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How to register as a contractor for the first time

Important note: BEFORE you try to register as a contractor with L&I, be sure to review the information on Access Washington's 'Doing Business in Washington' page to ensure you have met all the other business requirements for any new business.

1. If this is a new business, you must:

Get Started Right

After you've registered You must use your contractor registration number on all your business communications By law, when you advertise, solicit bids or offer to perform work, you must always include your contractor registration number. This includes business cards, Yellow Page ads, newspaper ads, estimates and bid proposals.

• Check with the WA Secretary of State web site first to determine your business structure and find out if you need to register with them.
  Or you can call 360-753-7115. Only sole proprietorships and general partnerships DO NOT need to register as a business with the Secretary of State's office. Cost: $175.
• Complete a Master Business Application online to get your Uniform Business Identifier number (UBI#)
  ... or you can go into a Department of Revenue, Employment Security, or Labor and Industries office to pick up the form. Cost: $15-$20.
• Get your IRS Employer ID# if you plan to employ workers
  Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Free.

2. Get these required documents ready

• Get a surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
  • $12,000 for a general contractor.
  • $6,000 for a specialty contractor (one trade only).
• Get proof of general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent.
  • $50,000 property damage policy and $200,000 public liability policy
    OR
  • $250,000 combined single limit policy.

  NOTE: Originals of your bond and insurance will be required to complete your registration.

3. Fill out the Application for Contractor Registration and have it notarized

Your local L&I office will notarize it for you.

4. Prepare to pay the registration fee

Go to Contractor Registration Fees page for the correct amount.

5. Submit your application and required documents to L&I

The easiest and quickest way to complete this process is to:

  Walk in to any local L&I office

Be sure to bring:

• Your completed and notarized Application for Contractor Registration (35 KB PDF).
• Evidence of your surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
• Evidence of your general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent. (See information above.)
• A check or money order, Visa or MasterCard, to pay the registration fee.

The local customer service representative will make sure all information is complete and answer any questions you may have. All payment methods are accepted. You will receive your temporary card (your receipt) at that time if all your paperwork is in order.

  You can also mail in your application and required documentation

Be sure to include all of the following:

• Your completed and notarized Application for Contractor Registration (35 KB PDF).
• Evidence of your surety bond or assignment of account from your insurance agent.
• Evidence of your general liability insurance coverage from your insurance agent. (See information above.)
• A check or money order for the contractor registration fee payable to Department of Labor and Industries.

Mail all originals of the above to:

Department of Labor and Industries
Contractor Registration Section
PO Box 44450
Olympia, WA 98504-4450

Note: Be sure to make copies of all the above for yourself.

After evaluating your application information, L&I will do one of the following:

• If approved, mail your registration within 2-4 weeks.
• If rejected, contact you about missing documentation within 2-4 weeks.

NOTE: If you do not receive a response within 2-4 weeks, please call 1-800-647-0982 to verify we received your application.