Washington appliance repair license lookup: how to check and get a license
Washington appliance repair license lookup: who issues appliance repair technician licenses (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only)), how to check one online, the license types, and 73 appliance repair and maintenance businesses by county.
Do appliance repair shops need a license in Washington?
| Who licenses them | Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only) |
|---|---|
| License types | Appliance Repair Specialty Electrician (07D), Electrical Contractor (Specialty) |
| When a license is required | Applies to electrical servicing/replacement of self-contained appliances on circuits up to 250V/60A single phase |
Washington has no general appliance-repair business license, but L&I treats electrical servicing and replacement of household appliances as electrical work covered by the 07D appliance repair specialty certificate (WAC 296-46B-920). Ask whether the technician holds an L&I electrician certificate and check it in the Verify tool; also check your city's business license.
How do you look up an appliance repair technician's license in Washington?
- Ask the appliance repair technician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Washington appliance repair license lookup run by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the appliance repair technician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only).
What appliance repair licenses does Washington issue?
- Appliance Repair Specialty Electrician (07D)
- Electrical Contractor (Specialty)
How do you get a appliance repair license in Washington?
Licenses are issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (electrical work only) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Washington city is the job in?
How many appliance repair shops are there in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 73 appliance repair and maintenance businesses with employees in Washington in 2023. The counties with the most:
| King County | 31 |
|---|---|
| Clark County | 10 |
| Snohomish County | 9 |
| Pierce County | 9 |
| Spokane County | 4 |
| Clallam County | 4 |
| Kitsap County | 3 |
| Franklin County | 3 |
What do Washington homes mean for appliance repair work?
The median home in Washington was built in 1984, 36% of households rent and 67% of homes are single-family houses. 34% of homes heat with utility gas and 58% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an appliance repair technician in Washington?
- Ask what the diagnostic or trip fee is and whether it's credited toward the repair.
- Get the repair quote in writing before work starts, with parts and labor listed.
- Ask whether they use original manufacturer parts and how long the repair is guaranteed.
- Check whether the appliance is still under the manufacturer's or retailer's warranty before you pay for a repair.
- For gas appliances, make sure the technician is qualified to work on gas connections in your area.
Appliance Repair in other states
Sources: Washington licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.