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Handyman License Requirements in Kennewick, WA

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

Kennewick requires a city business license endorsement via WA DOR BLS ($55 + $5 per FTE, min 1 FTE) for businesses located in the city; businesses located outside Kennewick need one only if Kennewick gross income exceeds $12,000/yr. No city contractor license.

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Kennewick requirements

Kennewick requires a city business license endorsement via WA DOR BLS ($55 + $5 per FTE, min 1 FTE) for businesses located in the city; businesses located outside Kennewick need one only if Kennewick gross income exceeds $12,000/yr. No city contractor license.

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

Local business license

Required

  • Name: City of Kennewick business license (city endorsement via WA DOR Business Licensing Service)
  • Office: City of Kennewick, issued through WA DOR Business Licensing Service
  • Fee: $55 + $5 per FTE (minimum 1), origination and renewal; home occupation license same rate. Non-resident businesses: no license required if Kennewick gross income is $0-$12,000/yr; above $12,000 $55 + $5/FTE.
"If your business is physically located outside city limits, but conducts business within city limits... $0 through $12,000 No license required; Above $12,000 $55 + $5 per full-time employee (FTE)."

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

Local contractor or handyman license

None found on official sources

"Endorsements listed: general, home business, non-resident, mobile vendor; no contractor license."

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

County: Benton County

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 Kennewick 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.