Registrations and filings required for businesses - Department of Labor & Industries

You may be required to have a license, registration, or permit from the list below based on the business activity you selected from the Business Licensing Wizard. For more information, please contact the Department of Labor & Industries at 1-800-647-0982.

Alteration Application

Purpose

Allows an elevator contractor to alter an existing installation/conveyance. It applies to any business utilizing one of the general conveyances listed under "Uses of Permit".

How to submit

Submit fee, application, plans if needed at L&I service location or by mail.

Processing time

Allow 30 business days for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

Installation and alteration permit fees

Note: Fees dependent on cost of alteration as a whole both time and materials.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Amusement Ride or Structure Operating Permit & Safety Inspector Renewal

Purpose

To authorize the operation of an amusement ride or structure. It is for businesses operating an amusement ride structure.

How to submit

  1. Request a safety inspection on your equipment by contacting a state-certified amusement ride safety inspector or a qualified inspector authorized through your insurance company.
  2. Get a certificate of insurance in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, listing the Department of Labor & Industries as the certification holder.
  3. Apply to L&I for an operating permit by filling out the Application for Amusement Ride or Air-Supported Structure Operating Permit. Processing is usually within five working days of receiving a complete application.
  4. Send the completed inspection forms, the certificate of insurance and the ride decal fee of $10 per inflatable/amusement ride to L&I's Electrical program.
  5. You will then be issued a decal which will be valid for one year. This decal must be displayed on your equipment, in clear view of the public, within sight of the operator's station.

Processing time

Allow three days for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

$10 - Per ride or structure
$20 - Per safety inspector renewal

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Boiler/Pressure Vessel Installation or Reinstallation Permit

Purpose

To authorize the installation or reinstallation of any new or existing boiler/unfired or pressure vessel (except for those boilers listed in RCW 70.79.080).

How to submit

Submit at an L&I office, e-mail, mail, or fax.

Processing time

Allow 24 to 48 business hours for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

Permit fee- $69.60 per object & inspection fees.

License renewals

None. Permit required at each location for each boiler and/or pressure vessel installation/reinstallation. Per WAC 296-104-100, boilers must be inspected either annually or biennially (depending on type).

Contractor Registration

Purpose

Allows contractor to advertise, offer to do work, submit a bid, engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of constructing, altering or repairing structures. Also required for consulting on construction projects, developing, improving, moving or demolishing real property, installing cabinets, removing trees, flipping homes, and other activities described in the WAC. Provides surety bond for customers.

It is the purpose of this chapter (RCW 18.27.140) to afford protection to the public including all persons, firms, and corporations furnishing labor, materials, or equipment to a contractor from unreliable, fraudulent, financially irresponsible, or incompetent contractors.

How to submit

Complete packet that includes the application, bond or assignment of savings account, insurance, and fee. The application must be notarized. The packet must be mailed to the address on the application or you can make an appointment at your local Labor & Industries office to submit in person. 

Processing time

Processing time assuming complete packet: 1-3 business days.

Fees

$124.70 - Application
$124.70 - Renewal
$58.90 - Reinstatement if registration is suspended mid-registration

License renewals

Valid for two years.

Electrical or Specialty Contractor License

Purpose

Allows contractor to advertise, offer to do work, submit a bid, engage in, conduct, or carry on the business of installing or maintaining electrical conductors and equipment. Provides surety bond for customers. It is for businesses working as a contractor in the electrical construction trade.

How to submit

Apply by submitting the following items together in a packet to L&I by mail or in person in one of L&I's local offices:

  • The Application for Electrical Contractor's License.
  • The Change Assignment of Administrator's/Master Certificate form designating an Administrator or Master Electrician.
  • An original, current surety bond to the state of Washington. OR assignment of savings account.

Quick Cards Online System and over the counter.
Electrical Contractor

Processing time

Processing time once the application is received in Tumwater is 48 to 72 hours.

Fees

$293.60 - Initial application or renewal made in person, by mail
$254 - Renewal fully completed online
$44.00 - For first time applicants and firms assigning or unassigning master electrician or administrator

License renewals

Valid for two years

Electrical Work Permit

Purpose

To allow residential, commercial and industrial electrical construction work. It applies to any business or contractor conducting electrical work - see comment.

How to submit

Contractors apply online using their SecureAccess Washington account or in person at any L&I service location. Non-contractor property owners can also apply online or in person. Both must complete an application and pay the correct fees.

Quick Cards Online System and over the counter.
Purchase Permits & Request Inspections

Processing time

Processing time for L&I permits purchased:

  1. Online - immediately.
  2. In person at a service location - immediately.
  3. Postal mail - same day as received.

Fees

Fees are available at: Fee schedule for Alterations

License renewals

None

Elevator Contractor License

Purpose

Allows business to employ licensed elevator mechanics to perform maintenance, alterations and new installations of specific types of elevators. It is for businesses that will employ licensed elevator mechanics.

How to submit

Submit by mail, or at an L&I service location.

Processing time

Seven to 30 days depending on if testing is needed for Primary Point of Contact or additional information or clarification is needing during review of application.

Fees

$223.10 - Initial application
$223.70 - Primary Point of Contact test (if applicable)
$149.00 - Timely renewal
$298.50 - Late renewal

License renewals

Valid for two years

Elevator Installation Permit

Purpose

Allows an elevator contractor to install a new conveyance within a building.

How to submit

Submit fee, application, at L&I service location or by mail. Contractor submits all documentation, application, plans, etc. via online plan review through MyLNI access into Elevator Plan Review.

