How to reinstate your Washington contractor's license
To reinstate a Washington contractor's license, you submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions L&I has set on your account. The process takes roughly two to four weeks if your license lapsed due to non-renewal, but longer if L&I suspended or revoked it for a violation. The path forward depends on why your license is no longer active.
If your license straightforward expired because you didn't renew it on time, reinstatement is straightforward. If L&I suspended or revoked your license for a compliance issue — unpaid penalties, unresolved complaints, or safety violations — you'll need to resolve those issues first before L&I will reinstate you.
Key Takeaways
- A lapsed license (expired but not suspended) can be reinstated by submitting a reinstatement request and paying the fee, usually within two to four weeks.
- A suspended or revoked license requires you to resolve the underlying violation — paying penalties, responding to complaints, or completing safety training — before reinstatement is possible.
- You must contact L&I directly to find out your license status and what conditions, if any, are blocking reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from renewal fees and varies depending on your license classification.
- During the reinstatement process, you cannot legally perform work that requires a contractor's license in Washington.
Check your license status with L&I first
Before you can move forward, you need to know exactly why your license is inactive. Log into the L&I contractor license lookup at lni.wa.gov and search your name or license number. The status will show as "Expired," "Suspended," "Revoked," or "Inactive."
If the status is unclear or you see a hold on your account, call the L&I Contractor License Section at 360-902-5800. Have your license number ready. The staff member will tell you whether your license straightforward lapsed or whether there's a suspension or revocation tied to it, and what you need to do to move forward.
Reinstatement for an expired (lapsed) license
If your license expired because you missed the renewal important date and there are no violations or holds on your account, you can request reinstatement. You do not need to retake the exam or reapply from scratch.
Submit a reinstatement request form to L&I. You can request this form by calling 360-902-5800 or by visiting the L&I website to read it. Complete the form with your license number, current contact information, and the reason for the lapse. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee — the amount depends on your license classification (general contractor, specialty contractor, etc.) and ranges from roughly $50 to $150, though you should confirm the exact amount with L&I when you call.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address L&I provides. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. L&I will mail your reinstated license to the address on file.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fee and move forward. You must first resolve the issue that triggered the action. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid penalties, unresolved safety violations, or failure to respond to a complaint investigation.
Contact L&I at 360-902-5800 and ask specifically what conditions must be met before reinstatement is possible. This might mean paying outstanding penalties, submitting proof that you've corrected a safety violation, or providing documentation that you've completed required training. L&I will give you a written list of conditions and a important date to meet them.
Once you've satisfied all conditions, submit your reinstatement request along with proof that you've done so — for example, a receipt showing payment of penalties, or a certificate of completion for training. Reinstatement after a suspension or revocation typically takes four to eight weeks because L&I reviews your compliance before approving the request.
What to do while your reinstatement is pending
You cannot legally perform work that requires a contractor's license while your license is inactive, even if your reinstatement request is in process. This includes signing contracts, pulling permits, or supervising work on projects that require a licensed contractor. Doing so can result in fines and may delay or block your reinstatement.
If you have active projects, notify your clients that work will pause until your license is reinstated. If you're working as an employee under another contractor's license, that arrangement is fine — the licensed contractor is responsible for the work. But you cannot hold yourself out as a licensed contractor or sign documents in that capacity.
Renewal versus reinstatement
Reinstatement and renewal are different processes. Renewal happens when your license is still active and you want to extend it before it expires — you typically renew every two years. Reinstatement happens after your license has already expired or been suspended, and you're bringing it back to active status.
If your license is currently active but expiring soon, you should renew it instead of letting it lapse and then requesting reinstatement. Renewal is faster and cheaper than reinstatement. L&I sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that notice if your license is still active.
Common reasons reinstatement gets delayed
The most common delay is incomplete information on your reinstatement request. Make sure you include your full license number, current mailing address, and phone number. If L&I cannot reach you or match your request to your account, processing stalls.
Another frequent issue is an outstanding hold or penalty that you weren't aware of. If L&I finds an unpaid fine or unresolved complaint during processing, they'll contact you and pause the reinstatement until it's resolved. This is why calling L&I before you submit your request is so important — it lets you clear these issues upfront.
If you're requesting reinstatement after a revocation (rather than just a suspension), the process is more rigorous. L&I may require additional documentation or a review period before they'll approve it. Ask L&I whether your situation is a suspension or revocation when you call, because the timelines and requirements are different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a contractor while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally perform work that requires a contractor's license until your license is reinstated and you receive the physical license or confirmation from L&I. Working without an active license can result in fines and may block your reinstatement.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies by license classification and typically ranges from $50 to $150. Call L&I at 360-902-5800 to confirm the exact fee for your license type before you submit your request.
Do I have to retake the contractor exam to get reinstated?
No, not for a straightforward lapse. If your license expired because you missed the renewal important date and there are no violations, you can reinstate without retesting. However, if your license was revoked due to a serious violation, L&I may require you to retake the exam or provide additional proof of competency.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended?
Call L&I at 360-902-5800 with your license number. They will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to resolve it. Ask for a written summary of the conditions you must meet before reinstatement is possible.
How long does reinstatement take?
For a lapsed license with no violations, reinstatement usually takes two to four weeks. If your license was suspended or revoked, it typically takes four to eight weeks because L&I must verify that you've resolved the underlying issue before approving reinstatement.