.090(9), (12), (14)

    Conditions and exceptions for this rule:

    • The under-$500 exemption does not apply if the job is part of a larger project, if it was split up to get under $500, or if the person advertises as a contractor.
    • Owners who hire a registered contractor are exempt.
    • People working on their own property or personal residence are exempt, unless they are doing the work to sell, demolish or lease the property.
    • An electrician or plumber certified by the state (or a plumber licensed by a city or county, while working there), working within the scope of that certification, is exempt from contractor registration.

Look up a contractor on the official site

Search Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

What to check on the board's record

  • The name or business on the record matches the name on your contract or estimate.
  • The status is active, not expired, suspended or revoked.
  • The license type or class covers your kind of job.
  • The license number in the contractor's ads and contract is the same one.

This summarises state rules from official sources. Only the board's own record can confirm one contractor's license. Checked October 25, 2026.

How Washington licenses contractors

Washington requires every construction contractor to register with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Electrical contractors need an L&I electrical license and plumbers need an L&I certificate. RCW 18.27.020(1)

Advertising, bidding or working as a contractor without being registered is a gross misdemeanor. RCW 18.27.020(2)(a)

Rules by type of work

Home improvement, new homes, HVAC and roofing

  • contractor registration: Contractors must register with L&I. The only dollar exemption is for casual, minor work on one project where all contracts together total less than $500. Issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). RCW 18.27.010, 18.27.020(1); 18.27.090(9), (12), (14)
    • The under-$500 exemption does not apply if the job is part of a larger project, if it was split up to get under $500, or if the person advertises as a contractor.
    • Owners who hire a registered contractor are exempt.
    • People working on their own property or personal residence are exempt, unless they are doing the work to sell, demolish or lease the property.
    • An electrician or plumber certified by the state (or a plumber licensed by a city or county, while working there), working within the scope of that certification, is exempt from contractor registration.

Electrical work

  • electrical contractor license: A business that installs or maintains electrical wiring or equipment must hold an L&I electrical contractor license. The statute sets no dollar minimum. Issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). RCW 19.28.041(1)

Plumbing

  • contractor registration: Contractors must register with L&I. The only dollar exemption is for casual, minor work on one project where all contracts together total less than $500. Issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). RCW 18.27.010, 18.27.020(1); 18.27.090(9), (12), (14)
    • The under-$500 exemption does not apply if the job is part of a larger project, if it was split up to get under $500, or if the person advertises as a contractor.
    • Owners who hire a registered contractor are exempt.
    • People working on their own property or personal residence are exempt, unless they are doing the work to sell, demolish or lease the property.
    • An electrician or plumber certified by the state (or a plumber licensed by a city or county, while working there), working within the scope of that certification, is exempt from contractor registration.
  • plumber certificate (plus contractor registration): Anyone doing plumbing work must hold an L&I plumbing certificate (journey level, specialty, residential service, temporary or trainee). The plumbing business also registers as a contractor. Issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). RCW 18.106.020(1)

Where to look up contractors in Washington

On the record, check that the name matches your contract, the status is active (not expired, suspended or revoked), the license type covers your job, and the license number matches the one the contractor gave you.

What this tool does not do

  • It does not check any one contractor. Only the board's own record shows whether a license is active and what it covers.
  • It covers state rules. Cities and counties can add their own licenses and permits, and the tool cannot list every local rule.
  • It does not decide whether a contractor broke the law or what you can recover. For a dispute, contact the board or a lawyer.
  • It does not cover every specialty trade a state licenses (for example pest control, elevators or well drilling).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up a contractor license in Washington?

Use the official online license search from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Search by the contractor's name, business name or license number, and check that the status is active and the license type covers your job.

Do you need a contractor license for a small job in Washington?

Contractors must register with L&I. The only dollar exemption is for casual, minor work on one project where all contracts together total less than $500. For jobs under $500, this state rule generally does not apply, but the conditions and exceptions listed on this page can change that, and a city or county can require its own license.

Which trades need a state license in Washington?

Electrical: electrical contractor license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Plumbing: plumber certificate (plus contractor registration) from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). HVAC: covered by the contractor registration from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) ($500 or more).

What happens if a Washington contractor works without a required license?

Advertising, bidding or working as a contractor without being registered is a gross misdemeanor.

Sources

Checked against official Washington sources on October 25, 2026.

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