General Contractor License Requirements

General contractors work hard, and sometimes at great heights, to complete quality projects. But before you can get started working, you've got to be properly licensed. It's critical to know your specific state's licensing requirements to become a legitimate general contractor in your area.

We've gone ahead and compiled the general contractor licensing requirements by state for you. But keep in mind that while some states don't require licenses, they might have other local requirements before you can start working. When you're ready to get the coverage you need as a contractor, an independent insurance agent can help. Until then, here's a guide to contractor license requirements by state.

Why General Contractor Insurance Is Necessary

Before you even think about getting a license, you should concentrate on getting set up with the right protection for when you take on projects. Having general contractor insurance can keep you and your work safe in case of disaster. Basic coverages include:

• Commercial property insurance: Covers your business's office space, buildings, and inventory from many disasters like fire, theft, etc.
• General liability insurance: Covers you against the cost of lawsuits filed by third parties for claims of bodily injury liability or personal property damage.
• Commercial auto insurance: Covers any company vehicles you use on the job from many disasters from fire to lawsuits.
• Workers' compensation insurance: Covers your business's team against the cost of injury, illness, or death on the job or due to work-related activities. 

You may also need separate coverage for your tools and equipment, depending on the policy you choose and your individual needs. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right general contractors equipment insurance for you.

General Contractor Licensing Requirements by State

Alabama

To obtain a general contractor license in Alabama, you'll need to:

You'll need a license for:

You'll obtain your license from Alabama's Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Alaska

To obtain your general contractor license in Alaska, you'll need to:

You'll get your license from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. 

Arizona

To obtain a license in Arizona, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your contractor license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. 

Arkansas

To obtain a contractors license in Arkansas, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your Arkansas contractors license from the Contractors Licensing Board.

California

To obtain a contractor license in California, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your license from the California Contractors State License Board, and it will be required for projects valued at $500 or greater.

Colorado

Colorado doesn't require contractors to get a state license. However, depending on the city you live in, the local government may require you to pass an exam or complete other requirements.

Connecticut

Connecticut doesn't require general contractors to get a state license, but home improvement contractors must register with the Department of Consumer Protection.

Delaware

Delaware doesn't require contractors to get a state license. However, contractors must register with the Delaware Division of Revenue and get a business license.

Florida

To obtain a contractor license in Florida, you'll need to:

You'll get your license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Georgia

To obtain a contractor license in Georgia, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your license from the Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors.

Hawaii

To obtain your contractor license in Hawaii, you'll need to:

Licenses are required for contractors completing projects related to residential, commercial, or public work that are valued above $1,000. You'll get your license from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Board.

Idaho

Idaho does not require contractors to have a state license. However, those who take on projects valued at greater than $2,000 must register with the Idaho Contractors Board.

Illinois

Illinois does not have state licensing requirements for general contractors. However, local governments in many cities require contractors to be licensed and insured. 

Indiana 

Indiana does not have state licensing requirements for general contractors. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Iowa

Iowa doesn't require general contractors to obtain a state license. General contractors who work in the state and earn more than $2,000 per year must register with Iowa's Division of Labor, however.

Kansas

Kansas does not have state general contractor license requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Kentucky

Kentucky does not have state general contractor license requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Louisiana

To obtain a contractors license in Louisiana, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your license from the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors.

Maine

Maine does not have state licensing requirements for general contractors. However, contractors who work on home improvement or construction projects valued at greater than $3,000 require written contracts.

Maryland

To obtain a general contractor license in Maryland, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your contractors license from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. 

Massachusetts

To obtain a general contractor license in Massachusetts, you'll need to:

However, contractors who only work on commercial buildings or newly constructed homes aren't required to obtain a license in Massachusetts. Others will obtain their contractors license from the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards.

Michigan

To obtain a license to work in Michigan, you'll need to:

Commercial contractors will need to obtain their licenses from their local counties. Others will obtain their licenses from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Minnesota

To obtain a general contractor license in Minnesota, you'll need to:

Residential contractors don't need to be registered with the state, but general contractors do. All contractors must be licensed to work in the state, and licenses will be obtained from the Department of Labor and Industry.

