Contractor License Requirements

Please see the licensing requirements for construction contractors operating within the United States, broken down by individual state. This information covers key details such as licensing classifications, application processes, fees, and renewal requirements. Contractors should always verify information with the appropriate state licensing board, as regulations frequently change.

State-by-State Contractor License Requirements, as of 3/20/25

Scroll over the state to see state requirements

Alaska

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
  • Who Needs a License? Any contractor performing work over $10,000.
  • Application Process: Register as a contractor, submit bonding and insurance, and obtain the appropriate endorsements.
  • Renewal: Biennial
    •

    Hawaii

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $1,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, submit financial records, and provide experience verification.
  • Renewal: Biennial
    •

    Hawaii

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $1,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, submit financial records, and provide experience verification.
  • Renewal: Biennial
    •

    Texas

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    New Mexico

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
  • Who Needs a License? All construction contractors.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, submit proof of insurance, and provide financial records.
  • Renewal: Every three years
    •

    Arizona

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Any contractor performing work over $1,000 or requiring a permit.
  • Application Process: Submit application, pass exams, obtain bond, and provide financial documentation.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Nevada

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Nevada State Contractors Board
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $1,000 or requiring a permit.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and obtain bonding.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Utah

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
  • Who Needs a License? All general and specialty contractors.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide proof of insurance, and obtain bonding.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Colorado

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities, no statewide requirement. Electrical contractors and plumbers must hold a state license.
  • Application Process: Check with the local jurisdiction for specific requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Oklahoma

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Kansas

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities.
  • Application Process: Varies
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Arkansas

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
  • Who Needs a License? Residential contractors performing work over $2,000 and Commercial contractors performing work over $50,000 or more.
  • Subcontractors: Subcontractors can obtain certificates as long as they work for a licensed contractor.
  • Application Process: Submit financial statements, complete an application, and pass exams if applicable.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Missouri

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities, no statewide requirement.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Wyoming

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? No statewide requirement, but many local jurisdictions require licensing. Electrical contractors must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Idaho

  • License Required: Registration required but no state license
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Contractors Board
  • Who Needs a License? Public works contractors; all others require registration.
  • Application Process: Register, provide insurance, and meet bonding requirements.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Montana

  • License Required: Registration required but no state license
  • Governing Body: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors with employees must register. Electrical contractors need to be licensed.
  • Application Process: Submit application and proof of workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    North Dakota

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: North Dakota Secretary of State
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $4,000.
  • Application Process: Submit application, financial statements, and proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Nebraska

  • License Required: Registration required but no state license
  • Governing Body: Nebraska Department of Labor
  • Who Needs a License? All contractors must register with the state unless they earn less than $5,000 annually.
  • Application Process: Register with the state and provide proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Iowa

  • License Required: Yes (Registration required)
  • Governing Body: Iowa Division of Labor
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors earning more than $2,000 annually.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Minnesota

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing residential or commercial work over $15,000 annually.
  • Application Process: Submit proof of experience, pass exams, and provide insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Wisconsin

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing residential work.
  • Application Process: Complete training, pass exams, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Michigan

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
  • Who Needs a License? Residential builders and maintenance & alteration contractors.
  • Application Process: Pass business and law exams, submit application, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every three years
    •

    Illinois

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined at the local level.
  • Application Process: Check with local licensing agencies.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Indiana

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities. Plumbers must hold a state license
  • Application Process: Varies by city and county.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Ohio

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities, no statewide requirement.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    West Virginia

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: West Virginia Division of Labor
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $2,500.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and submit proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Virginia

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $1,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, submit financial statements, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Kentucky

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined at the local level. Electrical contractors, plumbers, and HVAC contractors.
  • Application Process: Check with local jurisdictions.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Tennessee

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $25,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and submit proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    South Carolina

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board
  • Who Needs a License? General and mechanical contractors working on projects over $5,000. Plumbers and electrical contractors must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Pass trade and business law exams, provide financial statements, and obtain bonding.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Georgia

