Washington Electrical Contractor License

A valid Washington electrical contractor license from L&I is required before bidding or performing electrical work in the state. L&I administers the license under RCW 19.28.041. A license from another state provides no exemption — Washington requires its own license independently.

What the license requires

Designating a master electrician or administrator is the first prerequisite. To hold an electrical contractor license, the firm must designate an individual who currently holds a valid Washington master journey level electrician's certificate or administrator's certificate (RCW 19.28.041). That designated individual must have passed the L&I master electrician or administrator examination to hold their certificate.

Two additional mandatory requirements:

• $4,000 surety bond (or equivalent assigned savings account) filed with L&I and maintained as "current and unimpaired" throughout the license period (RCW 19.28.041; L&I contractor page confirms this must remain on file)
• Workers' compensation coverage — an active industrial insurance account number or self-insurer certificate (required by RCW 19.28.041 as a condition of application)

Note: L&I does not require general liability insurance for electrical contractors. L&I states that contractors are "encouraged" to carry it but explicitly does not track or require it.

Fees and renewal schedule

• Initial and renewal fee: $332.30 for in-person, mail, or fax applications (online renewal is discounted per WAC 296-46B-909)
• Renewal period: every 24 months from the date of issue (RCW 19.28.041; WAC 296-46B-925)
• 90-day post-expiration window: license may be renewed without re-examination within 90 days of expiration; beyond 90 days, re-examination is required (WAC 296-46B-940)
• Reinstatement after suspension: additional $67.20 on top of the standard renewal fee (WAC 296-46B-909)

Penalties for unlicensed electrical work

Civil penalties are set by WAC 296-46B-915 and escalate with each violation:

• 1st violation: $1,000 fine
• 2nd violation: $2,000 fine
• 3rd violation: $3,000 fine
• Each subsequent offense: up to $10,000 per violation (statutory maximum per RCW 19.28.131)

L&I may also suspend or revoke contractor licenses and refer criminal violations for prosecution under RCW 19.28.

*Verify current requirements at lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-licensing-exams-education/electrical-contractor before bidding or performing electrical work in Washington.*