What Is Required to Lawfully Work as a Contractor in Washington State?

A contractor (general or specialty) must be registered with the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries to lawfully work in the state.

To become registered, a contractor must submit an application to the Department of Labor and Industries along with evidence of an acceptable type of workers’ compensation insurance for the contractor’s employees, a surety bond, and liability insurance.

Surety Bond

The surety bond must be in the amount of $12,000 for a General Contractor, and $6,000 for a Specialty Contractor. As an alternative to a surety bond, a contractor may file an assigned savings account with the Department of Labor and Industries. Liability insurance must be in the minimum amount of $50,000 for property damage and $200,000 for public liability, or $250,000 combined single limit coverage.

Click HERE to find Washington State Department of Labor and Industries contractor registration forms.

Kristal Cowger, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.