Washington requires contractors to carry a surety bond as a condition of licensing. The bond protects property owners, workers, and suppliers from financial losses caused by a contractor's failure to fulfill their obligations or pay for labor and materials.
The required bond type and amount depend on your license - the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers bonds for general and specialty contractors, plumbing, electrical and telecommunications, and farm labor contractors, each with its own requirement, while the Washington State Patrol (WSP) separately licenses fire protection sprinkler system contractors and requires a bond filed with the WSP. Some municipalities also require local contractor bonds for specific types of work.
Washington Contractor License Bond Requirements
The following types of contractors need to get a Washington State contractor license bond:
- General contractors require a $30,000 surety bond, and specialty contractors need a $15,000 bond that they must post to the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- Electrical/telecommunication contractors must submit a $4,000 surety bond when applying for a license from the L&I.
- Fire sprinkler system contractors must submit a $6,000 bond for a level 1, level 2, and level I & T license. A $10,000 surety bond is required for a level 3 and a level U license. The bond must be posted to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) when applying for a license.
- Farm labor contractors must submit a bond in an amount between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the number of employees they have. The bond must be submitted to the L&I as part of the contractor license application.
- Sewer contractors in Seattle must post a $30,000 surety bond to the Department of Constructions & Inspections.
- Sewer contractors in Redmond must submit a $5,000 cash or surety bond to the City of Redmond.
- Utility district sewer service contractors in the Lakehaven Utility District need to obtain a $10,000 surety bond and post it to the Lakehaven Utility District.
There can be other counties and cities in the state that have special contractor license bond requirements. Bryant Surety Bonds is licensed to issue all types of contractor license bonds in the state of Washington. Complete our online application form to get a free instant quote.
How Much Does a Contractor License Bond Cost in Washington?
The cost of your contractor license bond is a small percentage of the required bond amount. This percentage is determined by the surety bond company issuing the bond based on your personal credit score.
Applicants with a high credit score (700 FICO or higher) can be offered a premium of 1%-2%. For example, if you are a general contractor applying for a $30,000 surety bond and receive a 1% quote, your bond premium will amount to $300.
For a ballpark estimate of your bond premium, see the table below.
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Bond Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Labor and Industries Continuous Contractor's Bond – Specialty Contractor | $15,000 | Starts at $150 |
| Department of Labor and Industries Continuous Contractor's Bond – General Contractor | $30,000 | Starts at $300 |
| Department of Labor and Industries Continuous Plumbing Contractor Bond | $6,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Fire Protection Bureau Level U Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Department of Labor & Industries Electrical/Telecommunications Contractor Bond | $4,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (1–10 Employees) | $5,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (11–50 Employees) | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (51–100 Employees) | $15,000 | Starts at $150 |
| Department of Labor & Industries Farm Labor Contractor Bond (101+ Employees) | $20,000 | Starts at $200 |
| Fire Protection Bureau Level 1 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond | $6,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Fire Protection Bureau Level 2 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond | $6,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Fire Protection Bureau Level 3 Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Fire Protection Bureau Level I & T Fire Sprinkler System Contractor Bond | $6,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Normandy Park Contractor Performance Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Redmond Side Sewer Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Sammamish Blanket Permit Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Kenmore Surety Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Kirkland Performance, Maintenance, and Monitoring Bond | $1,000–$500,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Pacific Permit Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Port Angeles Performance and Payment Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Redmond Short Plats and Small Projects Bond | $1,000–$500,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Redmond Tree Protection Bond | $1,000–$50,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Seattle Public Place Improvement Bond | $1,000–$25,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Seattle Public Place Improvement Bond (larger scope) | $25,001–$350,000 | Starts at $250 |
| City of Seattle Side Sewer Contractor Bond | $30,000 | Starts at $300 |
| City of Seattle Street Use and Occupation Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Spokane Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Tacoma Maintenance and Monitoring Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of University Place Street Use Bond | $5,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Woodinville Public Works Performance and Payment Bond | $1,000–$250,000 | Starts at $100 |
| County of Island Commercial Installer Bond | $30,000 | Starts at $300 |
| County of Spokane Street Obstruction Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Cross Valley Water District Maintenance Bond | $1,000–$25,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Cross Valley Water District Maintenance Bond (higher-tier) | $25,001–$50,000 | Starts at $250 |
| Individual Bond for Agreement (standard size) | $1,000–$50,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Individual Bond for Agreement (larger size) | $50,001–$200,000 | Starts at $500 |
| Lakehaven Utility District Sewer Service Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 |
| King County Critical Area Restoration Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Pierce County Building Permit Bond | $5,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
| Pierce County Street Obstruction Bond | $5,000 | Starts at $100 |
| City of Edmonds Performance Bond | $1,000–$100,000 | Starts at $100 |
Apart from credit score, there are several other factors taken into account by the surety that can influence your bond premium. These are:
- Personal and business financial statements
- Fixed and liquid assets
- Work experience and record
By improving your score, along with any of the above, you can reduce the final cost of your contractor license bond.
