Idaho Contractors License Requirements & Guide

In comparison to other states, Idaho’s general contractor registration requirements are fairly relaxed, lacking formal education, experience or examination prerequisites. While Idaho doesn’t actually have licensure laws governing general contractors, the state does require all general contractors register to do business.

Idaho General Contractor License Requirements

All registration is done via mail-in application and registration cards are issued via the State of Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Contractors Board. The state also requires contractors in many fields to be bonded. Guidelines regarding how to become bonded are unique to each state department or agency.

Who Needs a Contractors License?

Under Idaho law, a contractor is defined as any person who undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to perform construction; or a construction manager who performs construction management services.

It is currently illegal to engage in contracting, or hold oneself out as a contractor in Idaho without being registered. Anybody who unlawfully engages in work as a contractor is subject to penalties set forth by the Idaho Contractors Board.

The Board acknowledges that those seeking licensure for HVAC, Public Works, Plumbing, and Construction Manager Contractors are required to be licensed with the Division of Building Safety instead of the Idaho State Contractors Board.

What Do You Need To Become a General Contractor in Idaho?

What Idaho requires of contractors is relatively little, compared to other states. There is no required exam, but you are required to register with the Idaho Contractors Board providing specific business and identity information, such as your SSN or EIN. Additionally, you are required to have and show general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”eokccmmqenhcctdgsvzt” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1682435172/t6rpke9mssbtecra7ctt.jpg” title=”Idaho Contractors License Requirements & Guide” volume=”70″]

Licensing and Registration Fee Summary

Idaho requires an initial fee of $35.00 to be sent with the application. Individual permit fees may apply and will vary.

Idaho Contractors Exam

Idaho currently doesn’t require applicants take or pass an exam to become general contractors.

Idaho Contractors License Application

The application for an individual contractor registration and the application to register a contractor business entity require separate, but similar information.

Application for an Individual Contractor

If you are an individual operating as a sole proprietor or with an assumed business name (DBA), you’ll need to provide the following information on your registration application:

1. Name of Individual and DBA (if applicable)
2. Business Address
3. Mailing Address
4. Business Phone/Cell or Other Phone
5. Email
6. Date of Birth & Social Security Number
7. Indicate whether or not you have a current Public Works or Construction Manager license in Idaho issued by the Division of Building Safety:
   • If you answer yes, you are not required to pay the $35.00 registration fee, though you must provide a copy of your Idaho Public Works or Construction Manager license and your license number.
8. Your primary type of construction:
   • 001 General Commercial Builder
   • 002 General Residential Builder
   • 003 General Remodel Builder
   • 004 Supplier
9. Indicate whether or not you hold a current, effective general liability insurance policy of not less than $300,000.00 single limit:
   • If you answer yes, attach the certificate of liability insurance — the applicant name and the insured name should match.
   • If you answer no, the application will not be processed until you have acquired a new insurance policy and can provide the proper certificate of liability insurance.
10. Indicate whether or not you hold a current, effective workers’ compensation policy:
    • If you answer yes, attach the certificate — the applicant name and the insured name should match.
    • If you answer no, you must provide an explanation as to why such coverage is not required, such as lack of hired employees.
11. Indicate whether or not you have ever been licensed or registered as a contractor in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, provide the jurisdiction and license/registration numbers.
12. Indicate whether or not you have ever had a contractor license or registration denied, surrendered, suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, a copy of the charges and final order must be received by the Board directly from each issuing authority.
13. Indicate whether or not you have ever received a conviction, finding of guilt, withheld judgment or suspended sentence for any felony in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, you must attach:
      • Your detailed statement of explanation
      • The official court documents including a summary of the charges, the final order, and a detailed case summary sheet
      • A status letter from your probations/parole officer
      • Any other relevant information
14. Applicant’s printed name and signature indicating they understand the affidavit at the end of the application

When finished, print the application and mail it with the proper supplementary material and $35.00 fee to:

Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses

700 West State Street, PO Box 83720,
Boise, ID 83720-0063
Phone: (208) 334-3233
Fax: (208) 334-3945
www.ibol.idaho.gov
con@ibol.idaho.gov 

Application for Contractor Business Entity

If you are seeking to register a business entity, such as a partnership, LLC, or corporation you are required to provide the following information on your registration application:

