Washington requires a state contractor registration for nearly every construction business that advertises or performs work. That is a much broader requirement than Texas. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers contractor registration under RCW 18.27. Two classes: - General contractor. Can perform any construction work. - Specialty contractor. Limited to a single specialty (electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc.). To register, a contractor must: 1. Provide a bond. General contractors must post a $12,000 surety bond. Specialty contractors must post a $6,000 bond. (These amounts are statutory; L&I publishes the current figures.) 2. Carry liability insurance. Minimum $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or a combined single limit of $250,000. 3. File a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) from the Department of Revenue. 4. Pay the registration fee. In addition to the contractor registration, trade-specific state licenses are required for electrical work (through L&I Electrical Program, general journeyman and specialty levels) and plumbing (through L&I Plumber Certification). HVAC is covered under the general contractor registration with appropriate journey electrician for related electrical work. Washington is serious about unregistered contracting. An unregistered contractor cannot use the courts to collect on a contract, and penalties for unregistered work are significant.
WA · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in Washington
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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