Washington Contractor License Lookup: Verify L&I Registration, Bond, Insurance & Workers’ Comp
Use this Washington contractor lookup guide to search an L&I contractor registration, check whether the record is active, confirm bond and insurance basics, review workers’ compensation status, understand general vs specialty registration, and choose the right complaint, lawsuit or unregistered-contractor reporting route.
Many people search for “Washington Contractors License Board,” but the official state route is Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, usually called L&I. Start with the free Verify tool before hiring, paying, advertising, bidding or subcontracting.
Independent guide: ContractorsBoard.org is not the official Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Washington.gov, or a legal service. Always verify registration status, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation, trade certification, fees, renewal rules, complaint options, lawsuit deadlines and permit requirements directly with Washington L&I before hiring, registering, renewing, subcontracting or filing a report.
Washington contractor lookup quick answer: use L&I Verify, not a “board” search
Washington contractor registration is handled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. The official Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business tool lets users search by name, contractor or tradesperson license number, workers’ compensation account, or Washington UBI number.
L&I says Washington construction contractors must be registered, bonded and insured. Once registered, contractors can bid, advertise and perform construction work such as constructing, remodeling, repairing and demolishing buildings, roads and other real property.
Before you trust a contractor, use the Verify tool to confirm active contractor registration, paid-to-date workers’ compensation when employees are involved, safety or construction citations, lawsuits against the bond, business owner names and trade certification where the work involves electrical, plumbing, elevator or manufactured home installation.
Official Washington sources used for this contractor lookup guide
This page is built around official Washington L&I resources: contractor registration, the Verify tool, hiring guidance, contractor problem pages, report-a-contractor enforcement route, filing against a contractor bond, contractor renewal and reinstate guidance.
L&I Verify tool
Use the official lookup to search contractor registration, tradesperson certification, workers’ comp, safety citations, bond lawsuits and owner names.
Register as contractor
Use the official L&I registration page for UBI, bond, insurance, application, renewal, reinstatement and advertising rules.
Problems and reports
Use L&I problem pages for unregistered contractor reporting, bond lawsuit instructions and fraud-report routing.
Washington contractor license board lookup: what the free L&I search should answer
The phrase “Washington contractors license board” is common, but the correct public lookup is L&I’s Verify tool. A good lookup should answer more than “does a name appear?” It should show whether the contractor is active, bonded, insured, workers’ comp compliant when needed, and safer to hire.
Active registration
Check whether the contractor registration is active before hiring, signing or paying.
Bond and insurance
Washington contractors must be bonded and insured to protect the public.
Workers’ comp
Verify a paid-to-date workers’ comp account when employees are working on the job.
Citations and lawsuits
Use the Verify result to check safety citations, other infractions and lawsuits against the bond.
Washington contractor lookup, hiring, registration and complaint helper tools
These tools are practical routing helpers. They do not replace Washington L&I, legal advice, insurance review, local permits, court filings or trade-certification checks. They help users pick the correct official route faster.
Tool 1: Washington lookup route finder
Your route will appear here
Select your task. The result will point you toward the best official Washington L&I route.
Tool 2: L&I Verify result risk checker
Lookup risk result will appear here
Use this after opening the official L&I Verify result.
Tool 3: Washington hiring red-flag checker
Hiring caution will appear here
Use this before letting construction, remodeling, repair or demolition work begin.
Tool 4: Contractor registration readiness checker
Registration readiness will appear here
Use this before preparing your Washington contractor registration application.
Tool 5: Washington problem route finder
Problem route will appear here
Choose the closest issue. Bond lawsuits, fraud reports and trade complaints use different routes.
How to read a Washington L&I contractor lookup result before you trust it
L&I Verify is most useful when you compare the result against the actual job documents. The registration number, business name, owner names and UBI should match the person or company asking for money. If a contractor gives one name, bills under another name, and appears in L&I under a third name, slow down and ask for written clarification.
