How to Get a Washington Electrical Contractor License
If you’re starting an electrical contracting business in Washington, you’ll need an electrical contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) before performing electrical construction work.
One important distinction upfront: Washington licenses the contracting business separately from the people doing the electrical work. The business needs an electrical contractor license, the electricians need the appropriate individual certifications, and the business must have a certified electrical administrator or master electrician assigned to it.
Washington Electrical Contractor License Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Washington L&I |
| Business registration | Valid UBI number |
| Bond | $4,000 surety bond |
| Administrator | Certified electrical administrator or master electrician |
| Workers’ comp | Required if you have employees |
| Application form | F500-018-000 |
| Application fees | $406.90 ($353.90 application + $53 administrator/master assignment) |
| Processing time | 8-10 weeks |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed
1. Register your business and get a UBI number
You need a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Washington Secretary of State or Department of Revenue before you can apply. If you haven’t registered your business yet, that’s the first step.
2. Assign a certified electrical administrator or master electrician
Every electrical contractor in Washington must have a qualifying person assigned to the license. This is either a certified electrical administrator or a master electrician. They’re responsible for ensuring the company complies with Washington electrical laws and rules.
This isn’t the same as having a journey-level electrician on staff. Electrical administrator certification is separate from electrician certification. A master electrician who meets the requirements also qualifies. Whoever you assign must be current and in good standing.
3. Get a $4,000 contractor bond
You need a $4,000 electrical contractor surety bond, or an equivalent assignment of savings account. The bond has to stay current. If it lapses, your license goes inactive.
4. Set up workers’ compensation
If you have employees, you need a workers’ compensation account with L&I. Open it before you apply.
5. Complete Form F500-018-000
Download and complete Form F500-018-000. Use the current version of the form when you apply.
6. Submit by mail or in person
Mail the completed application with all required documents and fees to:
Washington Department of Labor and Industries Electrical Program P.O. Box 44460 Olympia, WA 98504-4460
You can also bring it to a local L&I office in person. Initial applications are not submitted online.
7. Pay the application and assignment fees
You’ll need to pay the electrical contractor application fee plus the fee to assign your administrator or master electrician. L&I periodically updates its fees, so check the current Form F500-018-000 before submitting your application. Fees are non-refundable.
8. Wait for approval
L&I estimates 8-10 weeks. Once approved, you’ll need to renew the contractor license every two years.
Renewing Your License
Renewal is every two years from your effective date. Online renewal works if your bond is current, your administrator assignment is active, and you have no unpaid citations.
If your license lapses by more than 90 days, online renewal isn’t available. Contact L&I directly at [email protected] or 360-902-5269.
What About Individual Electrician Certification?
The contractor license applies to the business. Electricians performing the work must hold their own certifications through L&I.
Washington has general journey-level (01) and specialty electrician certifications. As of July 2026, most in-state applicants pursuing journey-level (01) certification must complete a registered electrical apprenticeship before qualifying for the certification exam. The previous transitional pathway for qualifying through Washington trainee experience ended June 30, 2026. Separate qualification paths exist for certain out-of-state and military applicants.
Specialty electrician certifications have their own experience and training requirements depending on the category.
See L&I’s electrician licensing page for current certification paths.
Is Liability Insurance Required for the Electrical Contractor License?
L&I does not require proof of general liability insurance for the electrical contractor license itself. The agency encourages electrical contractors to carry it but does not maintain liability insurance records for electrical contractor licensing.
Other Washington contractor registration requirements, customers, general contractors, or individual contracts may impose separate insurance requirements.
Once You’re Licensed
Running an electrical contracting business means keeping customers, jobs, estimates, invoices, and scheduling organized. Cinderblock brings them together in one place.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements can change. Consult the relevant licensing authority or a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Andrew Booth
Andrew is a construction industry writer focused on contractor operations, scheduling, estimating, and field workflows.
