Hiring a Contractor
Protect yourself when hiring a contractor
LookUp: Contractors or Tradespeople
Be an informed consumer and make sure a contractor is registered, actively licensed, with a bond and insurance, and an electrician, plumber, elevator mechanic or manufactured home installer is certified (licensed) in Washington. The search will also show how long they have been licensed, if they have any lawsuits against their contractors bond (construction only) and if they have been cited for violations of the various construction laws governed by the department Disclaimer regarding updates and accuracy.
Information in the Department of Labor & Industries Look Up: Contractors or Tradespeople online database is updated Monday through Friday
by 5 a.m. Pacific Time (state holidays excluded).
Neither the State of Washington nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of
Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information
in the Public Access System and shall not be liable for any losses caused
by such reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, portions may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity who relies on information obtained from the System does so at his or her own risk.
LookUp: Violators
Use the Lookup Violators site to search the list of violators of the contractor registration, electrical, plumber or factory assembled structures laws. This search shows all violators and violations whether they are licensed or not.
Especially for Contractors
Verify that your
contractor is up to date on workers' compensation premiums
If you are a contractor, you could be held liable to L&I for any unpaid premiums if you hire a subcontractor or other business that's delinquent paying its workers' compensation premiums. Fill out the online Contractor Tracking Request form to be notified if they get behind in paying premiums or if they become unregistered or unlicensed during the next year. Get information about using this online search. Note: You should also make sure they have an active Department of Revenue tax registration account (www.DOR.wa.gov).
Is your subcontractor really an employee?
You may be an employer with requirements — and not know it! In some cases, a self-proclaimed “independent contractor” is actually a worker for whom you must do such things as pay workers’ compensation premiums, meet wage and hour requirements, pay unemployment tax, etc. Not understanding your requirements can leave your business vulnerable to unwanted
penalties and even lawsuits. Besure to take advantage of this online webinar sponsored jointly by the IRS and L&I: "Hiring Workers for Your Business:
Are They Independent Contractors or Employees?"
Basics for Homeowners
Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Contractor
This step-by-step 'Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Contractor' will help you find a contractor who is qualified to handle your project, and avoid many of the most common problems. But if you do have problems, find out what you can do.
Report fraud
Report employer and contractor fraud — It's your money; help us help you.
- Report employer workers' comp fraud if you find that a business does not have an account with L&I and you know that they do have employees.
- Report unregistered contractors if you find that a contractor is not registered, bonded and insured to do business in Washington.
For more detail, see these helpful publications:
- Hiring a Contractor or Remodeler: What You Should Know
Questions to ask and precautions to take. - A Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors in Washington State
You might be an employer and not know it. Use this to determine when you are required to pay workers' compensation premiums and unemployment tax for those you hire. Also, if it's your job site, you'll learn about wage, hour and safety requirements.
