What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Federal Way, Washington (King County)?

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Washington State, handymen and small contractors must register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) unless their work falls under the $500 casual-work exemption (RCW 18.27.090(9)) — work that is truly minor, inconsequential, and does not require permits. Alternatively, handymen can register as a specialty "Handyman" contractor (limited to $2,000 per job, no permits allowed, work performed personally). Federal Way requires a city business endorsement and a state DOR business license. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate state trade licenses regardless of contractor registration status.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting (walls, trim, doors)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry repairs (replacing trim, door frames, shelving installation)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, cabinet hardware) — but NOT plumbing or electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• Landscaping and yard maintenance
• Work under $500 aggregate (labor + materials) that is casual, minor, and does not require a permit (RCW 18.27.090(9))

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Federal Way

Based on the WA threshold, handymen in Federal Way commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting (walls, trim, doors)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry repairs (replacing trim, door frames, shelving installation)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, cabinet hardware) — but NOT plumbing or electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (outlet/switch replacement, panel work, rewiring) — requires Electrical Contractor License and Electrician Certificate
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (supply line work, drain modifications, water heater installation) — requires Plumbing Contractor License and Journeyman Plumber Certificate
• HVAC system installation, repair, or refrigerant handling — requires HVAC Specialty Contractor License and EPA Section 608 certification
• Gas fitting work (gas line installation, appliance connections) — requires Gas Fitter License
• Structural modifications (load-bearing wall removal, foundation work, roof framing)
• Work requiring a building permit (window/door replacement affecting structure, water heater installation, electrical panel upgrades, plumbing modifications)
• Any construction work on a new building intended for rent, sale, or lease
• Work exceeding $500 aggregate per project (unless registered as Handyman specialty contractor with $2,000 limit)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In WA, you can take jobs under $500 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Federal Way

Required. City of Federal Way Business Endorsement

Setting Up Your Business in WA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in WA: $180 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Federal Way

1. Step 1: Register your business with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) to obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Visit https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license or call (360) 705-6741. Fee: $50.
2. Step 2: Determine whether you qualify for the $500 casual-work exemption (RCW 18.27.090(9)) or should register as a Handyman specialty contractor (WAC 296-200A-016) or general/specialty contractor. If you will perform work over $500 per project or work requiring permits, you must register.
3. Step 3: If registration is required, obtain a surety bond ($15,000–$30,000 depending on contractor type) and general liability insurance ($50,000–$250,000). Contact a surety bond provider and insurance agent.
4. Step 4: Apply for L&I Contractor Registration at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor/ or call (800) 647-0982. Fee: $141.10. Provide your DOR UBI number, bond, and insurance documentation.
5. Step 5: Apply for the Federal Way City Business Endorsement through the DOR Business Licensing Service portal at https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/city-endorsements/federal-way. Fee: approximately $50–$100 (verify exact amount).
6. Step 6: If you will perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting work, apply for the appropriate state trade license(s) at L&I. Each trade has separate licensing and fee requirements.
7. Step 7: Before starting any project, verify with the City of Federal Way or King County whether a building permit is required. Contact Federal Way Community Development at (253) 835-2607 or King County Permitting at https://kingcounty.gov/.
8. Step 8: Obtain general liability insurance and, if you hire employees, enroll with L&I for workers' compensation immediately.
9. Step 9: Keep your contractor registration and city endorsement current. L&I registration renews every 2 years; city endorsement renews annually.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.