If you’re embarking on a career in construction, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is to obtain a general contractor license. This certification is what authorizes you or your business to oversee, coordinate, and manage construction projects.

However, since licensing regulations vary widely between states, it can be bewildering for those new to the field. Our guide aims to simplify this complex landscape and give you a clear path on how to get a general contractor license, no matter where you are.

Let’s get started!

Do You Need a General Contractor License?

Since regulations differ from state to state, the first step toward becoming a licensed general contractor is to determine whether you’ll need a general contractors license.

To help give you a clearer picture, we’ve compiled a table below that breaks down the general contractor license requirements by state and identifies the relevant state contractors licensing agencies for each.

State	General Contractor License Required?	Regulatory Body
Alabama	Yes	Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
Alaska	Yes	The Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
Arizona	Yes	Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Arkansas	Yes	Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
California	Yes	California Contractor State Licensing Board
Colorado	No	Specific to each trade
Connecticut	No	Specific to each trade
Delaware	Register the business instead	Delaware Division of Revenue
Florida	Yes	Construction Industry Licensing Board
Georgia	Yes	Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board
Hawaii	Yes	The Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Idaho	No	Specific to each trade
Illinois	No	Specific to each trade
Indiana	No	Specific to each trade
Iowa	Yes	Iowa Division of Labor
Kansas	No	Specific to each trade
Kentucky	No	Specific to each trade
Louisiana	Yes	Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Maine	No	Specific to each trade
Maryland	Yes	Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Massachusetts	Yes	Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Michigan	Yes	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Minnesota	Register the business instead	Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Mississippi	Yes	Mississippi State Board of Contractors
Missouri	No	Specific to each trade
Montana	No	Specific to each trade
Nebraska	Register the business instead	Nebraska Department of Labor
Nevada	Yes	Nevada State Contractors Board
New Hampshire	No	Specific to each trade
New Jersey	No	Specific to each trade
New Mexico	Yes	New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
New York	No	Specific to each trade
North Carolina	Yes	North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
North Dakota	Yes	North Dakota Secretary of State
Ohio	No	Specific to each trade
Oklahoma	No	Specific to each trade
Oregon	Yes	Oregon Construction Contractors Board
Pennsylvania	No	Specific to each trade
Rhode Island	Register the business instead	Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
South Carolina	Yes	South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
South Dakota	No	Specific to each trade
Tennessee	Yes	Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Texas	No	Specific to each trade
Utah	Yes	Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Vermont	No	Specific to each trade
Virginia	Yes	Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board for Contractors
Washington	Register the business instead	Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Washington D.C.	Yes	Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
West Virginia	Yes	Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board
Wisconsin	Yes	State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Wyoming	No	Specific to each trade

Even if there’s no requirement for a general contractor license in your state, you will likely still need to obtain another statewide certification specific to the trade you work in. To qualify for any of these licenses, applicants often need to satisfy some experience requirements and pass a mandatory exam.

To give yourself the best chance of success in these exams, be sure to take advantage of quality study materials to ensure you grasp the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to excel.

How Do I Get a Contractor License?

While each state may have its nuances, there are common steps and fundamental processes that most states follow. Below, we’ve broken down this journey into digestible steps to give you a broad overview of what to expect, regardless of where you’re based. As you delve into the specifics, always remember to consult the relevant regulatory body in your state for more precise details.

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

Before diving into the basic contractor license application, you must first choose how you want to set up your business. This choice will influence your legal responsibility, tax duties, and overall business operations, which makes it crucial to ensure you properly understand the intricacies of each business entity to select the one that aligns best with your needs.

It’s common for contractors in the US, especially the smaller ones, to opt to set up their business as an LLC. This structure offers them tax versatility, shields them from certain liabilities, and can even boost their reputation among clients.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

After forming your business, you’ll need to confirm that you meet the minimum basic requirements. While the specifics of these requirements will vary depending on the license you are trying to obtain, you’ll generally need to:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a US citizen or legally reside in the country
• Have no convictions of a disqualifying offense
• Demonstrate a certain number of hours of on-the-job training and experience

Remember, the requirements mentioned are general; always verify the specific criteria with the regulatory body of the exact license you need in your state.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

After confirming that you satisfy the basic requirements for your license, it’s time to start filling out your application and submitting it to the appropriate regulatory body, along with any required fees.

Each state will have its own requirements regarding how to submit your application (i.e., by mail, online, or in person) and when to do it, which can be found on the websites of the statewide agencies in the table above.

In addition to general contractor licenses, which are typically regulated by the state, there are also local and specialist contractor licensing requirements you may need to apply for. As an example, plumbers in Texas are required to get a specific license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners before they can begin to offer their services.

Step 4: Pass a Licensing Exam 

In some states, you may need to pass a licensing exam after your application has been approved. As many candidates tend to struggle with these exams, we’ve included a few simple pointers below to help you in your preparation:

• Study Materials: Invest in quality study guides, textbooks, and online resources tailored for your specific contractor exam — these will give you the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to excel
• Study Schedule: Set up a consistent study routine, allocating specific times each day to different topics. Be sure to stick to this schedule, focusing on light reviews and relaxation rather than last-minute cramming
• Stay Updated: Ensure you’re studying the most up-to-date regulations and codes on the websites of the state and local agencies governing the licenses you’re applying for. Make sure to keep an eye out for any recent changes, as these may feature in the exam
• Test Day: Aim to get to the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to settle in and reduce anxiety. Plus, make sure to double- check you have any required items like identification, pencils, or approved calculators before setting off
• During the Exam: If you find some questions challenging, don’t panic. Move on and return to them later if time allows. Throughout the exam, try to keep an eye on the clock to ensure you allow yourself enough time to complete each section comfortably

Step 5: Protect Yourself With Insurance

It’s a common requirement in a number of states for contracting businesses to own designated amounts of insurance to ensure both contractors and clients are covered in the event of any accidents or damage. A certificate will need to be provided to the relevant regulatory body as part of the application process to prove your business is sufficiently insured.

In addition to this, many local governments within states impose a surety bond requirement based on the kind of work a contractor will perform. For example, contractors looking to perform demolition work in San Antonio, Texas are required to obtain a $5,000 annual bond.

Note: Even if you’re not mandated to have insurance by law, it’s still highly beneficial to invest in coverage to protect yourself from potential liabilities and unforeseen risks in the construction industry.

Step 6: Keep Your Contractor License Valid

You must keep your license valid once you obtain it by renewing it every few years, paying associated renewal fees, and satisfying any requirements for continuing education. It’s essential to keep your licenses renewed, as running a business with an outdated license can result in penalties, legal issues, or even the closure of your operations.

We’ve included some simple tips below to help you navigate the license renewal process:

• Track Key Dates: Stay informed about the expiration of your licenses and permits. Highlight these on your planner and set early alerts to kickstart the renewal process
• Know the Renewal Requirements: Renewal criteria can vary based on states and regions. Your state or local government’s official website (or the licensing authority) will have these details
• Prepare Essential Paperwork: Similar to your initial licensing, renewals might require certain documents like yearly financial overviews, insurance proofs, or yearly summaries. Organizing these in advance can streamline your renewal

Applicants are encouraged to gather all necessary details well in advance to help them renew contractor licenses without any hiccups.