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Washington Subcontractor License Requirements: What GCs Must Verify Before Work Starts
Washington requires contractor registration for nearly every trade — not just specialty work. Which subs need what, what GCs must verify, and how Washington's L&I system works in practice.
In this guide
How Washington Contractor Registration Works
Washington requires all contractors — general and specialty — to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) before performing any construction work in the state. This is called contractor registration (not licensing), but it carries the same weight: an unregistered contractor cannot legally pull permits, and hiring an unregistered sub exposes you as the GC.
Registration must be renewed every two years and requires proof of a contractor's bond and active workers' compensation coverage through L&I. This means that verifying a sub's L&I registration status tells you both their registration status and whether their WC account is in good standing.
Which Trades Require a Specialty License in Washington
The following trades require both L&I contractor registration and an additional specialty license:
| Trade | Licensing authority | License types |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | L&I Electrical Program | Electrical Contractor License; Journeyman Electrician; Master Electrician (required to supervise) |
| Plumbing | L&I Plumbing Program | Plumbing Contractor License; Journeyman Plumber; Master Plumber |
| HVAC / Refrigeration | L&I | HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor License; Journey-level HVAC/R Technician |
| Elevator | L&I Elevator Program | Elevator Contractor License; Elevator Mechanic Certificate |
| Boiler / Pressure Vessel | L&I | Boiler Mechanic Certificate |
| Asbestos Abatement | L&I / Dept. of Ecology | Asbestos Contractor License; individual accreditation required for workers |
Trades requiring registration only (no specialty license)
Roofing, framing, drywall, painting, concrete, landscaping, and general carpentry require L&I contractor registration but not a specialty license. Unlike Texas, Washington's registration requirement covers these trades — an unregistered roofer or framing crew is in violation of state law, not just uninsured.
What GCs Are Responsible for Verifying
- Verify L&I contractor registration is Active — not expired or suspended — before any sub begins work
- For specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC): verify both the contractor registration and the specialty license
- Confirm the registered business name matches the name on your subcontract — mismatches are a red flag
- Re-verify before each new project; registrations expire every two years and can lapse between jobs
- For electrical subs: confirm a licensed Master Electrician is associated with the company (required to supervise work)
Penalties for Hiring Unregistered Subcontractors
Washington takes unregistered contractor work seriously. Key risks for GCs:
- Permit denial: An unregistered sub cannot pull permits, which can halt the project and create compliance issues for the GC
- Fines: L&I can fine the GC for allowing unregistered contractors to work on a project they supervise
- Insurance liability: If an unregistered sub's worker is injured, WC coverage may not exist, and the GC can face direct liability
- Contract disputes: Work performed by an unregistered contractor may be unenforceable in Washington courts in some circumstances
How to Look Up a Washington Contractor's Registration
Use the L&I contractor lookup at verify.lni.wa.gov. You can search by:
- Business name
- UBI number (Unified Business Identifier)
- Contractor registration number
The results show registration status, expiration date, bond amount, and workers' comp account status. For specialty licenses (electrical, plumbing), use the same L&I portal — the system is integrated.
FAQ
Does Washington require a general contractor license?
Yes. Washington requires all contractors — including general contractors — to register with L&I. This contractor registration is a legal requirement to perform construction work in the state and to pull permits.
What trades require a specialty license in Washington beyond registration?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, elevator, and boiler work all require specialty licenses from L&I in addition to basic contractor registration.
How do I look up a Washington contractor's registration?
Search at verify.lni.wa.gov by contractor name, UBI, or registration number. Results show registration status, expiration date, bond amount, and WC account status.
Can my sub work under my GC registration in Washington?
No. Each subcontractor must hold their own L&I registration. Specialty trade subs must additionally hold their own specialty licenses.
How often do Washington contractor registrations expire?
Every two years. Always verify current status in the L&I database — do not rely on a copy of a registration certificate.
Track Washington sub compliance automatically
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