What happens when your L&I license is suspended
An L&I (Labor & Industries) license suspension means you cannot legally work in your trade in Washington State until the suspension is lifted. This usually happens because of unpaid workers' compensation premiums, failure to maintain required insurance, violations of safety rules, or unresolved disputes with the Department of Labor & Industries. The suspension stays in effect until you take specific steps to resolve the underlying issue.
The good news is that reinstatement is possible. You will need to contact the Department of Labor & Industries directly to find out exactly why your license was suspended, then follow their instructions to fix the problem. The process varies depending on the reason for suspension, but it always starts with understanding what you owe or what you need to prove.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Department of Labor & Industries to learn the specific reason your L&I license was suspended before taking any other steps.
- Most suspensions result from unpaid workers' compensation premiums or lapsed insurance, both of which require payment or proof of coverage to resolve.
- You will need to pay any outstanding balances, provide documentation of corrected violations, or resolve disputes before reinstatement can happen.
- The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks after you have submitted all required documents and payments.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Call the Department of Labor & Industries at 1-800-647-0644 or visit their website to locate your regional office. Have your license number ready. Ask them to explain in writing what caused the suspension and what steps you need to take to reinstate it. They will give you a specific list of requirements — do not assume you know what they are.
Request a written notice if you have not already received one. This document will list the exact violation, the date the suspension took effect, and the important date for correcting it (if one exists). Keep this notice with your reinstatement paperwork.
Resolving unpaid workers' compensation premiums
If your suspension is due to unpaid premiums, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus any penalties and interest. Contact the Department of Labor & Industries to confirm the exact total. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or electronic transfer — ask which methods they accept.
Once payment is received and processed, the Department will send you written confirmation. Keep this confirmation. Processing time is usually five to ten business days after payment clears. Do not resume work until you have received official written notice that your license is reinstated.
Restoring required insurance coverage
If your suspension resulted from lapsed or missing workers' compensation insurance, you must obtain a new policy before reinstatement. Contact an insurance agent who writes workers' compensation coverage in Washington State. They will issue you a policy and provide a certificate of insurance.
Submit the certificate of insurance directly to the Department of Labor & Industries. Include a cover letter stating that you are submitting it in response to a license suspension and include your license number. The Department will verify the policy with your insurance carrier. Once verified, they will process your reinstatement request.
Addressing safety violations or compliance issues
If your suspension resulted from a safety violation or failure to comply with Department rules, you may need to complete corrective actions. This could mean taking a safety course, hiring a licensed contractor to fix work you performed incorrectly, or submitting documentation that you have corrected the violation.
Ask the Department in writing what specific corrective actions they require. Get this in writing so you know exactly what will satisfy them. Once you have completed the actions, submit proof — such as a course completion certificate, an inspection report, or a contractor's affidavit — to the Department. They will review your submission and notify you of reinstatement or request additional information.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the Department of Labor & Industries to formally request reinstatement. You can do this by phone, email, or mail. Include your license number, the date of suspension, and copies of all documents proving you have corrected the problem — payment receipts, insurance certificates, course completion records, or inspection reports.
Send everything to the regional office that issued your suspension notice. Keep copies of everything you send. Request written confirmation of receipt. The Department will review your submission and send you a written decision within two to four weeks.
What to do while waiting for reinstatement
Do not perform work under your L&I license while the suspension is in effect. Working without an active license can result in additional penalties, fines, or criminal charges. If you need to work during the reinstatement period, you can work as an employee under someone else's license or in a role that does not require licensure.
Check the status of your reinstatement request by calling the Department every two weeks if you have not heard back. Ask for a specific timeline. If the Department requests additional information, respond within the timeframe they give you — delays in your response will delay reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does L&I license reinstatement usually take?
Most reinstatements take two to four weeks after you submit all required documents and payments. If the Department requests additional information, the timeline resets. Calling to check status every two weeks can help you stay on track and catch delays early.
Can I work while my license is suspended?
No. Working under a suspended L&I license is illegal and can result in additional fines and penalties. You can work as an employee under another licensed contractor or in a role that does not require licensure until your reinstatement is complete.
What if I disagree with the reason for suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing with the Department of Labor & Industries. Ask for a hearing request form when you contact them about the suspension. The hearing process can take several months, so reinstatement through correcting the issue is usually faster if you believe the suspension is valid.
Do I have to pay penalties and interest on overdue premiums?
Yes. The Department adds penalties and interest to unpaid workers' compensation premiums. The exact amount depends on how long the debt has been outstanding. Ask the Department for an itemized statement showing the original premium, penalties, and interest so you know the total amount due.
What if the Department denies my reinstatement request?
The Department will send you a written explanation of why reinstatement was denied and what additional steps you need to take. Follow their instructions and resubmit. If you believe the denial is unfair, you can request a hearing to appeal the decision.