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Residential and general contractors performing work over $2,500.
  • Application Process: Pass trade and business exams, submit financial statements, and provide work experience proof.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Alabama

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $50,000 (commercial) or $10,000 (residential).
  • Application Process: Submit application, financial statement, proof of experience, and pass a trade/business law exam.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Mississippi

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing commercial projects over $50,000 or residential projects over $10,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and submit proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Florida

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $2,500.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide experience verification, insurance, and bonding.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    North Carolina

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing work over $30,000.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and obtain bonding.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Pennsylvania

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Home improvement contractors must register; other requirements vary.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    New York

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? Determined by local authorities, no statewide requirement.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    New Jersey

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Who Needs a License? Home improvement contractors must register. No license required for general contractors.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide insurance, and obtain permits.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Maryland

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing home improvement work. No general contractor license is required for new construction.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Connecticut

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
  • Who Needs a License? Major contractors, home improvement contractors, and specialty contractors
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide financials, and submit proof of insurance
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Connecticut

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
  • Who Needs a License? Major contractors, home improvement contractors, and specialty contractors
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide financials, and submit proof of insurance
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Delaware

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Delaware Division of Revenue
  • Who Needs a License? All contractors
  • Application Process: Register with the Division of Revenue and obtain business licenses.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Maryland

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing home improvement work. No general contractor license is required for new construction.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide financial statements, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    New Jersey

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Who Needs a License? Home improvement contractors must register. No license required for general contractors.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide insurance, and obtain permits.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Rhode Island

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing residential or commercial work.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, complete pre-licensing education, and obtain liability insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Massachusetts

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
  • Who Needs a License? Construction supervisors for work involving structural elements; home improvement contractors for remodeling.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide work experience documentation, and register with the state.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Rhode Island

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing residential or commercial work.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, complete pre-licensing education, and obtain liability insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    Massachusetts

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
  • Who Needs a License? Construction supervisors for work involving structural elements; home improvement contractors for remodeling.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, provide work experience documentation, and register with the state.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Vermont

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians and plumbers must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    New Hampshire

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians and plumbers require state licensing.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Maine

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: Maine Office of Professional and Financial Regulation
  • Who Needs a License? Only electricians, plumbers, and certain specialty contractors.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    New Hampshire

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians and plumbers require state licensing.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Vermont

  • License Required: No general contractor license required
  • Governing Body: N/A
  • Who Needs a License? Specialty contractors such as electricians and plumbers must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Specialty contractors must meet state licensing requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Louisiana

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
  • Who Needs a License? Contractors performing commercial projects over $50,000, residential projects over $75,000, and home improvement projects over $7,500.
  • There are no licensing requirements for labor-only subcontractors performing work on new residential construction projects.
  • Application Process: Pass exams, submit financial statements, and provide proof of insurance.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    California

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  • Who Needs a License? Any contractor performing work over $500.
  • Application Process: Pass trade and business law exams, provide fingerprints for background check, submit bond and proof of experience.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Delaware

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body/Licensing Agency: Delaware Division of Revenue
  • Who Needs a License? All contractors
  • Application Process: Register with the Division of Revenue and obtain business licenses.
  • Renewal: Annually
    •

    South Dakota

  • License Required: Varies by city/county
  • Governing Body: Local jurisdictions
  • Who Needs a License? No statewide license is required, but many local jurisdictions require licensing. Electrical contractors and plumbers must be licensed.
  • Application Process: Contact local jurisdiction for requirements.
  • Renewal: Varies
    •

    Washington

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
  • Who Needs a License? All construction contractors.
  • Application Process: Register with the state, provide proof of insurance, and obtain bonding.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

    Oregon

  • License Required: Yes
  • Governing Body: Oregon Construction Contractors Board
  • Who Needs a License? All contractors.
  • Application Process: Complete pre-license training, pass exams, and obtain insurance.
  • Renewal: Every two years
    •

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