Contractor License from Washington to Idaho: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Idaho license to transfer into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) rather than applying for reciprocity. Idaho's plumbing license reciprocity does cover Washington; choose that trade to check it.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your Washington license into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and work from its rules; your Washington credentials and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting. Its electrical, plumbing licenses do have reciprocity — select your trade in the checker.
What changes, Washington → Idaho
| Washington (current) | Idaho (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Registration fee on file: Contractor registration, which is a separate non-reciprocal filing, is $150.20 | Registration fee not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) |
| Processing time | Not on file — check with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) | Not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) |
| Licensing authority | Registration: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I); trade licenses: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical Licensing & Certification, Plumber Certification, and Contractor Registration | Registration: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL); trade licenses: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Electrical and Plumbing Boards |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Idaho sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): Idaho issues no general contractor license, so there is no license to transfer by reciprocity.
- Check the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) (linked on this page) for its current registration requirements and fee — rules change.
- Electrical and plumbing work is licensed statewide in Idaho and handled separately: use the checker with your trade selected.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Idaho accept a Washington contractor license?
There is no Idaho license to transfer into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) rather than applying for reciprocity. Idaho's plumbing license reciprocity does cover Washington; choose that trade to check it.
What applies in Idaho without a state general contractor license?
Idaho's contractor registration with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — there is no state general contractor license or exam to transfer into. Trade licenses Idaho does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in Idaho, and how long does processing take?
Registration fee not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Registration processing: not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: Idaho issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state GC exam for NASCLA to replace.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-08-07.
- Idaho DOPL — Electrical Program FAQs (reciprocal agreements) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Idaho DOPL — Licenses That Idaho Will Reciprocate (Electrical & Plumbing) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Idaho DOPL — HVAC Program FAQs (no reciprocity) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WA L&I — Application for a Reciprocal 01 General Journey Level Electrician Certificate, form F500-148-000 rev. 07-2026 (Oregon only; $114.60; master cannot be reciprocated) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- WA L&I — Plumber Certification: Get or Renew Your Certification (reciprocates with Idaho; certification $242.70, exam $202.10) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- WA L&I — Register as a Contractor (RCW 18.27 registration, $150.20, $30,000/$15,000 bonds) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]