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How do you get licensed and bonded in Washington state?

Author

Robert Bradley

Published Apr 05, 2026

How do you get licensed and bonded in Washington state?

To register with L&I as a contractor, you must:

  1. Register your business with Department of Revenue.
  2. Get a surety bond or an assignment of savings.
  3. Purchase a general liability insurance policy.
  4. Complete your Application for Contractor Registration.
  5. Pay the required application fee of $117.90.

How much does it cost to be bonded and insured in Washington state?

General and specialty contractors in Washington state are required to obtain a continuous contractor surety bond, under RCW 18.27. 040. The bond coverage for general contractors is $12,000 and for specialty contractors is $6,000.

What does it mean to be licensed and bonded?

When you say that you are licensed, bonded and insured, you have the required licensing for your business, proper insurance and you have made payments for additional coverage with a bond. A bond is like an added level of insurance on your coverage plan.

How much is a contractor’s bond in Washington state?

The surety bond amount, which is the amount that can be claimed on the bond, is always a key consideration. In Washington, the contractor license bond amounts are $6,000 for specialty contractors and $12,000 for general contractors.

Where do I get bonded in Washington state?

7 Of The Most Common Surety Bonds in Washington State

  • Washington Motor Vehicle Dealer, Manufacturer, or Wrecker Surety Bonds.
  • Washington Auctioneer or Auction Company Surety Bonds.
  • Washington Contractor License Surety Bonds.
  • Washington Notary Public Surety Bonds.
  • Washington Private Investigative Agency Surety Bonds.

How do I go after a contractor’s bond in Washington state?

Filing a Lawsuit

  1. To serve the contractor’s bond: You must send to L&I three copies of your Summons & Complaint form.
  2. L&I will serve the contractor and the bond company with the lawsuit.
  3. To serve the contractor and/or his business you will need additional copies of the summons and complaint served through a third party.

When do I need a Washington contractor’s license bond?

A CSIA agent will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your quote request with a firm quote on your WA contractor’s license bond. For offline WA contractor’s bond requests just download an application and either fax or mail it back to us. Why do I need a Washington contractor’s license bond?

How much does it cost to file bond in Washington State?

Both corporate and non-affiliated individuals are required to file an INS-21 form (PDF, 110KB) in the amount of $5,000. The amount does not change with additional affiliates. A bond in favor of the people of the state of Washington for a minimum of $2,500 or 5% of the premiums brokered in the previous calendar year, or a maximum of $100,000.

Do you need a business license in Washington State?

License: In Washington State, contractors are required to be registered with the state to maintain a current business license. Licensed contractors are required to be both bonded and insured, and must have accounts with the Department of Revenue and the Department of Labor & Industries.

What do you need to know to get a Washington handyman license?

Washington state does not have education and examination requirements for general and specialty contractors. You are required to register as a business with the state, possess insurance, and get a bond. Although you are not required to take general contractor courses, it is a good idea to enroll in a training program to develop your skills.

How do you get General Contractors License in Washington State?

How to get a Washington State Contractors License Step #1: Determine if you are a general contractor or a specialty contractor Step #2: Obtain an employer identification number from the federal government Step #3: Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State Step #5: Complete an Application for Contractor Registration

What is a Washington specialty contractor license bond?

A Washington contractor’s license bond is required from both general and specialty contractor license classes in addition to insurance coverage obligations. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries ( L&I) is the regulatory authority that permits and supervises contracting activity within the state.

What is a permit Bond?

A permit bond is a bond that professionals in certain industries must purchase to operate legally. This bond ensures that the professional is qualified to do the job and will perform the work in accordance with all legal requirements. It is common for insurance companies to sell permit bonds.

What is a bonded contractor?

A bonded contractor is one with whom it’s safe to do business. An insured contractor, on the other hand, means that the contractor can feel safe conducting own their business, too. Proper insurance is crucial for construction work.