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Handyman License Requirements in Clark County, WA

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Washington rules checked November 2, 2026 · Clark County local rules checked November 2, 2026

Clark County (WA) has no county general business license or contractor registration. Handymen need the state business license + L&I registration, plus a city endorsement for each city they work in (e.g., Vancouver: $0 at <= $4,000 city income, $53 for $4,001-$53,000). Unincorporated home-based businesses may need a county home business permit.

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Clark County requirements

Clark County (WA) has no county general business license or contractor registration. Handymen need the state business license + L&I registration, plus a city endorsement for each city they work in (e.g., Vancouver: $0 at <= $4,000 city income, $53 for $4,001-$53,000). Unincorporated home-based businesses may need a county home business permit.

Source link: clark.wa.gov · dor.wa.gov · dor.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

County business license

None found on official sources

  • Name: No Clark County general business license (Clark County is not among the WA DOR county endorsements, which list only Asotin and Franklin counties); cities in the county (e.g., Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground) issue their own city endorsements
  • Office: Unincorporated: none (home businesses may need a county permit, Clark County Community Development). Cities: via WA DOR BLS
  • Fee: Example Vancouver: $0 if Vancouver gross income $0-$4,000; $53 above $4,000 through $53,000; higher tiers above
"Anyone conducting any business in Washington must register for a Master Business License and obtain a UBI ... A permit might be required for home businesses in unincorporated Clark County and some cities require business licenses."

Source: clark.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local contractor or handyman license

None found on official sources

"If you will perform your work in any unincorporated areas of any county not listed below, contact them directly ... [listed: Asotin County, Franklin County]"

Source: dor.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

The Washington rule

Regulator: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) - Contractor Registration; L&I Electrical Program (RCW 19.28) and Plumbing Certification (RCW 18.106)

$500
Washington job-size figure

RCW 18.27.090(9): exempt is work on one undertaking/project 'the aggregate contract price of which for labor and materials and all other items is less than five hundred dollars' - i.e., UNDER $500 (not 'at or below'). The exemption is lost if the work is part of a larger operation, if a job is split into sub-$500 contracts to evade, or if the person advertises or puts out any sign/card indicating to the public that he or she is a contractor.

What counts toward it: labor+materials

"Any work or operation on one undertaking or project by one or more contracts, the aggregate contract price of which for labor and materials and all other items is less than five hundred dollars, such work or operations being considered as of a casual, minor, or inconsequential nature."

Source: app.leg.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

State registration

Registration with L&I required for all contractors not exempt: register business with Dept. of Revenue (UBI), surety bond or assignment of savings ($30,000 general contractor / $15,000 specialty contractor, raised July 1, 2024), general liability insurance, notarized Application for Contractor Registration (F625-001-000), application/renewal fee $150.20. No minimum dollar threshold for registration other than the under-$500 casual/minor exemption.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov · lni.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Insurance and bond

Surety bond $30,000 (general) / $15,000 (specialty) per RCW 18.27.040(1); general liability insurance $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit (L&I), with L&I listed as certificate holder.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov · lni.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Forming an LLC in Washington

State filing fee: $180.

Source: sos.wa.gov · checked November 2, 2026

What to do, in order

  1. Read the Washington rule and confirm with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) - Contractor Registration; L&I Electrical Program (RCW 19.28) and Plumbing Certification (RCW 18.106).
  2. Line up the Clark County items listed on this page.
  3. Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.

Nearby places

Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.