How to get a handyman license in Washington State
You won’t need a Washington State handyman license. However, there are certain steps you must follow to register as a handyperson.
1. Register your business
You must apply for a business license before registering as a handyman in Washington. Choose a business structure (such as sole proprietor, partnership LLC, etc.) and a business name. Then, fill out the application and pay the appropriate licensing fee.
2. Get a surety bond
To become a registered contractor in this state, you must purchase a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond of $6,000. The bond must use your exact business name.
Those who do not wish to get a bond may fill out an Assigned Savings Account form and set up a dedicated account at a bank in Washington State.
3. Purchase general liability insurance
You must have a general liability insurance policy that covers:
- $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage
- OR a $250,000 combined single limit
Make sure the policy uses your exact business name and lists the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries as the certificate holder.
4. Complete your registration application
Fill out the application to register as a construction contractor in Washington. Be sure to apply as a specialty contractor and list “Handyman” as your specialty trade. Your application must be signed in front of a notary public.
5. Pay the registration fee
You must pay a registration fee of $124.70 when submitting your application. Accepted payments include checks or money orders.
How long does it take to get your contractor registration in Washington?
Processing and activating your Washington contractor registration may take six to eight weeks. You may check the state’s contractor business verification tool to see if your registration is complete. A registration card will arrive by mail approximately two weeks after your registration activation.
Washington contractor registration renewal
Your contractor registration card will include details on when to renew. You can complete the renewal online with payment of a required $124.70 fee.
What kind of insurance does a handyman need in Washington?
There are plenty of risks involved in any construction business, even if you’re running a small, one-person operation. Fortunately, the right handyman insurance can help protect you day in and day out so you can focus on the work at hand.
The following types of business insurance are highly recommended for anyone who works as a handyperson in Washington:
General Liability insurance
General liability insurance offers important coverage for handypeople. This insurance helps cover the costs if someone other than you gets hurt or you damage someone else’s property.
Washington State requires general liability insurance for every handyman business in the amount of $200,000 in public liability plus $50,000 property damage or a $250,000 combined single limit.
Workers’ Compensation insurance
If you or an employee gets hurt on the job, workers’ compensation insurance can protect your business by helping to pay for wage protection and other benefits.
In Washington State, you must have workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. You must provide coverage through the Industrial Insurance Program or through self-insurance.
Tools and Equipment insurance
To protect your work gear, you can get tools and equipment insurance. This insurance can help cover repairing or replacing your handyman tools and equipment if damage or theft occurs.
Commercial Auto insurance
You’ll need commercial auto insurance if you use a vehicle for work. This type of insurance helps pay for costs related to accidents, such as towing, repairs and medical expenses.
In Washington, anyone driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle needs to carry liability insurance. Liability limit minimums include:
- $25,000 for injuries to another person
- $50,000 for injuries to all other people
- $10,000 for damage to another person’s property
Commercial Property insurance
You can get protection for a property you own or rent for your handyman business with commercial property insurance. It helps pay for certain types of damage to the property itself, as well as the inventory and equipment stored inside.
How NEXT Insurance supports Washington handypeople
If you’re looking for convenient and affordable handyman insurance for your small business, NEXT Insurance can help. We’ll make sure you get the correct coverage to satisfy Washington contractor registration requirements and protect your business.
Use our online services to get the coverage you need in just minutes. You can apply from any computer or mobile device whenever it’s convenient for you. You’ll get a certificate of insurance right away, and we include the option to download and share unlimited COIs in case your clients request proof of coverage.
Get an instant quote online today.
Do you want to work as a handyman somewhere besides Washington? Learn about the licensing and registration requirements in each U.S. state in our summary of handyman license requirements.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
