How to reinstate your Washington contractor license
To reinstate a Washington contractor license, you contact the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), pay the reinstatement fee, and submit any required documentation — usually proof that your license lapsed and confirmation of your current business status. The process takes two to four weeks. You cannot work as a licensed contractor in Washington until L&I processes your reinstatement and issues you a new license number.
The exact steps depend on why your license lapsed. If it expired because you didn't renew it on time, reinstatement is straightforward. If L&I suspended or revoked your license for a violation, reinstatement requires additional steps and may not be possible when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Contact L&I's Contractor Services section by phone or through their online portal to confirm your license status and learn what documents you need to submit.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on your license classification and how long it has been inactive.
- If your license was suspended or revoked rather than straightforward expired, you may need to resolve the underlying violation before reinstatement is possible.
- Once L&I approves your reinstatement, you receive a new license number and can legally work under that license when ready.
Check your current license status with L&I
Before you start the reinstatement process, you need to know exactly why your license is no longer active. L&I maintains a public license lookup tool on their website where you can search by your name or business name. This tells you whether your license expired, was suspended, or was revoked.
If the lookup tool shows your license as expired, reinstatement is a standard administrative process. If it shows suspended or revoked, you will need to contact L&I directly to understand what violation triggered the action and what steps are required before you can reinstate.
You can also call L&I's Contractor Services line directly. Have your license number or business name ready. They can tell you the exact reason your license is inactive and what documents you need to gather.
Gather required documents and information
L&I will ask you to confirm basic information about your business and provide proof of your current status. Standard documents include a copy of your expired or inactive license, proof of your current business registration with the Washington Secretary of State, and a completed reinstatement form.
If your business address, ownership structure, or business name has changed since your license lapsed, bring documentation of those changes — such as an updated business registration certificate or a letter from your Secretary of State account. If you are reinstating on behalf of a business you no longer own, you will need written authorization from the current owner.
If your license was suspended or revoked, L&I may require additional documentation specific to the violation — for example, proof that you have completed a required training course, settled a complaint, or resolved a safety issue. Ask L&I what applies to your situation when you call.
Submit your reinstatement request to L&I
You can submit your reinstatement request through L&I's online licensing portal or by mail. The online portal is faster — you upload your documents, pay the reinstatement fee by credit card or debit card, and receive a confirmation number when ready. L&I then processes your request within two to four weeks.
If you prefer to mail your request, send your completed reinstatement form, supporting documents, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the address L&I provides. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and phone number so L&I can contact you if they have questions. Mail processing takes longer than the online portal — typically four to six weeks.
Keep a copy of everything you submit. If L&I needs to follow up with you, having your own records makes it easier to respond quickly.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee depends on your license classification (general contractor, specialty contractor, or other category) and how long your license has been inactive. Fees range but are typically between $150 and $400. L&I will tell you the exact amount when you contact them or when you begin the online reinstatement process.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, L&I may require you to pass the contractor examination again rather than straightforward reinstate. Ask about this when you call, because it changes both the timeline and the cost.
Resolve any violations or suspensions
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot reinstate it until you address the underlying reason. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid fines, unresolved complaints from customers or other contractors, safety violations, or failure to maintain required insurance or bonding.
L&I will tell you specifically what you need to do. This might mean paying a fine, completing a training course, providing proof of corrected safety practices, or settling a complaint through mediation. Once you have completed these steps, you can then submit your reinstatement request.
If you are unsure whether you can resolve the issue, ask L&I whether they offer a formal review or appeal process. Some violations can be challenged or modified if you can show changed circumstances.
Track your reinstatement status
After you submit your reinstatement request, L&I will send you a confirmation number. Use this number to check the status of your request through their online portal or by calling Contractor Services. Most reinstatements are processed within two to four weeks, but complex cases or those requiring additional documentation may take longer.
If L&I contacts you asking for more information, respond as quickly as possible. Delays in providing documents can extend the timeline significantly. Once L&I approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license certificate and assign you a new license number. You can begin working under that license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a licensed contractor in Washington without an active license. Working without a license can result in fines and additional penalties. Wait until L&I issues your new license before you take on any work that requires a contractor license.
What if L&I denies my reinstatement request?
L&I will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include unresolved violations, unpaid fines, or failure to provide required documentation. You can request a formal review or appeal, and L&I will tell you the process and important date when they deny your request.
Do I need to renew my license when ready after reinstatement?
No. Your reinstated license is valid until its normal renewal date. L&I will send you renewal notices before that date. However, check with L&I about the exact expiration date of your new license, as it may differ from your original license's renewal schedule.
How much does reinstatement cost?
Reinstatement fees vary by license classification and how long your license has been inactive. Fees typically range from $150 to $400. L&I will provide the exact amount when you contact them or begin the online process.
What if my business information has changed since my license lapsed?
Bring documentation of any changes — such as a new business address, ownership change, or name change — when you submit your reinstatement request. You may also need to update your business registration with the Washington Secretary of State before L&I will process your reinstatement.