Washington License Information

Construction Work Regulated:

Prequalification is required in order to bid on highway work in the state.

Construction work of all kinds, including asbestos abatement is regulated by registration at the state level.

License Requirements

Contractors:

• Applicants are not required to take any examination or document experience for the general contractor or specialty contractor licenses. Contractors are required to carry liability insurance and a post cash deposit or license bond of $6,000 for general and $4,000 for specialty contractors. The average application processing time is 48 hours. There were 44,000 licenses as of September 1994.

Highway Pre-qualification:

• Contractors must submit a standard questionnaire and financial statement form. Bidding rates are set by the department based on the information submitted. Prequalifications must be renewed annually.

Electrical:

• Trade examinations are required for electricians and electrical administrators. A $4,000 bond is required of electrical contractors. A continuing education requirement exists as a precondition to renewal.

Other:

• Performance and payment bonds for 100% of the contract price are required for public works.

Reciprocal Agreements

Washington has reciprocal agreements with Alaska, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, North Dakota South Dakota, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming for electrician certification only.

License Types

Types of Licenses

• General Contractor
• Specialty Contractor
• Asbestos Contractor
• Electrical Contractor
• Administrator
• Residential
• Pump & Irrigation
• Signs
• Limited Energy
• Nonresidential Maintenance
• Domestic Appliances
• General Electrical

Every contractor is required to pass the OSHA exam.