- Pass all necessary exams in Washington. These include the Laws & Safety exam and category exams in all areas in which the business operates. The Categories webpage has more information about exam categories, OR
- Providing a valid reciprocal state license. See the Reciprocal Licenses page for more information.
- If you're already licensed, skip to the next bullet.
- Complete the requiredPesticide/Pest Inspector License Application [PDF] and pay the Commercial Applicator license application fee of $250. This is normally done at the exam session for paper-based testing or online for computer-based testing.
- Complete the requiredCommercial Company License Application [PDF] and, if applicable, the Supplemental Commercial Applicator Application [PDF]. This may include equipment fees of $27 per apparatus after the first one. This can be done after you take required exams and are qualified to obtain a license.
- Submit proof of financial responsibility. Go to Insurance Requirements section below for more information.
- Have or obtain a business license through the Washington Department of Revenue (https://dor.wa.gov/).
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Applicators
Commercial Applicators must meet financial coverage requirements in RCW 17.21.160 and 170 of the Washington Pesticide Application Act. There are two options for coverage.
Option 1: Liability insurance policy that must provide $50,000 public liability coverage, $50,000 property damage coverage, and a deductible of no more than $5,000. Use the Commercial Applicator Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate [PDF].
Option 2: Surety bond of a minimum of $100,000. Use the Commercial Applicator Surety Bond form [PDF].
You must submit proof of financial coverage to the Licensing and Recertification Program before a new license can be issued or, for existing Commercial Applicators, before expiration of the previous policy or bond.
- Email to license@agr.wa.gov, or
- Mail to WSDA Pesticide Licensing, PO Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504.