The Verify page can help you check active registration, workers’ compensation, safety citations, other infractions, lawsuits against a surety bond and trade certification. Contractors can also use it to track subcontractors and reduce prime-contractor liability risk.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to do if unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Active contractor registration | Washington construction contractors must register with L&I before bidding, advertising or performing construction work. | Do not sign or pay until the official status is clear. |
| Business name and owner names | The legal business shown in Verify should match the bid, contract, invoice and payment request. | Ask for a corrected written bid and exact contractor registration number. |
| Bond and insurance | Washington contractors must be bonded and insured; serious unresolved problems may involve the contractor’s bond or liability policy. | Ask for documentation and review official L&I bond/insurance details. |
| Workers’ compensation account | If workers are on your project, an active paid-to-date workers’ compensation account can reduce homeowner and prime contractor risk. | Do not assume “independent contractor” status; verify coverage in the official tool. |
| Citations, infractions and lawsuits | L&I Verify can show safety citations, other infractions and lawsuits against the bond. | Discuss the record with the contractor and consider another bid. |
Register as a Washington contractor: UBI, bond, insurance, application and fee
Washington L&I says construction contractors must register, and state law requires them to be bonded and insured. To register, a contractor must register the business with the Department of Revenue, get a surety bond or assignment of savings, purchase general liability insurance, complete the contractor registration application and pay the required application fee.
L&I currently lists the contractor registration application fee as $141.10. For bond requirements, L&I lists a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond of $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. For liability insurance, L&I lists either $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage or a $250,000 combined single limit.
| Registration item | Official Washington requirement | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Business registration / UBI | Register with Washington Department of Revenue and use your UBI where required. | Using a different business name on your bond, insurance, bid and L&I file. |
| Contractor classification | Choose general contractor or specialty contractor. | Registering as specialty but performing work outside that specialty. |
| Surety bond | $30,000 for general contractors; $15,000 for specialty contractors. | Submitting a bond with a business name that does not exactly match L&I records. |
| Liability insurance | $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. | Trying to submit certificates by an unsupported route or with wrong holder/name details. |
| Application and fee | Complete application with notarized original signatures and pay $141.10 fee. | Mailing photocopied signatures or missing bond/insurance documents. |
Washington general contractor vs specialty contractor: why the classification matters
Washington L&I lists two classifications of construction contractors. General contractors can perform most types of construction work and can hire subcontractors in multiple specialties. Specialty contractors can only perform work in the specialty they are registered in and cannot hire subcontractors.
L&I regulates 63 specialties requiring contractor registration, including examples such as roofing, painting, HVAC, tree removal and mobile home setup. The classification matters because a specialty contractor working outside the registered specialty, or hiring subcontractors when not allowed, can create compliance and consumer-protection problems.
General contractor
Can perform most types of construction work and hire subcontractors in multiple specialties, subject to additional trade requirements where applicable.
Specialty contractor
Can only perform work in the specialty registered with L&I and cannot hire subcontractors.
Trade overlay
Plumbing, electrical, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers and asbestos can have additional education, examination or licensing requirements.
Renew, reinstate or update a Washington contractor registration
Washington L&I allows renewal online, by mail or in person when the business has not had changes such as partners, business name, structure or specialty. Before renewal, L&I tells contractors to use the Verify tool to make sure surety bond or assignment of account and general liability insurance information are up to date and that the registration is not suspended.
L&I currently lists the contractor registration renewal fee as $141.10. A suspended registration can happen when registration requirements are not met, such as bond or insurance cancellation or expiration, or an unsatisfied judgment. To reinstate, L&I lists a $66.60 reinstatement fee plus proof that the issue has been corrected.
Renew online
You need the 12-digit contractor registration number, UBI number and required fee.
Update bond or insurance
New bond and insurance documents must match the exact business name on file with L&I.
Reinstate
Correct the issue, provide proof such as new bond or insurance, and pay the reinstatement fee.
Renewal caution: Do not advertise, bid or perform work on a suspended or expired registration. Verify active status after renewal or reinstatement.
Before hiring a Washington contractor: registration, bid, insurance, workers’ comp and red flags
Washington L&I’s homeowner guidance says using the Verify tool helps ensure the contractor is bonded, has liability insurance and has no outstanding infractions. The law also requires a contractor’s registration number to be included in all advertisements, including business cards and internet advertisements.
A homeowner should not rely only on referrals, online reviews, a truck sign, a Facebook page or a verbal promise. Good protection comes from combining L&I Verify, written bid, clear scope, permit responsibility, payment schedule, change-order rules and workers’ comp verification when workers will be on site.
Verify before signing
- Search the official L&I Verify record.
- Match the business name to the bid, invoice and payment name.
- Confirm the contractor registration number appears in advertising and bid documents.
- Check bond and general liability insurance details.
- Verify workers’ comp when employees will work on your project.
