An individual who wishes to perform general contracting work in the state of Connecticut will first have to determine whether the scope of their work requires a license or simple registration. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection divides various general contracting work into several categories.
Moreover, while some work only requires you to be licensed, others only require you to be bonded and insured, to be registered at the state level, or a combination of all three. Furthermore, if your work spans across this division, you will need to be licensed and registered for several classifications.
A business entity will have to register through Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services — including obtaining a federal employer identification number, necessary sales and tax permits, and workers’ and unemployment compensation. Becoming a general contractor in Connecticut can be convoluted, and it helps to understand what you will be applying for, the requirements, and associated fees you will need to perform general contracting work legitimately.
General Contractor Licenses in CT: Major, Home Construction, and Improvement
There is no clear definition of a general contractor by the state of Connecticut. Instead, definitions go more in-depth to define the work parameters into: new home construction, home improvement contracting, major contractor, and specialty trade contractors. Depending on your contracting work, you may have to register for a new home construction contractor, and apply for a major contractors license — all with the understanding that you may need to apply for a specialty trade license as well.
For instance, if you are constructing a new home, you will have to register to become a new home construction contractor. However, building a new home requires structural framework — which requires a major contractors license. Once you have built the house, if the owner wants to include additions such as a patio or swimming pool, you will have to be registered as a home improvement contractor to do so. Connecticut also will require a license for specialty trades for electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians. Every registration and application process for licensure may require taking exams, provide a certificate of insurance, and licensing and registration fees. Additionally, certain contractor classifications, as well as certain cities in Connecticut also require you to obtain bond insurance from an insurance provider or bonding company before you can begin work or bid on projects.
Who Needs a Contractors License in CT?
As described above, general contracting work crosses several categories identified by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. To make sure you are properly able to perform all general contracting duties, you may have to apply for licensure, and/or register for the following classes:
Major Contractor Registration: Requires a registration application to obtain a license through the Department of Consumer Protection. A major contractor can perform work on commercial and residential property. Major contractor work can include roofing, masonry, and structural framework.
New Home Construction Contractor: Any person or business entity constructing a new home will have to register through the Department of Consumer Protection.
Home Improvement Contractor: Any person or business entity permanently changing residential property including: driveways, swimming pools, garages, roofs, and more will be required to register with the Department of Consumer Protection.
How To Become a Contractor in CT: Requirements for Each Contractor Type
A major contractor registration application form will have to be accompanied by several documents. You will need reference letters from a financial institution (such as a bank), a supplier or subcontractor you have previously worked with, and three more reference letters from former employers or clients. You will also need proof of general liability coverage. If you are a general contracting company, you will need to provide information on your company structure, and will need to register with the Department of Revenue Services. Your major contractor license will need to be renewed after each year.
A new home construction contractor will need to complete the registration application. The application can be downloaded through the Department of Consumer Protection website. The application needs to be signed and notarized before submitting.
A home improvement construction contractor will need to register for any remodeling, landscaping, or any changes to a client’s home. Your registration process here will be similar to that of a new home construction contractor — signing and notarizing your application before submission.
Licensing and Registration Fee Summary
Major Contractor: $500 application fee for a 1-year license.
New Home Construction Contractor: $210 application fee, $720 biannual renewal fee, $480 guaranty fund deposit.
Home Improvement Contractor: $220 application and renewal fee.
Connecticut Contractors Exam
To determine if you need to take the Business and Law exam to become a major, new home, or home improvement contractor, contact the Department of Consumer Protection.
Your trade examinations to obtain your electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other specialty licenses will be handled through PSI Exams. Here, you can schedule exams, find testing locations, understand what materials to bring, make payments, and more.
Contractors Exam Fees
Exams will need to be taken throughout the advancement of specialty trades, and there are specific exams for particular specialties. For more details, refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Exam fees can generally be expected to go as follows:
- Contractor: $150
- Journeyperson: $90
- Dealer-Tech: $200
- Technician: $80
- Driller: $88
Payments can be made to PSI Exams and may be made by credit card, company or personal check, and cashiers check or money order. Cash will not be accepted. You can pay online, or mail to:
PSI licensure
3210 East Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Connecticut Contractors License Applications
Your applications for a major contractors license, new home construction contractor registration, and home improvement contractor registration can be found on the state of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website. Fulfilling every requirement necessary for each application is vital.
Major Contractor License:
To complete a major contractor registration application it needs to be accompanied by:
- A reference letter from the industry — supplier or contractor.
- A reference letter from a financial institution.
- Three reference letters from individuals or organizations familiar with your services.
- Evidence of general liability insurance.
- If applicable, information about your business structure.
- Sign the affidavit before a notary.
- Pay the application fee.
- Mail the application to the Department of Consumer Protection, License Services Division, 450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 801, Hartford, CT 06103.
Home Construction Contractor License:
To complete a new home construction contractor application, you will need to:
- Determine if you are applying as an individual or sole proprietor, or if you are in another business structure, you will need to use the new home construction contractor legal entity application.
- Complete your application.
- Sign application in front of a notary.
- Pay application fees.
Home Improvement Contractor License:
Your home improvement contractor application will be identical to your new home construction contractor application.
Connecticut Contractor Registration and Permitting Requirements
Your registration to become a new home or home improvement contractor will be handled through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. In both cases, you will go through the application process above.
Connecticut State Business Licenses and Registration
Businesses who plan to engage in the sale, rental, or lease of goods or the sale of a taxable service, will be required to register and obtain a sales and use tax permit from the ConnecticutDepartment of Revenue Services.
Connecticut Tax Identification Numbers and Registration
Businesses that operate within Connecticut are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for more information about business registration and your tax obligations.
Connecticut Unemployment Tax Requirements and Forms
Businesses with employees are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes under certain conditions. If your business is required to pay these taxes, you must register your business with the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements and Forms
Businesses with employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through the State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Connecticut Contractor License Lookup and Verification
To verify a contractor by name, business, or license number, check the license lookup database maintained by the State of Connecticut.
See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a General Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Connecticut, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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