How to Verify a Washington Roofer: L&I Registration, Bond and Insurance
Before hiring a roofer in Vancouver, WA, verify their Washington State contractor registration, bond, and insurance status. Here's exactly how to check each one and what red flags to watch for during the process.
By Jason Green · Roofing & Gutters · Published August 13, 2026 · 11 min read
Washington doesn't license roofers by trade
Unlike some states, Washington doesn't issue a specific roofing license; instead, all construction contractors, roofers included, must hold an active general contractor registration through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
This registration is a legal requirement, not optional: it is illegal for a contractor to bid or perform construction work in Washington, including in Vancouver and Clark County, without an active L&I registration.
How to check L&I registration status
Go to L&I's free online contractor lookup tool and search by the business name or registration number the roofer provides; the tool shows whether the registration is currently active, expired, or suspended.
The same lookup shows the contractor's bond amount and liability insurance carrier and expiration date, both required for active registration, so you can confirm coverage is current before signing anything.
Understanding the bond and what it covers
Washington requires general contractors to carry a $12,000 bond (as of recent state requirements) that homeowners can file a claim against for unresolved contract disputes, though this amount is often insufficient to cover a full roofing job gone wrong, which is why insurance verification matters too.
Because the bond amount is relatively small, it should be treated as a baseline legal requirement check, not a guarantee of full financial protection if a large project fails.
Red flags when hiring in Vancouver
Be cautious of any roofer who can't or won't provide their L&I registration number immediately, asks for full payment upfront before any work starts, or pressures you to sign after storm damage without giving you time to verify their credentials.
Door-to-door storm chasers, especially after wind events common in the Columbia Gorge corridor near Vancouver, are a recurring local scam pattern; always verify registration independently rather than trusting a business card or truck decal.
Other checks worth doing
Beyond L&I registration, ask for a local physical business address and check for reviews or complaints with the Washington Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau serving Southwest Washington.
Confirm the contractor is familiar with City of Vancouver or Clark County permitting requirements specifically, since a roofer unfamiliar with local permit processes can cause delays or fail inspections.
Typical cost ranges
| L&I contractor registration lookup | Free |
| Standard WA contractor bond requirement | $12,000 minimum |
| Typical general liability insurance minimum | $1,000,000+ |
| Cost of hiring an unregistered contractor if issues arise | No legal recourse |
Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.
Common questions
Where do I check if a Vancouver roofer is registered with the state?
Use the Washington State L&I contractor lookup tool online, searching by business name or registration number to confirm active status, bond, and insurance.
Is it illegal to hire an unregistered roofer in Washington?
Yes, contractors must hold an active L&I registration to legally perform construction work in Washington, and hiring an unregistered contractor leaves homeowners with little legal recourse if something goes wrong.
What should I do if a roofer's registration is expired or suspended?
Do not sign a contract or pay a deposit; choose a different, actively registered contractor, and report the issue to L&I if the contractor is soliciting work while unregistered.
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