Processing time

Allow 30 business days for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Residential Incline Chair Lifts: Allow one week for a response.

Fees

Operating Certificate Fees for commercial conveyance only. Residential conveyances are not invoiced for operating certificate after initial inspection.

Note: Fees dependent on cost of installation as a whole both time and materials.

License renewals

Valid for one year; from approval.

Factory Assembled Structures - Commercial Coach

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Commercial Coach.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Alteration Permit-Manufactured/Mobile Homes

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for alterations to Manufactured/Mobile Homes.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow three to four weeks for a response to applications for Manufactured/Mobile Homes. All other alteration applications, allow six to eight weeks for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Factory Built Structures

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Factory Built Structures.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

Fees

Factory-built housing and commercial structure fees.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Factory Built Temporary Worker Housing Structures

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Temporary Worker Housing Structures.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Recreational Park Trailers

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Recreational Park Trailers.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Recreational Vehicles

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Recreational Vehicles.

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Factory Assembled Structures Vendor/Medical Units

Purpose

Plan review and inspections for Vendor/Medical Units

How to submit

Submit application at an L&I service location, email, or mail in.

Processing time

Allow four to six weeks for a response to applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time. Response time is subject to change based on volume of applications received.

License renewals

Valid for one year.

Licensed Elevator Mechanic

Purpose

Allows trained mechanics via education and on the job experience to become licensed in the state of Washington to work for a licensed elevator contractor to install, alter, and maintain conveyances.

How to submit

Submit by mail, online via L&I website, or at an L&I service location.

Processing time

Seven to 30 days depending on if testing is needed, and/or additional information or clarification is needing during review of application.

Fees

$223.10 - Initial application
$223.70 - Elevator Mechanic test (if applicable)
$149.00 - Timely renewal
$298.50 - Late renewal

License renewals

Valid for two years

Minor Work Permit

Purpose

To allow a business to employ minors. It applies to business employing people under 18 years of age.

How to submit

Apply through Business Licensing Service.

Processing time

Allow up to 10 business days for a response to online applications. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

None

License renewals

Annual

The license is available through Business Licensing Service.

Plumbing Contractor

Purpose

To protect the safety health and welfare of the public by requiring any business that performs plumbing license as a plumbing contractor who must have a certified plumber designated to the company.

How to submit

Complete packet that includes the application for plumbing contractor, application for assignment of designated plumber, bond or assignment of savings account, insurance, and fee. The application must be notarized. The packet must be mailed to the Olympia office.

Processing time

Processing time assuming complete packet: Mailed in one to two weeks.

Fees

$139.10 - Application
$139.70 - Renewal

$50.00 - Assignment/Unassignment

$69.50 - Reinstatement if registration is suspended mid-term

License renewals

Valid for two years.

Rental Boiler Operating Permit

Purpose

To allow a business to use a rental boiler at one location only. Applies to businesses operating a rental boiler at a single location.

How to submit

Submit at an L&I office, e-mail, mail, or fax.

Processing time

Allow 24 to 48 business hours for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

$69.60 - Per object inspected

License renewals

None. Permit required at each rental location.

Telecommunications Contractor License

Purpose

Allows businesses to work in the electrical construction trade. It is for businesses working in the electrical construction trade.

How to submit

Apply by submitting the following items together in a packet to L&I by mail or in person in one of L&I's local offices:

  • The Application for Electrical Contractor's License.
  • The Change Assignment of Administrator's/Master Certificate form designating an Administrator or Master Electrician.
  • An original, current surety bond to the state of Washington. OR assignment of savings account.

Quick Cards Online System and over the counter.
Telecommunications Contractor

Processing time

Processing time once the application is received in Tumwater is 48 to 72 hours.

Fees

$293.60 - Initial application or renewal made in person, by mail
$254.00 - Renewal solely completed online
$44.00 - First time applicants and firms assigning or unassigning an administrator
Certificate of insurance or assigned account as specified in RCW 19.28.501 and WAC 296-46B-925(6) or (7).

License renewals

Valid for two years

Temporary Construction Hoist Permit

Purpose

To allow contractors to use a temporary construction elevator on a construction job site. It applies to businesses using a construction elevator at a job site.

How to submit

Submit by mail, or at an L&I service location.

Processing time

Allow two weeks for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

$298.50 - Additional fees are assessed, when jumping floors (i.e. gaining access to additional floors built not accessible when hoist was originally erected).
$140.90 - Additional inspection fee is assessed.

License renewals

Valid for one year. After one year need to witness annual test due and will have to purchase another annual operating certificate.

Temporary Elevator Operating Permit

Purpose

To authorize the temporary use of an elevator for construction use. It applies to contractors operating an elevator during construction.

How to submit

No formal form needed, must contact department to gain authorization for this to happen via inspection.

Must contact the department for an inspection to obtain the permit.

Processing time

Allow two weeks for a response. Accuracy and completeness speed up the processing time.

Fees

$119.10

License renewals

Every 30 days - Elevator inspector has to reinspect to keep permit valid.

Temporary Licensed Elevator Mechanic

Purpose

Allows mechanics that are 75% of the way through education and on the job experience to be licensed to do the same work as Licensed Elevator Mechanics.

How to submit

Submit by mail, or at an L&I service location.

Processing time

Seven to 30 days depending on whether additional information or clarification is needing during review of application.

Fees

$223.10 - Initial application
$149.00 - Timely renewal
$298.50 - Late renewal

License renewals

Valid for one year