Bond Amount
$12,000 (general) / $6,000 (specialty)
Typical Premium
$100–$600/yr
Required By
Washington L&I Contractor Registration
What Is the Washington Contractor Registration Bond?
RCW 18.27.040 requires every contractor registered with L&I to maintain a continuous surety bond. The amount is fixed by registration type:
- General contractors: $12,000 bond
- Specialty contractors (single trade): $6,000 bond
The bond protects:
- Consumers harmed by breach of contract or defective work
- Subcontractors and suppliers for unpaid labor and materials
- Employees for unpaid wages
- The state for unpaid taxes and penalties
L&I posts the bond status publicly — consumers can verify any contractor's bond on the L&I online registration lookup.
Who Needs This Bond in Washington?
- General contractors — bid or perform work in two or more unrelated trades
- Specialty contractors — single trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)
- Out-of-state contractors registering to perform work on Washington property
Independent handypeople under $1,000 per contract are exempt; everyone else must register and bond.
How Much Will the Bond Cost?
Washington's fixed bond amounts make pricing simple. Most established contractors with clean credit pay $100–$200 annually:
| Credit Profile | Annual Premium | Approx. Rate |
|---|
| $12,000 (general), strong credit | $100 – $200 | 0.8% – 1.7% |
| $12,000 (general), 600–699 | $200 – $400 | 1.7% – 3.3% |
| $12,000 (general), challenged credit | $400 – $600 | 3.3% – 5% |
| $6,000 (specialty), strong credit | $100 | Min premium |
| $6,000 (specialty), challenged credit | $100 – $300 | Up to 5% |
How to Get Bonded — Step by Step
- Get your UBI number from the WA Department of Revenue.
- Obtain general liability insurance ($200K minimum public liability + $50K property damage required by L&I).
- Apply for your bond — instant or same-day issuance for most.
- Submit L&I Form F625-001-000 with bond, insurance, and registration fee.
- Registration issued within 1–2 weeks; you may begin work as "registered" the day L&I issues your number.
Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage
Washington contractor bonds run continuously and bill on 2-year cycles. The L&I registration is also a 2-year cycle. Premium is paid in advance for the term. Failure to maintain a current bond results in registration suspension within 60 days; consumers can no longer file mechanic's liens against your work during that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between general and specialty contractor bonds?
General contractors handle two or more trades and post the higher $12,000 bond. Specialty contractors stay within a single trade and post the lower $6,000 bond. The protection scope is similar; only the amount differs.
Can a homeowner file a claim against my bond?
Yes — consumers, subs, suppliers, employees, and the state can all file. Consumer claims must demonstrate breach of contract or defective work.
Is the bond enough or do I need more insurance?
The bond is the minimum L&I requires. Most Washington contractors carry significantly higher general liability ($1M+) and workers' comp through L&I. The bond covers different risks than insurance.
If I do a $50,000 job, isn't $12,000 too low?
The bond is a baseline minimum, not project-by-project coverage. Larger jobs warrant separate contract bonds (bid, performance, payment) priced per project.
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Related: All Washington surety bonds ·
What is a surety bond? ·
How surety bond costs are calculated
Underwriting Disclosure.
All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.