How to purchase an electrical permit

Most electrical work needs a permit. L&I conducts inspections for the permits we issue. Some cities issue their own permits and conduct inspections. If you're not sure your work requires a permit, check WAC 296-46B-901.

Processing time for L&I permits purchased: 1) online — immediately, 2) in person at a service location — immediately, 3) postal mail — same day as received.

Below are your options for purchasing a permit depending on whether you are a contractor, property owner or a partner city.

• Contractors.
• Property Owners.
• Partner Cities.

Contractors

Apply Online with SecureAccess Washington (SAW) (subscription required see below for sign-up instructions)

Payment method: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards, or contractor deposit (CD) account. Open a contractor deposit account with L&I. SAW benefit: Track your account balance and history. Review your L&I permits and inspection results at a glance.

Sign-up instructions:

1. Complete the Application to Access L&I's Electronic Permit & Inspection System (EPIS) and submit it to L&I using the directions on the application form.
2. Create a username and password in SAW.
3. Add EPIS (Electronic Permit & Inspection System) to your SAW account.

Apply Online with Electrical Permit/Inspection System (EPIS) (no subscription required)

Payment method: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. A printer is required.

Faxing, mailing or visiting an L&I office

1. Download and complete the Contractor Electrical Work Permit Application.
2. Your method of payment determines your options for paying:

• Contractor deposit (CD) account:
  Fax, mail or bring the application to your local L&I office.
• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express):
  Bring the application to your local L&I office.
• Check or money order:
  Mail or bring the check or money order and the application to your local L&I office.
• Cash:
  Bring the application to your local L&I office.

Property owners

Important:

• If you hire an electrical contractor they must purchase the permit for the work they do for you. Be sure your electrical contractor is licensed and certified.
• You should consult with your serving utility before performing an electrical installation that will alter your service.

Apply Online with Electrical Permit/Inspection System (EPIS) using your credit card.

Payment method: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. A printer is required.

Mailing or visiting an L&I office

1. Download and complete the Property Owner Electrical Work Permit Application.
2. Mail or bring the check or money order and the application to your local L&I office.
3. Paying by cash? Bring your application to a local L&I office.

Next step

Request an inspection from L&I or your city to make sure it is safe and up to code.

Partner Cities

Apply Online with SecureAccess Washington (SAW) (subscription required) Restricted to cities who have contracted with L&I to perform inspections.

Payment method: Contractor deposit (CD) account.

Note: Some cities have their own electrical inspection program. These cities charge fees that are in addition to L&I permit fees. However, some of those cities have decided to contract with L&I to perform the inspections.