General Contractor License Requirements: State-by-State Directory

General contractors oversee all aspects of residential or commercial construction projects. Because they are responsible for managing the people and materials involved in construction, you have to meet certain legal requirements before you can become licensed as a general contractor.

Typically, you have to:

• Apply for a license with the appropriate state contractor board;
• Pass the appropriate licensing examination; and
• Pass a criminal background check to become a general contractor.
• Most states also require general contractors to be properly bonded and insured, including general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, before you can begin working. Applicants must typically furnish a certificate of insurance as part of the license application.

Depending on the state, you may or may not be called a “general contractor.” Some states and localities use different terminology or have different levels of licensing, depending on how advanced and skilled you are. However, just as with licensed plumbers and electricians, these designations and associated requirements vary from state to state, and even between different localities within a single state.

If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor, you have to familiarize yourself with the licensing process in the state you plan to work in. Following the proper legal requirements in your area is a necessity to set yourself up for success as a general contractor. For more detailed information about the general contractor licensing requirements in your state, click the appropriate link below:

• Alabama: You must get licensed through the State Licensing Board for General Contractors before doing any kind of contracting work in Alabama. Here, you can get licensed as a “prime contractor” or “subcontractor.”

• Alaska: The state of Alaska recognizes three classifications of general contractors: those with a residential endorsement license, those without one, and a handyman license. In addition to the appropriate license, you also need an Alaska Business License.

• Arizona: There are six different general contractor classifications in Arizona, each with either its own unique licensing requirements and fees. You will also need to register your business with the state before you can begin working as a general contractor.

• Arkansas: You can apply for either a commercial license or a restricted commercial license in Arkansas. You’ll also need to register your contracting business with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

• California: The state of California has strict licensing requirements for each of its main contractor classifications — general engineering contractor, general building contractor, and specialty contractor — including educational standards, multiple examinations, and high fees.

• Colorado: All contractor licenses are granted at the local level. Though each municipality maintains its own licensing requirements, you do need to register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, or Department of Regulatory Agencies.

• Connecticut: There are three main contractor classifications in Connecticut: major contractor, new home construction contractor, and home improvement construction contractor. The type of license you need and the licensing requirements you must meet vary depending on the type of work you plan to do.

• Delaware: Before you can apply for either a resident or non-resident contractor license, you have to register your business. However, you do not need to take a licensing exam or obtain any formal education.

• Florida: You can get a contractor’s license to work either in your local jurisdiction (registered license) or throughout the entire state (certified license). For both types, you must pass the appropriate licensing exam, pass a criminal background check, and provide proof of financial stability.

• Georgia: You must provide proof of relevant education or experience and pass two licensing examinations before you can apply for one of the four available contractor license classifications in Georgia.

• Hawaii: Anyone who wants to perform residential or commercial construction work needs a general contractor license in Hawaii. You must have several years of supervisory experience, pass the licensing exam, provide a financial report, and undergo a credit check before you apply.

• Idaho: Idaho has fewer licensing requirements than many other states. You have to register with the Idaho Contractors Board, submit an application, and pay a $35 application fee.

• Illinois: All licensing for general contractors occurs at the local level, though you may have to register your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

• Indiana: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors. However, you must obtain the appropriate license and meet the standards laid out by your local jurisdiction before you can work as a contractor.

• Iowa: Iowa requires all individuals who earn more than $2,000 per year performing contractor work to apply for a construction contractor’s license. You must be at least 18 years old, pass the licensing exam, and provide necessary insurance and business documentation to be eligible.

• Kansas: All licensing occurs at the local level in Kansas. Regardless of the jurisdiction you work in, you must register your business through the Kansas Secretary of State’s office first.

• Kentucky: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors. Instead, all licensing is handled by the various cities and counties in Kentucky.

• Louisiana: You can apply for a commercial, residential, mold remediation, or home improvement license through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Each license type has its own unique requirements.

• Maine: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors in the state of Maine. All licensing occurs at the local level and requirements differ between jurisdictions. No matter where you work, you must register your business with the Office of the Main Attorney General.

• Maryland: You must apply for a home improvement license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission through the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. To be eligible, you have to pass the licensing exam, register your business, and prove financial stability.

• Massachusetts: You must hold a home improvement contractor or construction supervisor license (or both) issued by the Massachusetts State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. You need three years of work experience in building construction and a passing score on the licensing exam to apply.

• Michigan: Michigan offers several licenses at the state level (including the builder’s license and maintenance and alteration contractors license) through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The commercial builder’s license is regulated at the local level.

