Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-permits-fees-and-inspections/purchase-permits-request-inspections.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

Contact Local Office

Subject matter expert contact information:

Electrical Licensing and Certification: (360) 902-5269

electricalprogram@lni.wa.gov

Electrical Work Permit

Description/Purpose

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.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Any electrical installation or alteration described in RCW 19.28.101 and WAC 296-46B-901.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

The cost of an electrical permit varies depending on the installation. See WAC 296-46B-906

Application Information

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.

Decision is dependent on payment and submitting all required documentation.

Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or in-person at a L&I office.

Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

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-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

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

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


(Summary results based on 175529 submittals in 2024)

Legal authority
Contacts
Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Program
PO Box 44460
Olympia WA 98504-4460
Website: https://www.lni.wa.gov/ and http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Electrical
Telephone: (360) 902-5249
* Credential details last updated 2/15/2022
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