Washington electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Washington electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,137 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Washington?
| Who licenses them | Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor (General 01 or Specialty), Electrical Administrator, Master Electrician, General Journey Level Electrician (01), Residential Specialty Electrician (02), Electrical Trainee |
| When a license is required | All electrical work must be done by L&I-certified electricians under a licensed electrical contractor |
Electrical contractors need an L&I license with a $4,000 bond (or assigned savings) and an assigned electrical administrator or master electrician; the workers themselves must hold L&I electrician certificates. L&I does not require or track liability insurance for electrical contractors, so ask for proof yourself.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Washington?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Washington electrical license lookup run by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- 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 electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
What electrical licenses does Washington issue?
- Electrical Contractor (General 01 or Specialty)
- Electrical Administrator
- Master Electrician
- General Journey Level Electrician (01)
- Residential Specialty Electrician (02)
- Electrical Trainee
How do you get a electrical license in Washington?
Licenses are issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). 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) 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 electricians are there in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 2,137 electrical contractors with employees in Washington in 2023. The counties with the most:
| King County | 477 |
|---|---|
| Snohomish County | 308 |
| Pierce County | 266 |
| Clark County | 172 |
| Spokane County | 155 |
| Thurston County | 78 |
| Whatcom County | 72 |
| Yakima County | 70 |
What do Washington homes mean for electrical 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 electrician in Washington?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Washington licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.