Washington Handyman License Requirements (Complete 2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about starting a handyman business in Washington, it’s important to know the limitations. While you can do plenty of small jobs as a handyman, projects above a certain dollar amount require registration or licensing. There are also rules about advertising, which can directly affect the success of your business.

Our guide will help you understand what work you can legally perform as a handyman in Washington, how to get registered, and tips for growing your company.

Washington handyman license requirements at a glance 

Whether you’re tackling odd jobs or planning larger projects, here’s a quick snapshot of the legal requirements that may apply to your work as a handyman.

Do you need a handyman license in Washington?

Whether you need a license depends on the size and scope of the job. If a single project is worth more than $500 (including labor and materials), you must register with the state as a handyman contractor. For any job exceeding $2,000, you must be licensed as a general contractor.

Note: If you plan to advertise your handyman work in any capacity, you’ll have to register through Washington’s L&I department. While it’s possible to run a business without advertising, not doing so can significantly hinder your growth.

Examples of work requiring a license or registration include:

• Any single project over $500 (installing cabinets, building decks, drywall repair, etc.)
• Framing a wall or adding drywall for a remodel
• Installing new flooring in multiple rooms
  Mounting large decks or patio structures
• Offering routine handyman work through an online platform
• Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other regulated trades (which also require specialty licenses)
• Repairing or installing siding or roofing
• Running ads in local publications or online directories
• Taking on repeated small jobs for the same client

Local handyman license requirements

Washington regulates handyman contractors at the state level through L&I. Cities don’t issue separate handyman licenses, but they may require business licenses and permits.

For example, Seattle (King County) requires general contractor registration for many types of home repairs and remodeling, particularly for work that exceeds the $500 limit. You may also need a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate and standard building permits, depending on the job type and scale.

Most jurisdictions and major cities (Tacoma, Spokane, etc.) don’t impose distinct local licensing for handymen. However, you may need a local permit for work like structural repairs, plumbing modifications, or electrical updates.

Always check with your local city or county for specific rules before starting a project.

What can a handyman do without a license or registration in Washington?

You can do a wide range of handyman tasks without a license in Washington, provided that each job stays under $500 and that you don’t advertise or contract your services as a business.

This includes the following home repair or maintenance services:

• Assembling furniture
• Basic yard cleanup and maintenance
• Caulking around tubs, sinks, or windows
• Cleaning gutters or downspouts
• Hanging pictures or drapes
• Installing basic shelves
• Patching minor drywall defects or touching up painting
• Pressure washing decks, patios, or siding

These lower-cost, one-off tasks must not involve plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or structural work, as those always require a license. You also can’t do the same job repeatedly or advertise your services unless you register with L&I, even if each project stays under $500.

Consequences of unlicensed handyman work in Washington

Doing handyman work valued at over $500 without registration or licensing is a violation of Washington state law. L&I can issue a $1,000 fine per violation, and repeat offenses can bring higher penalties or legal action. 

Unlicensed contractors can’t sue to collect payment in court, leaving you unprotected if a customer refuses to pay. It’s safer to register before taking on bigger projects.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing 

According to WAC 296-200A-016, L&I oversees 63 trades that require specialty licenses. Though many handyman tasks don’t need a license, certain types of work are highly regulated and require additional certifications, exams, or apprenticeship hours. If your work falls under one of these categories, you’ll need to meet strict requirements before advertising or completing jobs.

Examples include:

• Electrical
• Elevator installation
• Fire protection systems
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
• Mobile home setup
• Plumbing
• Roofing
• Structural framing

Washington contractor requirements: Age, education, and training

There are no formal education or classroom training requirements to become a contractor in Washington, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take to legally complete any job over $500.

To become a licensed contractor in Washington, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete a criminal background check
• Provide a valid business registration, a surety bond, and proof of insurance

Contractor license costs in Washington

The cost to become a contractor in Washington state requires an application fee of $141.10, payable to L&I. This fee is required whether you’re applying as a general or specialty contractor.

You’ll also need to secure a surety bond and general liability insurance. Premiums vary depending on coverage amounts, the provider, and your credit. More information on Washington’s bonding and insurance requirements is outlined below.

General contractors typically don’t need to take a licensing exam, but Specialty contractors working in trades such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC do. They may also need to meet apprenticeship or certification requirements, depending on the specialty, so factor in exam fees if you plan to expand your work to these fields.

