Washington Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Roofing Specialty Contractor Registration · Issued by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

🏠 RooferWA ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Washington, roofers must hold the Roofing Specialty Contractor Registration, issued by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and a $15,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in Washington

Follow these steps to earn your Roofing Specialty Contractor Registration. Every figure is verified against the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. None required. Washington does not mandate experience verification for contractor registration.
Confirm exam requirements. Washington sets no state trade exam for this license, though your city or county may require one.
Secure your surety bond. Washington requires $15,000 Washington Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond (specialty contractor, including roofing). Assignment of savings account accepted as alternative.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. L&I must be listed as certificate holder.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — $141.10 (initial specialty contractor registration) application fee, plus a $141.10 (included in registration fee) license fee. Processing time: Up to 6 weeks for application processing. Same-day if completed in-person with all documents; 3–4 weeks by mail.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years from date of registration.

License types

Roofing Specialty Contractor — Registered to perform roofing work only (one of 63 recognized L&I specialty categories). May not hire subcontractors. Covers both residential and commercial roofing.
General Contractor (with roofing) — A general contractor registration allows hiring of roofing specialty subcontractors and managing multi-trade projects that include roofing.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	None required. Washington does not mandate experience verification for contractor registration.
Application fee	$141.10 (initial specialty contractor registration)
License fee	$141.10 (included in registration fee)
Renewal fee	$141.10 every 2 years; reinstatement: $66.60
Renewal period	Every 2 years from date of registration.
Continuing education	None required.
Bond required	$15,000 Washington Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond (specialty contractor, including roofing). Assignment of savings account accepted as alternative.
Liability insurance	$200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. L&I must be listed as certificate holder.
Property damage	$50,000 (standalone); or included in $250,000 combined single limit
Workers' comp	Required through L&I state fund if the business employs workers (Washington is a monopolistic workers' compensation state — private carriers not permitted). Solo operators with no employees may qualify for exemption.
Background check	Not required. L&I does not conduct criminal background checks for contractor registration.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None — Washington does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for specialty contractor registration.
Processing time	Up to 6 weeks for application processing. Same-day if completed in-person with all documents; 3–4 weeks by mail.

Exams

No examination required for contractor registration	Provider: — · Passing: — · Fee: —

Preparing for the Roofer exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

All bids, advertising, and business communications must display the contractor registration number. A notarized Application for Contractor Registration (Form F625-001-000) is required. A Washington UBI number (from Department of Revenue) is required before L&I can process the registration.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Washington roofer license cost?

Application: $141.10 (initial specialty contractor registration). License: $141.10 (included in registration fee). Renewal: $141.10 every 2 years; reinstatement: $66.60.

Do roofers in Washington need a surety bond?

$15,000 Washington Continuous Contractor's Surety Bond (specialty contractor, including roofing). Assignment of savings account accepted as alternative.

What experience is required for a Washington roofer license?

None required. Washington does not mandate experience verification for contractor registration.

Is insurance required for roofers in Washington?

Liability: $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. L&I must be listed as certificate holder. Workers' compensation: Required through L&I state fund if the business employs workers (Washington is a monopolistic workers' compensation state — private carriers not permitted). Solo operators with no employees may qualify for exemption.

How often must a Washington roofer license be renewed?

Every 2 years from date of registration..

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) before applying. This is not legal advice.