Washington makes it easy to check a contractor — and you should, before any deposit. It takes five minutes. Here’s exactly how.
Step 1: Get their license number
Every Washington contractor must register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and display their license number in advertising, bids and contracts. Ours is ABMCOCL921BB — you’ll find it in our footer on every page, because RCW 18.27 requires it and because we want you to check.
Step 2: Look it up on L&I
Go to verify.lni.wa.gov and search the license number or company name. You’ll see: registration status and expiry, bond amount, insurance on file, and any infractions or lawsuits against the bond.
Step 3: Read what you find
- Active registration — non-negotiable. Expired or suspended means walk away.
- Bond — $30,000 for general contractors. This protects you if they abandon the job.
- Liability insurance — ask for a certificate naming you; $1M is the professional standard.
- Infractions — one old minor citation isn’t disqualifying; a pattern is.
Red flags no database shows
Large cash deposits (Washington caps deposits at a third in many contexts), no written contract, pressure to skip permits, and prices far below other bids. A legitimate contractor wants you to verify — verification is free, fast, and it’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.