• Minnesota: You can get either a residential building contractor or residential remodeler license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. You will also need to register your business with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

• Mississippi: You’ll need a commercial or residential building license to work as a general contractor in Mississippi. In addition to the appropriate construction exam, you must also pass the Mississippi Business and Law exam to apply.

• Missouri: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors in Missouri. Instead, you’ll have to go through the application process through city and county jurisdictions to get your license.

• Montana: Depending on the work you plan to do, you will need either a construction contractor’s or an independent contractor’s license from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

• Nebraska: The state of Nebraska has fairly lax requirements, though contractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. You do not need to take an exam, but you must pay the registration fee and register your business with the Department of Revenue.

• Nevada: There are three main types of contractor licenses in Nevada: general engineering, general building, and specialty contractor licenses. Each has its own unique eligibility requirements, though all are regulated through the Nevada State Contractors Board.

• New Hampshire: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors in New Hampshire. All licensing occurs at the city or county level and varies depending on the jurisdiction.

• New Jersey: Also called home repair contractors, general contractors are required to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Unlike many other states, New Jersey does not require you to take an exam or provide proof of education or experience.

• New Mexico: To get your contractor’s license, you must contact PSI – New Mexico Construction Licensing Services to determine which classification is appropriate for you. You will also need to provide proof of work experience and pass the appropriate licensing exam.

• New York: Licensing for general contractors is handled at the local level and varies between different municipalities. Only asbestos handling contractors and crane operators need a state-issued license.

• North Carolina: You need either a limited license, intermediate license, or unlimited license to work as a general contractor in North Carolina. You must also get a business license from the North Carolina Secretary of State.

• North Dakota: You will need to obtain a Class A, B, C, or D license from the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office. However, you don’t need any previous experience or to take an exam before you apply.

• Ohio: In Ohio, you’ll have to apply for a general contractor license at the local level. Each city and county has its own unique requirements, but you do have to register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.

• Oklahoma: There is no state-level regulation of general contractor license in Oklahoma. Depending on your business structure, you may not even need to register your business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

• Oregon: There are 16 different residential and commercial contractor license types in Oregon, all of which have their own specific requirements. All license classifications are regulated by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

• Pennsylvania: Contractors, including general contractors, who meet the requirements laid out in the Home Improvement Protection Act must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. You must also register with the appropriate local agency to legally run your business.

• Rhode Island: Unless you are working on underground utilities, you do not need a license to work as a general contractor in Rhode Island. However, you must register as a contractor with the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.

• South Carolina: The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees the licensing of general and mechanical contractors, residential home builders and manufactured housing contractors, and residential specialty contractors. Each of these classifications has different licensing requirements that you have to meet.

• South Dakota: In South Dakota, licensing for general contractors occurs at the local level. Depending on how your business is structured, you may or may not have to register with the South Dakota Secretary of State.

• Tennessee: There are a variety of different general contractor licenses that are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors. The scope and type of your work will determine which license type is right for you, and what requirements you have to meet to obtain it.

• Texas: Licensing for general contractors occurs at the local level in Texas. Small business registration also occurs at the local level, but if you have a corporation, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State.

• Utah: To get your general contractor license in Utah, you must take a pre-licensure course, have at least two years of relevant experience, and pass the licensing exam. Any person or business working in construction must get a license from the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

• Vermont: In Vermont, there are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors. Instead, all general contractor licenses are issued at the local level.

• Virginia: The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation outlines 10 steps you must take before getting a Class A, B, or C contractors license. These steps include properly registering your business and taking the pre-license education course.

• Washington: Though you do not need a license, you do need to register as a general or specialty contractor with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. You must also obtain a business license before you can begin work.

• Washington D.C.: The District of Columbia recognizes two main classifications of general contractors: home improvement contractors and general contractor/construction managers. Both license types require a variety of paperwork, applications, and certifications, but neither requires applicants to take an exam.

• West Virginia: To get your general building contractors license, you must contact the West Virginia Division of Labor. They will guide you to the appropriate exams and corresponding license application.

• Wisconsin: The state of Wisconsin has a stricter and more thorough licensing process for dwelling contractors than many other states. You must take a 12-hour training course and pass an examination before you can apply for your license through the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

• Wyoming: There are no statewide licensing requirements for general contractors in Wyoming. However, you are required to register your business with the Wyoming Secretary of State, no matter which city or county you plan to work in.