Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance Logo
Information Center (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.gov

Regulatory Handbook -> General Requirements -> Electrical Work Permit

Electrical Work Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
To ensure residential, commercial and industrial electrical work receives an inspection. Processes differ depending on whether you are an electrical contractor or property owner

Note: Some cities issue their own permits and conduct inspections.
Who Issues this Permit?
Department of Labor and Industries
What Activities Require this Permit?
Any electrical installation or alteration described in RCW 19.28.101 and WAC 296-46B-901.
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
The cost of an electrical permit varies depending on the installation. See WAC 296-46B-906
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-permits-fees-and-inspections/purchase-permits-request-inspections.
Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?
Payment is required at the time of application submittal. Additional documentation required is depend on the type of electrical work permit. This information on the permit.
Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?
Decision is dependent on payment and submitting all required documentation.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
Processing time for L&I permits purchased: 1) online — immediately, 2) in person at a service location — immediately, 3) postal mail — same day as received.
Where do I Submit my Application?
Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or in-person at a L&I office.
How Long is my Permit Valid?
Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Legal Authority:
Links:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2018-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1

(Summary results based on 156759 submittals in 2020)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-permits-fees-and-inspections/purchase-permits-request-inspections
Helpdesk phone: Contact Local Office
Subject matter expert phone: Electrical Licensing and Certification: (360) 902-5269
Subject matter expert email: electricalprogram@lni.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Labor and Industries
Electrical Program
PO Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
Telephone: (360) 902-5249
Website: https://www.lni.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 1/6/2020
[v2]
© 2021 Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance