Oklahoma does not offer a state license for general contractor work. However, you must obtain a contractors license for many specialty trades including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical contracting work. Additionally, you will have to meet the standards of the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, which may include proof of work experience, exams, and associated fees.
Out-of-state contractors performing construction work in Oklahoma will need to register through several different agencies. As in the case with many states, you may also need to acquire a business license for your contracting company to perform work in the state of Oklahoma — including insurance and tax registration. Knowing what contracting work is required to be licensed in the state of Oklahoma is only the first step to getting your contracting license.
Oklahoma General Contractor License Requirements
According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, a contractor or subcontractor performing construction services on “commercial or residential buildings, roads, bridges and highways, installation of residential and municipal utilities, industrial and oil field installations and other various projects,” is not required to be licensed by the state of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board will, however, require licensing for specialty trade work, such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractor services. Additionally, nonresident contractors will need to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission prior to performing the contracting work above — including obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and being adequately bonded.
What Do You Need To Become a Licensed Contractor in Oklahoma?
Plumbers, electricians, mechanical contractors, and more specialty trades will require their own set of criteria to be met through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. These specialty trades may require prerequisites such as proof of work experience, exams, workers compensation, liability insurance, and surety bonding – all including associated fees. For a detailed account of specific trade work requirements, visit the board website.
Nonresident contractors will go through a separate registration process through several agencies, including the Oklahoma Tax Commission. A nonresident contractor will have to complete the Oklahoma Business Registration Packet for Nonresident Contractors, obtain an EIN, and post an Oklahoma nonresident contractor bond.
Licensing and Registration Fee and Exam Summary
Licensing registration and application varies across all trades in Oklahoma. As a result, requirements such as work experience in exams, as well as administrative fees can be explained in full detail through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
After contractors have passed their exams, they must show proof of insurance and proof of bond to the board before their license is activated. An active contractor is required to carry a $5,000 surety bond as well as a minimum of $50,000 general liability insurance. To get the best bond rates, contractors should research local construction bond companies.
Oklahoma Nonresident Contractor Registration and Permitting Requirements
An out of state contractor will have to meet several conditions during the registration process through the Oklahoma Tax Commission. A nonresident contractor will need to:
- Complete the Oklahoma Business Registration Packet for Nonresident Contractors. The packet will include:
- Business Registration Information.
- Applying for a Federal EIN.
- Completing your registration form.
- Provide a Notice of Contract to the following agencies:
- Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
- Workers Compensation Commission
- County Assessor’s Office of the County where contracting work will be done.
- Provide a nonresident contractors bond of three times the estimated tax liability if your contract is over $100,000.
- Present a Notice of Completion to the following agencies once services have been performed:
- Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Employment Industrial Court
- County Assessor’s Office where contracting work was completed.
- Mail all documents to the Oklahoma Tax Commission at:
Oklahoma Tax Commission
Taxpayer Assistance Division
Post Office Box 26920
Oklahoma City, Ok 73126-0920
Oklahoma State Business Licenses and Registration
Oklahoma does not require all businesses to be licensed. However, many businesses will have to fulfill licensing and operating requirements before opening — which may include your general contracting company. For more information on business license and registration, visit the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Oklahoma Business Registration
Depending on your business structure, you may have to go through the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Here, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to register and start your business in the state of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Tax Identification Numbers and Registration
Businesses that operate within Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Tax Commission for more information about business registration and your tax obligations.
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission agency.
Oklahoma Contractor License Lookup and Verification
Search the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board database to lookup and verify a contractor or business.
See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States
- Kansas contractors license
- Colorado contractors license
- New Mexico contractors license
- Texas contractor license
- Arkansas 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 Oklahoma, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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