Washington L&I (Labor & Industries) registration support

Mandatory workers’ compensation coverage and who must register- Washington requires employers to provide workers’ compensation (industrial insurance) coverage for employees and other eligible workers; coverage is mandatory unless an exclusion applies.

Employers generally purchase coverage through L&I’s Washington State Fund or qualify for certified self-insurance if they meet criteria. - L&I manages claims and premiums; the State Fund is financed by premiums paid by employers and employees, not general tax revenue.2) How to register and the interagency flow- Typical flow for a new employer/LLC: register the business and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) via the Washington Business Licensing/DOR application (you can file the Business License Application for hiring employees up to 90 days before you plan to hire).

Once registered, you’ll be assigned or directed to set up accounts with L&I (workers’ comp) and the Employment Security Department (unemployment insurance). - L&I issues an industrial insurance account and certificate of coverage; you must post the certificate at each business location.3) Employer account setup, reporting, and payments- Employers must set up a workers’ compensation account with L&I, provide accurate company information for risk classification, file and pay quarterly reports (My L&I/e-services), and keep accurate payroll and activity records. - L&I audits employer records to verify payroll, hours and correct risk classification.

Maintain injury/accident reports, claim logs, OSHA 300 if applicable, and other records to support reporting and audits.4) Classification codes, rates, and premium calculation- L&I assigns one or more risk classifications based on described business activities; basic premiums depend on those classifications.

There are roughly 300 classifications and each has its own basic insurance rate. If classifications appear incorrect or your business activities change, you can request a classification change or appeal. - Experience rating, payroll and past claims affect your premium; larger employers can pursue certified self-insurance under strict rules.5) Contractors, independent contractors and registration specifics- Construction, remodeling, specialty contractors and many related businesses must register as contractors with L&I (contractor registration and renewal required).

L&I guidance emphasizes treating casual labor/independent contractors as employees unless they meet independent contractor criteria; see L&I’s Independent Contractor Guide and contractor registration instructions.

L&I provides contact for contractor registration questions ( ContReg@Lni.wa.gov and 1-800-647-0982).

Mandatory workers’ compensation coverage and who must register- Washington requires employers to provide workers’ compensation (industrial insurance) coverage for employees and other eligible workers; coverage is mandatory unless an exclusion applies.

Employers generally purchase coverage through L&I’s Washington State Fund or qualify for certified self-insurance if they meet criteria. - L&I manages claims and premiums; the State Fund is financed by premiums paid by employers and employees, not general tax revenue.2) How to register and the interagency flow- Typical flow for a new employer/LLC: register the business and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) via the Washington Business Licensing/DOR application (you can file the Business License Application for hiring employees up to 90 days before you plan to hire).

Once registered, you’ll be assigned or directed to set up accounts with L&I (workers’ comp) and the Employment Security Department (unemployment insurance). - L&I issues an industrial insurance account and certificate of coverage; you must post the certificate at each business location.3) Employer account setup, reporting, and payments- Employers must set up a workers’ compensation account with L&I, provide accurate company information for risk classification, file and pay quarterly reports (My L&I/e-services), and keep accurate payroll and activity records. - L&I audits employer records to verify payroll, hours and correct risk classification.

Maintain injury/accident reports, claim logs, OSHA 300 if applicable, and other records to support reporting and audits.4) Classification codes, rates, and premium calculation- L&I assigns one or more risk classifications based on described business activities; basic premiums depend on those classifications.

There are roughly 300 classifications and each has its own basic insurance rate. If classifications appear incorrect or your business activities change, you can request a classification change or appeal. - Experience rating, payroll and past claims affect your premium; larger employers can pursue certified self-insurance under strict rules.5) Contractors, independent contractors and registration specifics- Construction, remodeling, specialty contractors and many related businesses must register as contractors with L&I (contractor registration and renewal required).

L&I guidance emphasizes treating casual labor/independent contractors as employees unless they meet independent contractor criteria; see L&I’s Independent Contractor Guide and contractor registration instructions.

L&I provides contact for contractor registration questions ( ContReg@Lni.wa.gov and 1-800-647-0982).

Notices, posters and compliance tasks- Employers must post required notices (e.g., Notice to Employees poster) and obtain/post certificate of coverage at each business location. Keep accident prevention programs and safety rules current and available.

Audits, penalties and dispute resolution- L&I may audit accounts; audits verify payroll reporting, classification, and claims. Penalties and interest can apply for late filings or unpaid premiums; L&I provides procedures for dispute resolution and claim management.

Practical checklist / step-by-step onboarding for business owners & LLC founders- Step 1

Choose business structure and register with WA DOR / Business Licensing to get a UBI (file Business License Application up to 90 days before hiring). - Step 2: Using UBI, register / set up account with L&I for workers’ compensation (open industrial insurance account; obtain certificate of coverage). - Step 3: Register with Employment Security Department (ESD) for unemployment insurance and learn PFML (Paid Family & Medical Leave) obligations through ESD. - Step 4: Provide accurate business descriptions to L&I for correct risk classification; collect payroll and job activity records by classification. - Step 5: File and pay quarterly reports to L&I (use My L&I/eServices), post required workplace notices and certificate, and implement written safety/accident prevention program. - Step 6: Review assigned rates and annual/quarterly notices; prepare for audits and maintain accident/claim records. If you disagree with classification or rate, follow L&I appeal/change processes. - Step 7: If you are a contractor, complete contractor registration and ensure licensing/advertising rules are met.9) Recent/important updates (through 2026)- L&I publishes periodic rate changes. Example: L&I announced the average workers’ comp premium would rise about 4.9% in 2026 (news item dated Nov 26, 2025). Always verify the current year’s rate notices on L&I’s site.10) Key official resources and contacts (primary sources to cite and link in content)- L&I Employers’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation (PDF): https://lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f101-002-000.pdf - L&I Business Requirements (for employers): https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/small-business/business-requirements - L&I For Business hub: https://lni.wa.gov/for-business - DOR hiring employees guidance (Business License Application & UBI): https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/grow-business/hiring-employees - L&I contractor registration and contractor resources: https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor/ and contact ContReg@Lni.wa.gov , 1-800-647-0982