Verify/Washington

How to Verify a Contractor License in Washington

Search 173,144 Washington contractor license records instantly. Free verification tool powered by official state licensing board data.

173,144
Total Licenses
87,269
Active
50%
Active Rate

Verify a Washington Contractor Now

Enter a contractor's name or license number to instantly check their status.

Search Washington Licenses

Step-by-Step: Verify a Contractor in Washington

1

Search by name or license number

Go to the List a Service verification tool and enter the contractor's business name, owner name, or license number. Select Washington from the state dropdown to narrow results.

2

Review the license details

Check the license type, current status (Active, Expired, or Revoked), license number, and expiration date. An active license means the contractor is currently authorized to perform work in Washington.

3

Confirm with the Washington licensing board

For the most current information, cross-reference the license directly with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This ensures you have the latest data on any disciplinary actions or status changes.

4

Ask for insurance and references

A valid license is essential, but also request proof of liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and at least three recent references. This provides a complete picture of the contractor's qualifications.

Red Flags to Watch For

Expired license

The contractor is not currently authorized to perform work. They may be operating illegally.

Refuses to provide license number

A legitimate contractor will readily share their license information for verification.

No record found

If the contractor cannot be found in state records, they may be unlicensed.

Wrong license type

A plumbing license does not authorize electrical work. Ensure the license covers your project.

Contractor License Types in Washington

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR148,810 licenses
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR9,169 licenses
J-General Journeyman3,212 licenses
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR2,979 licenses
Residential General Contractor1,781 licenses
Commercial General Contractor Level 2749 licenses
Residential Specialty Contractor658 licenses
JP-Journeyman Plumber588 licenses
CL5-Pressure Piping Mechanic429 licenses
Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2429 licenses
LEA-Ltd Energy Class A428 licenses
Commercial General Contractor Level 1344 licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Washington?

Use the free List a Service verification tool to search by contractor name or license number. You can also check directly with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

How many licensed contractors are there in Washington?

Washington currently has 173,144 contractor license records on file, with 87,269 (50%) in active status.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Washington?

Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at risk. You may have no legal recourse if work is done poorly, and you could be liable for workplace injuries since unlicensed contractors often lack required insurance and bonding. Some states also impose fines on homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed contractors.

Is the List a Service verification tool free?

Yes. List a Service provides completely free contractor license verification across all 50 states. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or hidden fees.

Top Cities in Washington

Vancouver9,690
Seattle7,789
Spokane6,023
Tacoma4,787
Everett3,515
Kent2,999
Auburn2,880
Renton2,526
Kennewick2,417
Olympia2,398

Washington Licensing Board

Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Visit Official Site

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