Starting an electrical contracting business wa
To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I.
- General electrical (01) contractors are licensed to perform all types of electrical and telecommunications installations.
- Specialty electrical contractors are licensed to perform work within a category described in WAC 296-46B-920(2) .
All work performed must be done by properly certified electricians.
License requirements
- A valid UBI number issued by the Department of Revenue or Secretary of State’s office.
- A certified, assigned electrical administrator or master electrician.
- An original, $4,000 electrical/telecommunication contractor’s surety bond, or assignment of savings account.
- A workers’ compensation account if the business hire employees.
Electrical contractors are encouraged to carry general liability insurance. However, L&I does not keep records of liability insurance for electrical contractors.
If an electrical contracting business does other, non-electrical work, registration as a contractor may also be required.
Apply by mail
To apply, complete an Application for Electrical or Telecommunications Contractor License (F500-018-000). In a single envelope, mail it and all other forms required as instructed on the application form.
Apply in person
You may also contact your local L&I office for assistance or visit one to submit your application and fees in person.
We will notify you of the action taken on your application within 8-10 weeks after we receive your information.
Electrical contractor licenses must be renewed every 2 years. You can save money by renewing online.
Your license expires two years from its effective date, and should be renewed before it expires. If you or your employees are on the job with a license that is expired, suspended, inactive, or revoked, you can be subject to citation and fines.
Renew online
To renew online, you must have:
- A current bond or assignment of savings.
- A current administrator assigned.
- No outstanding, unpaid citations.
If your license has been expired for more than 90 days, you cannot renew online and you must contact L&I to renew. For assistance, contact us by email: ElectricalProgram@Lni.wa.gov or call 360-902-5269.
To renew online, you will need the following:
- Your 12-digit telecommunication contractor license number.
- UBI number.
- Email address.
- If you are updating your mailing address, you will need the last 4 digits of one of the principals’ Social Security numbers.
- Your renewal fee payable by credit or debit card or electronic check.
To renew by mail, send
- Your renewal notice or Electrical/Telecommunication Contractor's License Renewal Notice (F500-077-000).
- For payment of fee stated on the form, we accept cash, check, money order ot a credit/debit card. Please do not mail cash. Make checks payable to the Department of Labor & Industries.
Department of Labor & Industries
Electrical Program
P.O. Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
To renew in person
Visit your local L&I office with the following:
- Your renewal notice or Electrical/Telecommunication Contractor's License Renewal Notice (F500-077-000).
- Your renewal fee payable by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order.
We will verify that you have:
- All required documents on file with us.
- Paid the appropriate renewal fee.
- No outstanding fines or penalties.
Within 5 days after we receive your renewal, we will:
- Send your license.
- Notify you if there are any outstanding issues that need to be resolved.
Reinstating a suspended electrical contractor's license
We will suspend an electrical contractor whenever the minimum license requirements are not met. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to have a current unimpaired bond or assignment of savings on file with L&I and/or an active electrical administrator/master electrician assigned.
Reinstate online
To reinstate a suspended license online, all required documents must be on file with L&I and you must pay the reinstatement fee.
- Your 12 digit electrical contractor license number.
- All required documents on file with L&I.
- Email address and phone number.
You cannot reinstate an electrical contractor license without meeting all license requirements or satisfying the reason of suspension.
In person
- Visit your local L&I office.
- You can reinstate your electrical contractor license, by taking your required documents into your local office.
- Once the documents are recorded with L&I, you can pay the reinstatement fee by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.
By mail
Mail your required documents and a check or money order of the reinstatement fee payable to the Department of Labor and Industries to:
Department of Labor & Industries
Electrical Program
P.O. Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
We will verify that you have:
- All required documents on file with us.
- The correct fee has been paid.
- There are no outstanding fines or penalties associated with the license/ UBI.
Within 5 days after we receive your renewal, we will:
- Reinstate your license and notify you by mail.
- Notify you if there are any outstanding issues that need to be resolved.
Update Electrical License
If the principals, members, or owners of the company need to be updated, Complete the Electrical Telecommunication Principal Member Owner Update Request (F500-124-000) and send it to us by:
Mail to:
Department of Labor & Industries
Electrical Program
P.O. Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
You may need to re-license your business if you are changing your:
- Business name (e.g., Fred's Electrical to Frederick Electric Company)
- Business structure, including:
- UBI number changes.
- Changing from a partnership to a corporation, individual proprietorship to partnership, etc.
If you are required to re-license, you will need to:
- Apply for a new electrical contractor license.
- Submit a new notarized Change Assignment of Administrator/Master Certificate form (F503-009-000).
- Purchase a new bond or assignment of savings.
More information
- Electrical law (Chapter 19.28 RCW).
- Electrical rules (Chapter 296-46B WAC).
- Contractor Registration.
- Sign up for the Electrical Bulletin to receive emails with the Electrical Currents Newsletter and other important information.
