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Seattle Emergency Electricians

Permits

Can I do my own electrical work in Washington?

Often, yes, at your own home. You still need a permit, and the exemption ends if you build to sell or rent.

The owner exemption

Washington does not require a license or certified electrician for work at your own home, farm or place of business. Two exceptions: new construction meant for rent, sale or lease, and property you offer for sale within 12 months after getting it. A friend, neighbor or relative may help, as long as they do not hold themselves out as being in the trade. (RCW 19.28.261)

Who issues your permit

  • Seattle issues its own electrical permits. (Seattle SDCI)
  • Olympia requires a permit for all electrical work except replacing lamps, fixtures or trim, and only the building owner or a licensed electrical contractor can get it. (Olympia)
  • Lacey takes electrical permits online, and adding a circuit is an over-the-counter permit. (Lacey)
  • Unincorporated King, Pierce and Thurston counties do not issue electrical permits. L&I does, or Tacoma Power where it serves in Pierce County. (King County) (Pierce County) (Thurston County)
  • For the full list of cities that run their own program, see L&I's city list. (L&I)

What it costs in 2026

  • Seattle: the minimum online self-issued permit is $105.12 plus a $55.48 administrative fee. A new or altered service up to 125 amps is $146; 150 to 200 amps is $292. (Seattle SDCI)
  • L&I: an altered service or feeder up to 200 amps is $109.90; one to four residential circuits are $78.80, plus $8.20 for each added circuit. A homeowner request to inspect an existing installation is $119.90. (WAC 296-46B-906)
  • Lacey: new circuits are $69.82, plus $7.36 for each circuit over four; a service or panel change up to 100 amps is $114.48. (Lacey fees)

Panel upgrades and HEAR

The state HEAR program can cover panel and wiring upgrades needed for new electric equipment, for households at or below 150% of area median income, through local administrators. (WA Commerce)

If you hire it out

Read the electrician hiring questions and what an electrical contractor license covers.

Sources

We read each source on October 18, 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the linked page before you rely on a number.

  1. RCW 19.28.261, owner exemption for electrical work
  2. Seattle SDCI 2026 Fee Subtitle (PDF)
  3. City of Olympia: When do I need a permit? (PDF)
  4. City of Lacey: Permitting
  5. King County 2026 Fee Guide 02, single-family residential (PDF)
  6. Pierce County: Guide to work exempt from permit (PDF)
  7. Thurston County: Do you need a permit?
  8. L&I: City electrical permits and inspections
  9. WAC 296-46B-906, L&I electrical permit fees
  10. City of Lacey fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026 (PDF)
  11. WA Commerce: Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

Written by the Seattle Emergency Electricians team. We list businesses; we do not employ, bond or insure them. Spot a mistake? Use the claim page to tell us.