There are four clear-cut expenses that you will incur if you chose to obtain a Washington Contractors License. Some of the expenses (like WA Contractor Bonds) will vary depending on the specific license you pursue. Here is a run-down of the expenses that you can expect to incur as you get your WA Contracting Business up and running…
Short on time? Check out our Contractor’s License FAQ page.
Cost of a Washington Contractors License
Cost #1: The Cost to Incorporate in Washington
If you create a Washington general contractor business as a corporation, limited partnership (LP), limited liability partnership (LLP), or limited liability company (LLC), you are required to register with the WA Secretary of State.
Cost: $180
Cost #2: Cost to Get a Business License
To get your Uniform Business Identifier number (UBI#), you will need to apply for a business license. This is separate from your Washington Contractor License, which is explained in the next cost.
The cost to get your UBI# is around $19 – $24.
Cost: $19-24
Cost #3: Washington Contractors License Fees
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries requires all applicants pay a Washington Contractor License registration fee. This Washington Contractors License Fee covers you for two years.
Cost: $113.40
Cost #4: Washington Contractors Bond
The price you’ll pay for your Washington Contractor Bond will vary based on your credit history. With that being said, the following rates are subject to change based on the individual applicant.
- $12,000 WA General Contractor Surety Bond – Those with good credit can pay as little as $240. Those with bad credit could receive a rate as low as a $50/1000 – Leaving the Bond Premium amount at $600. (The Range: $240-$600)
- $6,000 WA Specialty Contractor Bond – Those with a credit score of 675 and above could pay as low as $120. Even those who have bad credit can receive a rate as low as $300. (The Range: $120-$300)
- $4,000 WA Electrical Contractor Bond – Those with a credit score of 675 and above could pay as low as $100 for their bond. (The Range: $100-$300)
Cost: $100-$600
These costs are per bond term. Usually, a term is one year, but you can sometimes buy bonds in 2-year or 3-year terms.
See how much you’d pay for a WA Contractor Bond
Your Overall Expense to get a Washington Contractors License*
- $12,000 WA General Contractors License Expense: $552-$917 + the cost of liability insurance
- $6,000 WA Specialty Contractors License Expense: $432-$617 + the cost of liability insurance
- $4,000 WA Electrical Contractors License Expense: $412-$617 + the cost of liability insurance
*all cost estimates are approximate as it is impossible to guaranteed your cost without accounting for changing rates from Insurance Carriers and your credit history. Not all credit scores are treated equally by carriers, some have a larger range and some scores are for commercial insurance applications whereas the consumer report might not reflect the same risk model used.
Do you Need a Washington Contractors License Bond?
Getting a bond can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. At Surety Solutions, our online Bond Cost Calculator lets you view quotes for your Washington Contractors Bond so you can compare prices before you buy.
You might only need to pay $100 for your bond! Find out how much you’d pay.
Get free WA Contractor Bond quotes
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