1. Full Legal Business Name
2. Indicate whether you are a:
   • Partnership
   • Corporation
   • LLC
   • LLP
3. Business Address
4. Mailing Address
5. Business Phone/Cell or Other Phone
6. Email
7. Employer Tax Identification Number (EIN):
8. Provide  a complete list including the full name, address and Social Security Number of each shareholder, partner or member, and for any other owner of an interest in the applicant
9. Indicate whether or not your business a current Public Works or Construction Manager license in Idaho issued by the Division of Building Safety:
   • If you answer yes, you are not required to pay the $35.00 registration fee, though you must provide a copy of your Idaho Public Works or Construction Manager license and your license number.
10. Indicate which primary type of construction your business will be engaging in:
    • 001 General Commercial Builder
    • 002 General Residential Builder
    • 003 General Remodel Builder
    • 004 Supplier
11. Indicate whether or not the entity holds a current, effective general liability insurance policy of not less than $300,000.00 single limit:
    • If you answer yes, attach the certificate of liability insurance — the applicant name and the insured name should match.
    • If you answer no, the application will not be processed until you can provide the proper certificate of liability insurance.
12. Indicate whether or not the entity holds a current, effective workers’ compensation policy:
    • If you answer yes, attach the certificate — the applicant name and the insured name should match.
    • If you answer no, you must provide an explanation as to why such coverage is not required, such as a lack of hired employees.
13. Indicate whether or not you or anybody “with an interest in the applicant” has ever been licensed or registered as a contractor in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, identify who has been licensed or registered and provide the jurisdiction and license/registration numbers.
14. Indicate whether or not you or anybody “with an interest in the applicant” have ever had a contractor license or registration denied, surrendered, suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, a copy of the charges and final order must be received by the Board directly from each issuing authority; also attach a detailed statement of explanation from the individual or entity involved which includes:
      • the jurisdiction
      • the license/registration number(s)
      • the allegations if you are aware of them
      • any other relevant information.
15. Indicate whether or not you or anybody “with an interest in the applicant” have ever received a conviction, finding of guilt, withheld judgment or suspended sentence for any felony in any state, including Idaho, or other jurisdiction:
    • If you answer yes, you must attach:
      • Your detailed statement of explanation from the individual or entity involved
      • The official court documents including a summary of the charges, the final order, and a detailed case summary sheet
      • A status letter from your probations/parole officer
      • Any other relevant information
16. Applicant’s printed name and signature indicating they understand the affidavit at the end of the application

When finished, print the application and mail it with the proper supplementary material and $35.00 fee to:

Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses

700 West State Street, PO Box 83720,
Boise, ID 83720-0063
Phone: (208) 334-3233
Fax: (208) 334-3945
www.ibol.idaho.gov
con@ibol.idaho.gov 

Idaho Contractor Registration and Permitting Requirements

Beyond contractor registration, all contractors in the state of Idaho must adhere to local city, county, and municipality building permitting requirements, as well as permitting requirements set forth by the Idaho Department of Building Safety, which includes any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.

Since the Idaho legislature has authorized certain cities and counties to assume jurisdiction within their boundaries, permit requirements can vary widely throughout the state. This chart shows jurisdiction based on geographical location — use it to determine which additional permits you are required to obtain.

Idaho Business Licenses and Registration

All new businesses in Idaho must register with the Idaho Secretary of State, as well as apply for a federal EIN. You may also be required to secure a sales tax permit from the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Idaho Business Registration

For those who wish to apply to register a new business in Idaho, the printable application can be found here.

On the other hand, the online application can be found here. The website indicates that, depending on the type of business you are registering, you may need some or all of the following information:

• Business entity (type of business)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• All owners’ social security numbers
• Legal business name
• Corporate officer titles, percentage of ownership and board of director members
• All owners’ home addresses and phone numbers
• Date and state of incorporation
• All previous withholding, sales, use, workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance numbers in Idaho
• Insurance agent’s name and telephone number
• Workers’ compensation insurance policy information (if available)
• Employees’ date of hire – current or expected
• Amount of wages paid or expected to be paid

Idaho Tax Identification Numbers and Registration

Idaho requires businesses to register for certain tax permits including sales/use permits, and income tax withholding. Find more information on contractors working in Idaho here.

Idaho Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements and Forms

The State of Idaho Industrial Commission is responsible for regulating workers’ compensation activities in Idaho. More about workers’ compensation in Idaho can be found here.

Idaho Surety Bonds Requirements

Many Idaho state departments and agencies require certain types of contracting work to be bonded, particularly by a surety bond. Bond insurance ensures that work that is paid for, is received. Municipalities in Idaho may have their own bonding requirements as well. The cost of a surety bond may differ depending on location, but in Idaho they are generally $2,000. Make sure to check for the requirements unique to your locale, find a suitable bonding company, and then obtain your surety bond.

Two examples include: the Idaho Division of Building Safety which requires bonding for plumbing, HVAC, and water treatments; and the Idaho Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshall which requires bonding for fire protection sprinkler contractors.

Idaho Contractors License Search

Using the State of Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Public Record Registration & License Search page, you may verify the status and obtain a public record report concerning both personal and facility registrations maintained by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.

See general contractor licensing information in nearby states

• Washington contractors license
• Oregon contractors license
• Nevada contractors license
• Utah contractors license
• Montana contractors license
• Wyoming contractors license

 

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 Idaho, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:

• Idaho Electrician License Requirements
• How to Become a Plumber in Idaho
• Idaho Handyman License Guide
• Idaho Welding Schools and Career Guide
• How to Get an HVAC License in Idaho