Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in Seattle, King County, Washington.

$800 -- $2500 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Seattle / King County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the Seattle Office of Finance. Electrical contractors must list their Washington State contractor registration number. Annual fee is based on total revenue.

$110/year (base fee) + revenue-based tax1–5 days
Official government source
2

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections — Contractor Verification

Electrical contractors must have their Washington State electrical contractor license and contractor registration verified with SDCI before pulling permits. No separate city exam is required.

No additional fee1–3 days
Official government source

Washington State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Washington State Electrical Contractor License

Washington requires electrical contractors to hold a state Electrical Contractor License issued by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). The qualifying administrator must hold a Washington Electrical Administrator certification. General liability insurance ($50,000 minimum for specialty contractors) and a $12,000 contractor registration bond are required.

$175 biennial electrical contractor license + $113 biennial contractor registration2–6 weeks
Official government source
2

Washington State Contractor Registration

All contractors in Washington must also register with L&I as a contractor. Requires proof of liability insurance and a $12,000 surety bond.

$113 biennial registration fee + $12,000 bond (~$100–$250/year premium)1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Washington Business Entity Registration

LLCs and corporations must register with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain a UBI number from the Department of Revenue.

$180 (LLC filing fee) + $19 UBI registration2–5 business days
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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