Commercial Applicator License

Applying pesticides to the lands/property of another requires the Commercial Applicator License. This is a joint company – person license. The person who makes the pesticide application decisions for the company must obtain the license.

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations. WSDA does reciprocate with some state and federal licenses so testing may not be necessary. Go to the online reciprocal licensing information for details.

The license costs $250 plus $27 for each piece of power pesticide application equipment after the first one, which is included in the application fee. In addition, the applicant must pay a $25 testing fee each time they take pesticide exams.

License application fees are non-refundable.

Effective November 1st, 2021, all pesticide license fees increased as a result of Senate Bill 5317. $7 of every license paid will help support the Washington State University's pesticide safet education program.

Applications are completed at the time of testing. The first time an application is submitted in a calendar year, the license fee of $250 is required. Each time tests are taken, a $25 testing fee and picture ID is required.

The applicant must pass the required exams and furnish information that they are legal to do business in the state of Washington by supplying their UBI number issued by Department of Revenue’s Master License Service. WSDA Licensing staff will verify that the UBI number is current and that the business is registered to pay state taxes. See fact sheet on registering a business. 
In addition, the applicant’s insurance or bonding agent must independently supply WSDA with confirmation that the applicant meets the financial coverage requirements of the license. Additional information on Commercial Applicator financial coverage requirements can be found on the WSDA website.

Once all requirements have been met (complete application submitted including fee and proof of state business licensing, appropriate exams passed and financial coverage requirement met), the license is normally issued within 1 week. However, the work unit experiences a heavier than normal workload from December – March and licenses can take 2 – 4 weeks to issue.

The license is annually renewed but in a five-year recertification cycle during which time continuing education credits must be earned. An alternative to recertification is to retest every five years.

The requirements for Commercial Applicator licensing are found in the Washington Pesticide Application Act (chapter 17.21 RCW) and the General Pesticide Rules (WAC 16-228). 
License: RCW 17.21.070
Insurance: RCW 17.21.160 and .170 and WAC 16-228-1520
Testing: WAC 16-228-1545

Upon notice by the Department to deny, revoke, or suspend a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW. 

Pesticide Licensing
Toll-free: 877-301-4555
Email: License@agr.wa.gov