TradeGuardWashington subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Washington, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Washington
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
Required for work over $500. Verify registration at lni.wa.gov/verify
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage
Certificate of Insurance for Workers Compensation coverage, required for any sub with employees
Required for tax reporting on payments over $600
Required on many public and private commercial projects
Required for supervisors on many commercial and public projects
Required on public works projects over threshold
Required alongside performance bond on public projects
Required when bidding on public construction contracts; guarantees contractor will honor the bid if awarded
State-required surety bond posted as part of contractor license or registration; collect certificate from sub
Washington L&I requires contractor registration for all contractors. There are two types: General and Specialty. Registration required for work over $500.
Washington operates an approved state OSHA plan. Washington has an approved state OSHA plan (WISHA/L&I) covering private and public sector
$12,000 bond for general contractor; $6,000 for specialty contractor
- L&I: Washington Dept of Labor and Industries
- WISHA: Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (administered by L&I)
- DRS: Dept of Retirement Systems
Summary for Washington
Washington has its own OSHA plan (WISHA). Registration required for work over $500. Workers comp required for all employers with 1+ employees.
Track all of this automatically in Washington
TradeGuard collects every subcontractor's COI, license, and OSHA docs, flags Washington compliance gaps, and warns you before anything expires. Stop tracking it in a spreadsheet.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Washington compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Washington?+
Washington L&I requires contractor registration for all contractors. There are two types: General and Specialty. Registration required for work over $500.
Does Washington follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Washington runs its own OSHA-approved state plan. Washington has an approved state OSHA plan (WISHA/L&I) covering private and public sector
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Washington?+
Yes. $12,000 bond for general contractor; $6,000 for specialty contractor
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Washington agencies before relying on them.