How to Check a Contractor's License in Spokane, Washington

Checking a contractor's license in Spokane, Washington means using the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) contractor registration system and the City of Spokane's permit portal. Washington uses a registration-based system rather than a traditional license exam, but the requirements are just as specific.

This guide explains Washington's contractor registration, what Spokane adds on top, and how to read a contractor record to know if they're legitimate.

Which database do I use to check a contractor's registration in Spokane?

Use the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries contractor registration lookup at lni.wa.gov. In Washington, contractors must be “registered” rather than “licensed” in the traditional sense — the L&I system covers registration, bonding, and insurance verification in one place. For Spokane permit history, use the city's My Spokane permit portal.

• lni.wa.gov — Washington L&I contractor registration verification (free public lookup)
• my.spokanecity.org — Spokane permit portal for permit history and contractor activity
• Specialty trades — electricians and plumbers have separate Washington state certifications through L&I

What is the difference between a “registered” and “licensed” contractor in Washington State?

Washington uses the term “registered” for general contractors and requires them to carry a surety bond and liability insurance on file with L&I. Specialty trade contractors (electricians, plumbers) must also be “certified” or “licensed” through L&I's trade certification programs. A registered general contractor who has not obtained specialty trade certifications cannot legally do electrical or plumbing work.

• Contractor registration — covers general construction; requires bond and insurance
• Electrical certification — journeyman or master electrician credentials through L&I
• Plumber certification — journeyman or master plumber credentials through L&I
• Always verify the specific credential type matches the trade work being hired

What should I look for on a Washington L&I contractor record?

On the L&I record, confirm the contractor's registration is Active, their bond is current, liability insurance is on file and not expired, and the UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number matches the business entity you are dealing with. The L&I lookup also shows whether the contractor has any outstanding judgments or claims filed against their bond.

• Active registration status — the only status that allows legal work in Washington
• Bond status — Washington requires a $12,000 contractor bond; confirm it is current
• Insurance expiration — note the insurance expiration date and confirm it covers your project period
• Bond claims on file — prior bond claims suggest payment or performance problems
• UBI number — confirm the business identity matches what they presented to you

Does Spokane require additional registration beyond the Washington L&I registration?

Spokane requires contractors to be registered with the city before pulling permits. The city's building department cross-references L&I registration at the time of permit application, but contractors should also have a current Spokane business license. Some specialty trades in Spokane require city-level journeyman permits on top of state certification.

• Spokane city business license required for contractors operating in the city
• L&I registration must be active and current to pull Spokane building permits
• City-issued journeyman permits may be required for electrical work within Spokane city limits
• Verify both L&I registration and city business license status before signing

What happens if a contractor works in Spokane without valid L&I registration?

Working without L&I registration in Washington is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential criminal charges. For homeowners, hiring an unregistered contractor means no bond protection, no verified insurance, and limited legal recourse if something goes wrong. Washington's contractor recovery fund also requires that the contractor was properly registered at the time of work as a condition of eligibility.

How do I check permit history for a Spokane contractor?

Use the My Spokane portal at my.spokanecity.org to search permits by address or contractor name. Spokane requires permits for structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and new construction. A legitimate Spokane contractor should have an active permit history on file. No permits for a contractor with years of claimed local experience is a red flag that warrants further investigation.

Is there a faster way to verify a Spokane contractor's registration?

Verifying a contractor in Spokane means checking L&I registration, bond status, insurance currency, city business license, and permit history — each from a different source. CheckLicensed.com pulls official Washington L&I contractor registration data in one fast, clear lookup for $14.99, so you get the answer without navigating multiple government portals on your own.