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Before you hire a contractor, you should know the licensing requirements for your state.
Otherwise, you could face fines, discontinuation of your project or potentially dangerous work that doesn’t meet codes. These consequences are usually more expensive than the cost of a permit, which qualified pros will typically take care of for you. Without a permit where required, contractors can face jail time, and unlicensed pros may not have any legal recourse if their client refuses to pay.
In general, it’s common for states to require licenses for:
- Commercial contractors
- Residential contractors
- Water and Gas Plumbers
- Electricians
- HVAC technicians
- Mold, Asbestos, hazardous waste remediation services
- Department of Transportation (road work)
Licensed vs. Registered vs. Certified
Some states require contractor licensing while others require registration or certification. The exact definitions of each typically vary by state but often include the following:
- Licensing involves passing exams and meeting specific criteria to prove reasonable competency in a trade.
- Registration is a written record of who is performing the work. It doesn’t guarantee expertise or competency.
- Certification is usually voluntary, but some states may require it for specific jobs or practices. Pros may obtain it in place of or in addition to a license in some states.
Find Your State Requirements:
- AL
- AK
- AZ
- AR
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DE
- FL
- GA
- HI
- ID
- IL
- IN
- IA
- KS
- KY
- LA
- ME
- MD
- MA
- MI
- MN
- MS
- MO
- MT
- NE
- NV
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NY
- NC
- ND
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VT
- VA
- WA
- WashDC
- WV
- WI
- WY
Alabama
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors License Roster Search
Licensing agency phone: 334-272-5030
Find out more with the Alabama general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Alaska
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Site to verify your pro’s license: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Professional License Search
Licensing agency phone: 907-465-2550
Find out more with the Alaska general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Arizona
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license:Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ Contractor Search Tool
Licensing agency phone: 602-542-1525
Find out more with the Arizona general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Arkansas
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Site to verify your pro’s license: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board Contractor Search tool
Licensing agency phone: 501-372-4661
Find out more with the Arkansas general contractor licensing requirement guide.
California
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: California Contractors State License Board
Site to verify your pro’s license: California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractor License Check
Licensing agency phone: 800-321-2752
Find out more with the California general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Colorado
At the time of this posting, plumbers and electricians require licensing at the state level from the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Connecticut
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Site to verify your pro’s license: Connecticut License Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 860-713-6000
Find out more with the Connecticut general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Delaware
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Delaware Division of Revenue
Site to verify your pro’s license:Delaware Business Licenses Search
Licensing agency phone: 800-292-7826
Find out more with the Delaware general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Florida
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Site to verify your pro’s license: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Licensee Search
Licensing agency phone: 850-487-1395
Find out more with the Florida general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Georgia
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: Georgia Professional Licensing Web Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 478-207-2440
Find out more with the Georgia general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Hawaii
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Site to verify your pro’s license: Hawaii DCCA Professional Vocational Licensing Public License Search
Licensing agency phone: 808-586-3000
Find out more with theHawaii general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Idaho
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Contractors Board
Site to verify your pro’s license: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Online Information
Licensing agency phone: 208-334-3233
Find out more with the Idaho general contractor licensing requirement guide
Illinois
At the time of this posting, plumbers and roofers require licensing at the state level from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Indiana
At the time of this posting, plumbers require licensing at the state level from the Indiana Plumbing Commission, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Iowa
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Iowa Registrar of Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: Iowa IWD Registered Contractor Public Search
Licensing agency phone: 515-242-5871
Find out more with the Iowa general contractor licensing requirement guide
Kansas
At the time of this posting, well drillers and asbestos abatement contractors require licensing at the state level from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Kentucky
At the time of this posting, HVAC and electrical require licensing at the state level from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Louisiana
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: Louisiana State Licensing Board Online Contractor Search
Licensing agency phone: 225-765-2301
Find out more with the Louisiana general contractor licensing requirement guide
Maine
At the time of this posting, plumbing and electrical pros require licensing at the state level from the Maine Regulatory Licensing & Permitting office, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Maryland
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Commission
Site to verify your pro’s license: Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Public Query
Licensing agency phone: 410-230-6176
Find out more with the Maryland general contractor licensing requirement guide
Massachusetts
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations
Site to verify your pro’s license: Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Licensing agency phone: 617-727-3200
Find out more with the Massachusetts general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Michigan
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Site to verify your pro’s license: Michigan Citizen Access Verify a License Tool
Licensing agency phone: 517-241-9316
Find out more with the Michigan general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Minnesota
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division
Site to verify your pro’s license: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry License and Registration Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 651-284-5034
Find out more with the Minnesota general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Mississippi
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license:Mississippi Contractor License Search
Licensing agency phone: 601-354-6161
Find out more with the Mississippi general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Missouri
At the time of this posting, electrical pros can apply for licensing at the state level from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Montana
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Montana Department Labor and Industry
Site to verify your pro’s license: Montana Contractor Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 406-444-7734
Find out more with the Montana general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Nebraska
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Nebraska Department of Labor
Site to verify your pro’s license: NE Department of Labor Contractor Search
Licensing agency phone: 402-471-2239
Find out more with the Nebraska general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Nevada
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Nevada Registrar of Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: Nevada State Contractors Board Contractor License Search
Licensing agency phone: 702-486-1100
Find out more with the Nevada general contractor licensing requirement guide.