Use our free bond cost calculator below for a precise estimate based on your credit score:
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Get a free exact quote Get another estimateGeneral and Specialty Contractors
General and specialty contractors in Washington state are required to obtain a continuous contractor surety bond under RCW 18.27.040. The bond coverage for general contractors is $30,000, and for specialty contractors is $15,000. According to this provision, the bond guarantees that the contractor will pay everyone who performs labor or provides materials or equipment for them. The bond also guarantees the payment of taxes to the state.
General and specialty contractors need to renew their surety bond every two years, along with their contractor license.
With Bryant Surety Bonds, the bond cost for general contractors starts at $300 and for specialty contractors at $150.
Electrical Contractors
Electrical contractors in Washington are required to obtain a $4,000 continuous surety bond under RCW 19.28.04. The bond guarantees that electrical contractors will comply with building codes and ordinances when installing or maintaining wires or equipment that convey an electrical current. It also guarantees they will pay for all labor and materials, as well as pay taxes to the state.
Electrical contractors must renew their surety bond every two years along with their license.
Licensed Plumbing Contractors
As of July 2021, any business that advertises, bids on, or performs plumbing work in Washington must hold a separate Plumbing Contractor license from L&I. This is a distinct license from contractor registration and requires a $6,000 continuous surety bond filed with L&I, along with a $250,000 liability insurance certificate and a designated plumber holding an active L&I plumber certification.
General contractors who wish to perform plumbing work on their own projects must hold both their contractor registration bond ($30,000 for general contractors) and the separate plumbing contractor bond ($6,000). General contractors who subcontract all plumbing to a separately licensed plumbing contractor do not need the plumbing contractor license.
Telecommunication contractors
Telecommunication contractors in Washington state are required to obtain a $4,000 continuous surety bond. The bond cost starts at $100 for applicants with a high credit score.
Under RCW 19.28.420, the bond guarantees that telecommunication contractors will pay for all labor, including employee benefits, as well as for any materials furnished or used during work. It also guarantees that the contractor will pay taxes to the state.
Fire protection sprinkler system contractors
Level 1, 2, and I&T Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractors are required to submit a $6,000 surety bond.
Level 3 and U Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractors are required to submit a $10,000 surety bond.
The surety bond for all types of fire protection sprinkler system contractors expires yearly on December 31. You must renew your license and bond prior to that date if you do not want your license to expire and be revoked.
A surety bond is required of fire protection sprinkler system contractors under the conditions specified in RCW 18.160.090. The regulation specifies that the contractor must pay compensation to their clients if they breach the conditions of their contract.
Farm Labor Contractors
Farm labor contractors are required to obtain a surety bond anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the contractor’s number of employees.
The farm labor contractor license bond has a one-year term and expires on December 31. Contractors need to renew their bond yearly before the expiration date; otherwise, they risk losing their license.
A surety bond is required of farm labor contractors under RCW 19.30.040. The regulation states that “the bond shall be payable to the state of Washington and be conditioned on payment of sums legally owing under contract to an agricultural employee. The aggregate liability of the surety upon such bond for all claims which may arise thereunder shall not exceed the face amount of the bond.”
Redmond side sewer contractors
Redmond side sewer contractors must post a $5,000 cash or surety bond when obtaining a license.
Under the Redmond Municipal Code (RMC) 13.04.320, a contractor “shall be liable on his bond for any damage caused by his failure to properly protect and guard such excavation as herein required.”
Side sewer contractors in Redmond must renew their bond and license annually at the beginning of the year. Bonds and licenses expire at the end of January and must be renewed prior to that date.
Lakehaven Utility District sewer service contractors
Lakehaven Utility District sewer service contractors must post a $10,000 bond in order to operate in the district.
The bond is conditioned on the requirement that contractors comply with Lakehaven’s latest “Standards for Installation of Gravity Building/Side Sewers” as well as “Standards for Installation of Private Grinder Pump Systems, Pressure Side Sewers, and Private Force Main/discharge Pipelines from Grinder Pumps”.
Sewer service contractor licenses and bonds in the district are renewed annually and expire a year after the date of issuance.
Can I Get a Washington Contractor License Bond with Bad Credit?
A low credit score will not prevent you from getting bonded in Washington. Bryant Surety Bonds approves most applicants regardless of credit history, and our eligibility check uses a soft credit pull that has no impact on your score.
Applicants with lower scores typically pay a higher rate, up to 15% of the bond amount, but coverage remains available across all credit profiles. Learn more through our Bad Credit Surety Bond Program.
How to Get Your Washington Contractor License Bond
- Apply online. Complete our short application form below.
- Receive your quote. Your quote arrives by email, typically within hours.