- Confirm who obtains permits and inspections.
Red flags that should slow you down
- No contractor registration number is shown.
- The L&I business name does not match the payment name.
- The contractor avoids bond or insurance questions.
- Cash-only pressure or full payment before work begins.
- No written bid, scope or change-order process.
- Door-to-door, storm-repair or urgent “today only” pressure.
Prime contractor note: Contractors hiring subcontractors should complete tracking requests for subcontractors with active workers’ comp coverage so L&I can send notification if certain registration or license problems occur within one year of the request.
Contractor registration vs trade certification: electrical, plumbing, elevators, boilers, asbestos and lead
Washington contractor registration does not automatically replace every trade license or certification. L&I says contractors working with plumbing, electrical, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers and asbestos have additional requirements for education, examination and licensing.
L&I’s Verify tool can also verify tradespeople and certifications. If the project includes electrical work, plumbing work, elevator installation, manufactured home installation, boiler work, asbestos activity, lead-based paint renovation or pesticides, use the appropriate official route before work begins.
| Work type | Likely official route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| General construction, remodeling, repairs or demolition | L&I contractor registration and Verify tool. | Registration, bond and insurance are basic consumer-protection checks. |
| Electrical work | L&I electrical contractor and electrician certification routes. | Electrical work can require separate certification, permits and inspections. |
| Plumbing work | L&I plumber certification and contractor verification routes. | Plumber continuing education, certification and permit rules can apply. |
| Elevator, boiler, asbestos or manufactured home installation | Specific L&I program or certification route. | These areas can have additional education, examination and licensing requirements. |
| Pre-1978 renovation with lead risk | Washington State Department of Commerce Lead Paint Program. | Lead regulations may apply before renovating or remodeling residential or child-occupied facilities. |
Washington contractor disclosure rule: jobs of $1,000 or more
Washington L&I’s contractor registration page says contractors must provide the Model Disclosure Statement Notice to Customer for all residential jobs of $1,000 or more and for commercial projects of $1,000 to $60,000. This is one of the easiest homeowner-protection items to ask for early.
If a contractor refuses to provide basic disclosure, registration number, bond and insurance information, written bid or permit responsibility, that is a strong reason to pause before paying. Good contractors should expect customers to verify them through L&I.
Residential jobs
Ask for the model disclosure statement on residential projects of $1,000 or more.
Commercial projects
L&I lists the disclosure requirement for commercial projects from $1,000 to $60,000.
Keep records
Save the disclosure, bid, contract, registration lookup, permits, invoices and payments together.
Washington contractor problems: report fraud, check bond lawsuit route and protect your records
Washington L&I’s contractor problem guidance explains that serious unresolved problems may involve filing suit against a contractor’s bond. Examples include a contractor leaving the job incomplete, work not being done to contract specifications, or property damage from contractor negligence. For unregistered or fraudulent contractor activity, L&I provides an online report route and the Report-a-Fraud line at 1-888-811-5974.
A bond lawsuit is not a simple complaint form. L&I explains that to serve the contractor’s bond, a person must send three copies of the Summons and Complaint form to L&I with the processing fee, after filing in Superior Court. Because court rules, filing fees, deadlines and service rules matter, homeowners should act carefully and consider legal advice when the amount is significant.
| Problem | Likely route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Fraudulent or unregistered contractor | Report a Contractor through L&I or call 1-888-811-5974. | Name, jobsite, phone, ad, vehicle, photos, payment proof and messages. |
| Contractor left and did not finish | Try resolution, then review L&I bond lawsuit guidance if serious. | Contract, scope, payment records, photos, timeline and L&I Verify result. |
| Work not done to contract specifications | Document defects and review suit against contractor bond if unresolved. | Written contract, change orders, inspection notes, photos and written communication. |
| Property damage or injury | Review contractor liability insurance and workers’ compensation status. | Insurance details from Verify, photos, incident reports and repair estimates. |
| Electrical, plumbing or trade issue | Use the relevant trade certification, permit or L&I program route. | Permit details, certified tradesperson name, photos and inspection notes. |
Complaint caution: L&I’s bond-service process and Superior Court filing are legal steps, not a guaranteed refund. If the loss is large, deadlines are close, or safety is involved, get qualified legal help quickly.
Washington public works: debarred contractor and strike list checks
For public works and prevailing wage contexts, a normal homeowner-style contractor lookup may not be enough. Washington L&I maintains a debarred contractors list and a contractor strike list. A debarred contractor may not bid on, or have a bid considered on, any public works contract.