Mississippi

To obtain a general commercial or residential contractors license in Mississippi, you'll need to:

Licenses are required for contractors for projects valued at more than $50,000.

Missouri

Missouri does not have state contractor licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Montana

Montana does not have state contractor licensing requirements. However, contractors with employees must provide proof of workers' comp insurance and register with the state's Department of Labor and Industry.

Nebraska

Nebraska doesn't have state licensing requirements for contractors. Workers who complete renovation, installation, repair, or other construction projects must register with Nebraska's Department of Labor, however.

Nevada

To obtain a contractor license in Nevada, you must:

Licenses can be obtained through the Nevada State Contractors Board. 

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not have state licensing requirements for contractors. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

New Jersey

New Jersey does not have state contractor licensing requirements. However, you'll need to register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs for a home-building license before taking on related projects.

New Mexico

To obtain a contractors license in New Mexico, you'll need to:

You'll obtain a contractors license through the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing.

New York

New York does not have state contractors licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

North Carolina

To obtain a contractors license in North Carolina, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your contractors license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

North Dakota

To obtain a contractor license in North Dakota, you'll need to:

You must obtain a state license if you complete work on any project valued greater than $4,000, through the Secretary of State.

Ohio

Ohio does not have state general contractor licensing requirements for small projects that cost less than $1,000. For other projects, you may need to get a statewide license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. 

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not have state contractor licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Oregon

To obtain a state contractors license in Oregon, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have state contractor licensing requirements. However, those who complete projects valued at greater than $5,000 must register with the Attorney General's Office.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not have state contractor licensing requirements, but contractors must register with the state's Registration and Licensing Board.

South Carolina

To obtain a contractors license in South Carolina, you'll need to:

You'll need to be licensed to complete projects valued at greater than $5,000. You'll obtain your license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

South Dakota

South Dakota does not have state contractors licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Tennessee

To obtain a contractors license in Tennessee, you'll need to:

You'll need a license to take on any contracting projects valued at greater than $25,000. You'll obtain your contractors license through the Tennessee Department of Licensing and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors.

Texas

Texas does not require general contractors to obtain a state license unless their work involves HVAC systems, plumbing, or electrical. However, there may be additional local contractors licensing requirements in your city. 

Utah

To obtain a contractors license in Utah, you'll need to:

You'll need a license if you take on projects valued at greater than $3,000. You'll obtain your state contractors license through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Vermont

Vermont does not have state contractors licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Virginia

To obtain a contractors license in Virginia, you'll need to:

You'll obtain your state contractors license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Washington

Washington doesn't have any state contractors licensing requirements, but you must be registered with the state's Department of Labor & Industries.

West Virginia

To obtain a contractors license in West Virginia, you'll need to:

You'll need a license for projects valued at greater than $2,500. You'll obtain your license through the West Virginia Division of Labor.

Wisconsin

To obtain a contractors license in Wisconsin, you'll need to:

You'll need a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license for projects valued at greater than $1,000. You'll obtain your license through Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Wyoming

Wyoming does not have any state contractors licensing requirements. However, there may be local licensing requirements in your city. 

Note: This information is not intended to replace legal advice. You must consult your local agencies' requirements before seeking the proper licensing, insurance, and other requirements to start commercial work. Be aware that your state's regulations may change at any time.

Final Thoughts on State General Contractor License Requirements

Even if your state doesn't require you to have a license to perform contracting work, there may still be local licensing requirements. Before agreeing to take on any related projects, it's crucial to check in with any local requirements for this type of work. Also, be sure to keep updated on your state's roofing license requirements, as they may change from year to year. 

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get General Contractors Insurance

Before you're licensed and ready to go, you'll likely need to get set up with the right contractors insurance. A local independent insurance agent can help you find all the coverage you need for every type of project. And down the road, your agent can help you file insurance claims or update your coverage as necessary.