- Get bonded. Pay online and receive your bond certificate by email immediately.
The entire process can often be completed in a single day, so you can submit your bond to L&I or the WSP and keep your license application on track without delays. If your bond is not accepted by the obligee for any reason, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Bryant Surety Bonds is licensed to issue surety bonds in Washington under license number 1022429, listed on our agency licenses page.
Washington Contract Bonds
A contractor license bond is distinct from the contract bonds that Washington contractors may need for specific projects. Bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds are project-specific instruments - required by public agencies or private project owners for construction contracts above certain dollar thresholds - and are separate from any license or registration bond filed with a state agency. Bryant Surety Bonds issues all contract bond types for Washington contractors; contact us if you need a bond for a specific project.
Washington General and Specialty Contractor Licensing Requirements
To complete your general and specialty contractor licensing application, you need to take a few extra steps in addition to obtaining a contractor license bond. Some of them include:
- Register with the Washington Secretary of State (valid for LPs, LLCs, LLPs, and corporations)
- Obtain a Uniform Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue
- Get an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), unless you are a sole proprietor with no employees
- Buy general liability insurance in an amount of $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 in property damage, OR $250,000 combined single limit
- Fill out and notarize an Application for Contractor Registration
- Pay $141.10 license application fee - valid for 2 years
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has local representatives whom you can contact to verify if you have satisfied all pre-licensing requirements.
Licensing requirements for other types of contractors in the state can vary depending on the license type.
Washington Contractor License Bond Renewal
General and specialty contractor registrations and bonds renew every two years. Electrical contractor licenses renew every two years from the license's effective date. Farm labor contractor licenses are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. Fire protection sprinkler system contractor licenses and bonds must be renewed annually.
A lapse in bond coverage can result in the suspension of your contractor registration or license by L&I or the WSP. Bryant Surety Bonds sends renewal reminders 1-2 months before your bond's expiration date to prevent any gap in coverage. Renewal follows the same process as the original application and can be handled online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Washington contractor license bond?
All general and specialty construction contractors registered with L&I must post a surety bond. Licensed plumbing contractors must post a separate $6,000 bond in addition to any contractor registration bond. Electrical and telecommunications contractors licensed by L&I must post a $4,000 bond. Fire protection sprinkler system contractors licensed by the Washington State Patrol must post either a $6,000 or $10,000 bond, depending on their license level. Farm labor contractors licensed by L&I must post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the number of employees.
What is the difference between a general contractor bond and a specialty contractor bond?
Both are continuous surety bonds filed with L&I as part of contractor registration, but the amounts differ: $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. General contractors can perform most types of construction work and hire subcontractors in multiple specialties. Specialty contractors are registered in a single specialty trade and cannot hire subcontractors. Both bonds guarantee payment to workers, material suppliers, and equipment providers and ensure payment of applicable state taxes.
Do I need both a contractor registration bond and a plumbing contractor bond?
Yes, if you are a general contractor who also performs plumbing work. Washington requires a separate Plumbing Contractor license for any business that performs, advertises, or bids on plumbing work. This license carries its own $6,000 bond requirement, which is separate from and in addition to your $30,000 contractor registration bond. General contractors who subcontract all plumbing work to a separately licensed plumbing contractor do not need the plumbing contractor license or its bond.
What bond do electrical contractors need in Washington?
Electrical and telecommunications contractors licensed by L&I must post a $4,000 continuous surety bond filed with L&I. This bond is required as part of the electrical contractor license application. If the electrical contracting business also performs non-electrical construction work, it may also need to register as a general or specialty contractor with L&I and carry the applicable contractor registration bond.
How is the fire sprinkler contractor bond amount determined?
The bond amount is based on the scope of your fire sprinkler system contractor license. Contractors licensed at Level 1, Level 2, or Level I&T - whose work is restricted to residential sprinkler system types - must post a $6,000 bond. Contractors holding a Level 3 or Level U license, which authorizes work on all types of fire protection sprinkler systems, must post a $10,000 bond. Bonds are filed with the Washington State Patrol.
Can I get a Washington contractor license bond with bad credit?
Yes. A lower credit score affects your rate, not your eligibility. Applicants with lower scores typically pay between 5% and 15% of the bond amount, compared to the 1%–2% range available to well-qualified applicants. Learn more through our Bad Credit Surety Bond Program.
Does applying for a Washington contractor license bond affect my credit score?
No. Bryant Surety Bonds uses a soft credit pull for all bond applications. Soft pulls do not appear on your credit report and have no impact on your score, regardless of the bond type or amount.
What happens if my Washington contractor license bond lapses?
L&I will suspend your contractor registration or license if your bond lapses or is cancelled without a replacement being filed. A suspended registration prevents you from legally advertising, bidding, or performing construction work in Washington until your bond is reinstated and active. The WSP applies the same standard to fire sprinkler system contractor licenses.
