Washington State Contractor License Verification
Instantly verify contractor registration through the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — including bond and insurance status — and automatically cross-reference against enforcement records. One search. No tab-switching.
L&I
Washington licensing authority
<10s
Avg verification time
11
States searched simultaneously
Bond+
Insurance status checked
Washington's contractor registration system
Washington State requires all contractors — general and specialty — to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Registration isn't just a license number: contractors must maintain an active surety bond and carry general liability insurance as conditions of their registration. Both can lapse independently of the registration itself.
General contractors in Washington must carry a $12,000 surety bond. Specialty contractors (roofing, HVAC, landscaping, painting, etc.) require a $6,000 bond. L&I's public registry shows bond status, insurance status, and expiration dates alongside the contractor's registration number.
Electricians and plumbers must additionally hold trade-specific licenses through L&I's Electrical and Plumbing programs — separate from and in addition to contractor registration.
L&I enforcement records — automatically checked.
Washington L&I publishes enforcement actions, stop-work orders, and contractor deregistrations on its public portal. A lapsed bond, expired insurance, or active enforcement case can all appear independently of the registration status.
Every CredentialClear search in Washington automatically cross-references the contractor name against L&I enforcement and violation records. Matches are flagged immediately — before you make a hiring decision.
What gets cross-referenced
L&I Enforcement Actions & Stop-Work Orders
Active enforcement cases, stop-work orders, and contractor deregistrations published by Washington L&I
Bond & Insurance Lapse Records
Contractors with expired or lapsed surety bonds or liability insurance — a common but often-overlooked compliance risk
More than the L&I contractor lookup gives you.
L&I confirms whether a contractor is registered. CredentialClear tells you everything you need to verify a contractor's credentials before you hire.
Live L&I Registry Data
Results pulled directly from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries contractor registry — including bond and insurance status.
Violation Cross-Reference
Automatically checked against L&I enforcement actions, stop-work orders, and deregistration records.
Google Reviews
See ratings and review counts alongside license status — without leaving the platform.
License Monitoring
Flag Washington contractors for ongoing tracking. Get notified if their L&I registration, bond, or insurance status changes.
Washington State contractor license verification — answered.
How do I verify a contractor license in Washington State?
Washington State contractor licenses are issued and managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). All contractors performing work in Washington must be registered with L&I and carry the required bond and liability insurance. CredentialClear searches the L&I contractor registry and cross-references against public violation and enforcement records.
What is required to be a licensed contractor in Washington State?
Washington requires all contractors to register with L&I, maintain a surety bond ($12,000 for general contractors, $6,000 for specialty contractors), carry general liability insurance, and have a valid UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number from the Washington Secretary of State. Both general and specialty contractors must meet these requirements.
What is the difference between a general and specialty contractor in Washington?
Washington distinguishes between general contractors (who can oversee broad construction projects and subcontract trade work) and specialty contractors (who perform specific trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or landscaping). Specialty contractors have a lower bond requirement ($6,000) but are limited to their registered specialty. Electricians and plumbers must also hold separate trade licenses.
Do Washington State electricians and plumbers need a separate license?
Yes. In addition to contractor registration with L&I, electricians in Washington must hold a valid electrical license issued by L&I's Electrical Program. Plumbers must hold a plumbing license issued through L&I's Plumbing Program. These are separate from the contractor registration and have their own examination and continuing education requirements.
What is a Washington UBI number and why does it matter?
A Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number is a Washington State business registration number issued by the Secretary of State. All contractors operating in Washington must have a valid UBI. A contractor without a UBI is not legally registered to do business in the state. CredentialClear checks contractor registration status, which includes UBI verification.
How do I check for contractor violations in Washington State?
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries publishes enforcement actions, stop-work orders, bond claim history, and contractor deregistration records. CredentialClear automatically cross-references contractor names against these public L&I records — flagging any enforcement history before you make a hiring decision.