Insurance and bonding needs

To register as a contractor in Washington, you must provide proof of bonding and liability insurance. The state requires a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond of $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for contractors with specialty focuses. This bond helps protect customers if you fail to complete work or violate a contract.

You must also carry general liability insurance with one of the following minimum coverages:

• $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 in property damage, or
• $250,000 combined single limit.

Depending on the type of work you perform, you may need additional coverage, such as workers’ compensation, inland marine, or commercial auto policies.

How to apply for a contractor license in Washington

To apply for a contractor license in Washington, you’ll need to complete several steps. This applies if your business meets any of the following conditions:

• You operate under a business name (not your personal legal name)
• You plan to hire employees within the next 90 days
• You make over $12,000 in gross income per year
• You collect sales tax on goods or services
• You need local, city, or state business endorsements
• You buy or process specialty wood products
• You owe taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue
• Your business meets the Nexus threshold for tax reporting

Here’s how to apply:

• Register your business with the Washington State Department of Revenue
• Obtain a surety bond or assignment of savings
• Purchase a general liability insurance policy
• Complete the Application for Contractor Registration
• Pay the $141.10 application fee to L&I
• Submit documents in person at an L&I office or by mail

Transferring your handyman license to or from Washington

Washington doesn’t offer license reciprocity for general or specialty contractors with any other state. If you have an existing license, you’ll need to meet all state requirements and apply directly with the Washington L&I department.

How to renew your Washington contractor license

Contractor licenses must be renewed every two years in Washington. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person as long as your business details (like ownership or specialty) haven’t changed. 

• To renew online, you’ll need your 12-digit registration number, UBI number, and a $141.10 payment via card or e-check.
• To renew by mail, send the renewal form and check or money order to:

 Department of Labor & Industries
Contractor Registration Section
PO Box 44450
Olympia, WA 98504-4450

• To renew in person, bring your form to any L&I office. All major payment methods are accepted.

Before renewing, use the state’s Verify a Contractor tool to confirm your general liability insurance and bond are current.

What happens if your license expires?

If your license expires, you can’t advertise, bid, or perform construction work until it’s reinstated. Working on an expired license is treated the same as working unregistered and carries fines.

If your license has lapsed for more than one year, you may need to reapply and submit all required documentation again, including your surety bond and proof of insurance.

To avoid disruptions to your business, renew your license before the expiration date.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Washington

To start a handyman business in Washington, you’ll need to register with the state if you plan to complete jobs over $500. Working for a licensed contractor doesn’t require your own license, but running your own business does.

To get started, you’ll need to:

• Register your business with the Washington Department of Revenue
• Apply for a business license if your city or county requires it
• Obtain a surety bond and general liability insurance
• Register as a contractor with L&I

Even sole proprietors must register if using a trade name or hiring employees. These steps help protect you legally and make your services more appealing to customers. If you’re shifting from freelance work to business ownership, getting licensed and insured can open the door to larger and more consistent projects.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Washington

Getting licensed, bonded, and insured is all about building credibility. In Washington, clients are more likely to hire professionals who can prove they’re operating a legitimate business. Once you’re registered with L&I, take the next step by putting systems in place that support long-term growth.

Here are some helpful tips to grow your handyman business:

• • Highlight your L&I registration to build trust and open the door to higher-paying jobs.
  • Use Housecall Pro’s software and templates for simplified scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
  • Invite satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google or Yelp to attract new customers.
  • Build a simple website or social media presence to showcase your services and build visibility.
  • Network with property managers and realtors for referrals.

• Offer transparent pricing and written service agreements to prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

FAQ 

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Washington?

Without a license, a handyman can charge $500 or less in Washington. This includes the price of both labor and materials.

Can I do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman?

No. Even if you’re registered as a general or specialty contractor, you still need specific trade licenses issued by L&I to perform plumbing or electrical work in Washington. However, you can complete small tasks like replacing fixtures, installing faucets, or swapping out light switches, as long as the work doesn’t involve altering existing plumbing or electrical systems.

What’s the difference between a handyman and a general contractor in Washington?

A registered handyman typically handles smaller repair or maintenance tasks that cost between $500 and $2,000 and don’t require trade-specific licenses. A general contractor is licensed to take on larger projects and oversee construction jobs. General contractors can legally advertise their services, take on higher-value work, coordinate with subcontractors, and operate more broadly across the state.