Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

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

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $800–$2,500 est. 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Washington

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $175 biennial electrical contractor license + $113 biennial contractor registration2–6 weeks

  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.

    Official government source

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

  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.

    Official government source

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

City of Seattle / King County

2 stops

  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.

    Official government source

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

  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.

    Official government source

    No additional fee1–3 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$2,500 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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