New Hampshire
At the time of this posting, plumbing, electrical, asbestos abatement and lead abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
New Jersey
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Site to verify your pro’s license: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification
Licensing agency phone: 973-424-8150
Find out more with the New Jersey general contractor licensing requirement guide.
New Mexico
At the time of this posting, only contractors earning over $7,200 per year require licensing at the state level from the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
New York
At the time of this posting, asbestos abatement and crane-operating pros require licensing at the state level from the New York State Department of Safety and Health, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
North Carolina
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: North CarolinaLicensing Board for General Contractors License Search
Licensing agency phone: 919-571-4183
Find out more with the North Carolina general contractor licensing requirement guide.
North Dakota
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: North Dakota Secretary of State Licensing Unit
Site to verify your pro’s license: North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor Search
Licensing agency phone: 701-328-3665
Find out more with the North Dakota general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Ohio
At the time of this posting, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and HVAC pros require licensing at the state level from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Oklahoma
At the time of this posting, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical pros require licensing at the state level from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Oregon
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Oregon Construction Contractors Board
Site to verify your pro’s license:Oregon CCB Contractor License Search
Licensing agency phone: 503-378-4621
Find out more with the Oregon general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Pennsylvania
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
Site to verify your pro’s license: PennsylvaniaHome Improvement Consumer Information Contractor Search
Licensing agency phone: 717-722-2425
Find out more with the Pennsylvania general contractor licensing requirement guide
Rhode Island
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: The Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
Site to verify your pro’s license: Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board License Status Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 401-889-5535
Find out more with theRhode Island general contractor licensing requirement guide.
South Carolina
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Residential Builders Commission
Site to verify your pro’s license: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation License Lookup
Licensing agency phone: 803-896-4696
Find out more with the South Carolina general contractor licensing requirement guide.
South Dakota
At the time of this posting, electrical, plumbing and asbestos abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Tennessee
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors
Site to verify your pro’s license: TN Department of Commerce & Insurance License Search
Licensing agency phone: 800-544-7693
Find out more with the Tennessee general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Texas
At the time of this posting, HVAC, plumbing, well-drilling, and fire sprinkler system pros require licensing at the state level from the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guild, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Utah
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: State of Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Site to verify your pro’s license: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Licensing agency phone: 801-530-6628
Find out more with the Utah general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Vermont
At the time of this posting, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical pros require licensing at the state level from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
Virginia
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Site to verify your pro’s license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
Licensing agency phone: (804) 367-8511
Find out more with the Virginia general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Washington
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Site to verify your pro’s license: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Verify a Contractor Tool.
Licensing agency phone: 602-542-1525
Find out more with the Washington general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Washington DC
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Site to verify your pro’s license: D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Occupational and Professional License Search
Licensing agency phone: 202-442-4400
Find out more with the DC general contractor licensing requirement guide.
West Virginia
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
Site to verify your pro’s license: West Virginia Division of Labor Contractor Search.
Licensing agency phone: 304-558-7890
Find out more with the West Virginia general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Wisconsin
Agency that oversees contractor licenses: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Site to verify your pro’s license:Wisconsin eSLA Public Look-Up
Licensing agency phone: 608-267-0592
Find out more with the Wisconsin general contractor licensing requirement guide.
Wyoming
At the time of this posting, electricians and water well pros require licensing at the state level from the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety and the Wyoming Water Well Contractors Licensing Board, respectively, but general contractors do not. However, your town or county could have separate licensure guidelines, so check before hiring.
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Do apprenticeship completed have to have a building licence to work as salary wages for a licence contractor
I’d like more info on becoming a general contractor in Wyoming.
I am looking to start my own company with one other guy and my brothers when they get older I was just wondering when I need to do all I wanna do is replace Roofs and do siding what type of license do I need
I had a licensed sub-contractor with a well known company in our area side our house, then made a deal with him to also do our mini-barn. I gave him a check for $400.00 to purchase the siding as I had to also pay half to the company before they sided the house. That was almost 4 weeks ago and although the man told three times he would be here to do the job on the mini-barn I have not seen him since. Is there anything I can do considering he is licensed?
I think the Mississippi entry is wrong… Their state website says this:
Commercial projects that exceed over $50,000
Public works projects that are over $50,000 in value.
Commercial Fire Sprinlers $5,000 for public and $10,000 for private jobs
Residential building that exceeds $50,000
Residential remodeling that exceeds $10,000.
Wondering what the discrepancy is.
Monte (from June 19th) — if you completed the proper preliminary lien paperwork and the person signed a contract, then yes, you have recourse to file a lien claim against that contractor.
Tyler (from February 2nd) — in what state are you located? Requirements vary from state to state. You can check with your state construction board for additional information.
Mark King (from February 2nd) — With the exception of electricians, Wyoming licenses contractors at the local level only. Depending on your locality, contact the construction board [it might have a different name] in your area. If in doubt as to where this is located, go to your local courthouse for info.
Really amazing and useful thoughts! Thank you for spending time to share! Look forward to more.
Is there a list of which states require license numbers placed on side of company vehicles?