Contractor License from Washington to Illinois: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Illinois state license to transfer into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
Verify this exact pair in the checker
Same data, interactive — with share link and board links.
Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your Washington license into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Identify the local authority that governs your jobsite and work from its rules; your Washington credentials and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting.
What changes, Washington → Illinois
| Washington (current) | Illinois (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Registration fee on file: Contractor registration, which is a separate non-reciprocal filing, is $150.20 | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee |
| Processing time | Not on file — check with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) | None at state level — set by the local authority |
| 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 | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program (general contractors are licensed municipally) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Illinois sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no state license to transfer: confirm with the authority linked on this page who licenses the work where you will practice.
- Contact that city, county or contractor-level authority for its own requirements, exams and fees.
- Keep records of your current license, exams and documented experience — a local authority may credit them, but nothing transfers at state level.
- Obtain any general contractor or electrical license from the local municipality (no state license).
- General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Illinois accept a Washington contractor license?
There is no Illinois state license to transfer into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
What applies in Illinois without a state general contractor license?
The rules of the local authority that governs your jobsite — Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license or exam. Trade licenses Illinois does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in Illinois, and how long does processing take?
Illinois issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state license fee: general contracting is licensed locally, and the city or county sets any fee and timeline.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: Illinois 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.
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing (licensing, forms; reciprocity form is Chicago-only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois IDFPR — Roofing Contractors (no reciprocity provision) ↗ (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]