Public agencies, prime contractors and subcontractors should check registration status, workers’ compensation, prevailing wage, debarment and strike-list concerns before bid submission or subcontractor approval.
Debarred contractors
Search the debarred contractor list for companies and principals that cannot bid on public works contracts.
Open debarred contractor listContractor strike list
Search the strike list for violations under prevailing wage, contractor registration, industrial insurance or apprenticeship laws.
Open contractor strike listOfficial Washington L&I contractor registration contact and mail route
Washington L&I lists Contractor Registration contact options including email ContReg@Lni.wa.gov, toll-free 1-800-647-0982 and phone 360-902-5226 option 2. For mailed contractor registration documents, L&I lists Contractor Registration, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450.
Contractor registration
Email: ContReg@Lni.wa.gov. Phone: 360-902-5226 option 2. Toll-free: 1-800-647-0982.
Mailing address
Contractor Registration, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450. Verify current mailing instructions before sending documents.
Fraud report
Report a fraudulent or unregistered contractor online, or call the Report-a-Fraud line at 1-888-811-5974.
Official Washington contractor license lookup resources
Use official Washington pages for final action. This independent guide can help you understand the route, but L&I controls registration status, bond and insurance requirements, workers’ compensation records, trade certification, fees, renewal, reinstatement and enforcement routing.
L&I Verify tool
Search contractor registration, tradesperson certification, workers’ comp, citations, bond lawsuits and business owners.
Open Verify toolRegister as contractor
Official guide for business registration, bond, insurance, application, renewal and reinstatement.
Open registration guideVerify guide
Official explanation of what the Verify tool can show for homeowners, contractors, tradespeople and businesses.
Open Verify guideHire Smart guide
Homeowner guide for checking bids, registration, written documents and contractor risk before hiring.
Open Hire SmartProblems with contractor
Official L&I route for unfinished work, work not matching contract, damage and contractor bond lawsuit guidance.
Open problem guideReport a contractor
Official route to report fraudulent or unregistered contractor activity in Washington State.
Open report pageWashington contractor license board lookup FAQs
Does Washington have a Construction Contractors Board?
Washington’s official contractor registration and lookup route is the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, usually called L&I. Users often say “contractors license board,” but the correct official lookup is L&I’s Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business tool.
How do I look up a Washington contractor license?
Use L&I’s Verify tool. You can search by name, contractor or tradesperson license number, workers’ compensation account, or Washington UBI number.
What can the Washington L&I Verify tool show?
The Verify tool can help show active contractor registration, workers’ compensation account status, safety or construction citations, lawsuits against the bond, business owner names and tradesperson certification where applicable.
Are Washington construction contractors required to register?
Yes. Washington L&I says Washington State requires all construction contractors to register with L&I, and state law requires contractors to be bonded and insured to protect the public.
What is the bond amount for Washington contractors?
L&I lists a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond of $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors.
What liability insurance is required for Washington contractor registration?
L&I lists either $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit policy.
How much is Washington contractor registration or renewal?
L&I currently lists the application and renewal fee as $141.10 and the reinstatement fee as $66.60. Verify current fees directly with L&I before submitting payment.
Does contractor registration replace electrical or plumbing certification?
No. L&I says contractors working with plumbing, electrical, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers and asbestos can have additional education, examination and licensing requirements.
How do I report an unregistered contractor in Washington?
Use L&I’s Report a Contractor page or call the Report-a-Fraud line at 1-888-811-5974. Save jobsite details, ads, screenshots, payment records and the name used by the contractor.
Can I file a claim against a Washington contractor bond?
L&I’s problem guidance says serious unresolved problems may involve filing suit against a contractor’s bond. This requires court steps and service through L&I, so legal advice may be useful when money or deadlines are significant.
Final recommendation for Washington contractor lookup users
The safest Washington path is simple: use the official L&I Verify tool, confirm active registration, match the business name, check bond and liability insurance, review workers’ compensation if employees are on site, and verify any trade certification before work begins.
Homeowners should not hire based only on a low bid or verbal promise. Contractors should not advertise, bid or perform construction work before registration, bond, insurance and specialty/trade requirements are correct. Complaint users should save evidence early and choose the correct L&I route for fraud reporting, unregistered work, bond lawsuits or trade issues.