Alabama
General contractors must have a state license in Alabama to work on any construction, alteration, maintenance, repair or demolition project that costs more than $50,000 and swimming pools over $5,000.
Alabama requires three references as part of the license application. You’ll also need financial statements prepared by a certified accountant and other proof that your business is registered.
The license is awarded by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Applicants must pass a trade exam, and a business and law exam. You’ll also need to document your work experience and show proof of general liability insurance in Alabama.
Your application with required fees — $300 for general contractors and $150 for subcontractors — must be submitted at least 30 days before quarterly board meetings.
Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Alabama.
Alaska
General contractors must hold a state license to work in Alaska. The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing awards three license classifications:
General contractor with residential contractor endorsement
Can oversee new home construction or can undertake residential work that is more than 25% of the value of the structure. You’ll need to complete a 16-hour cold climate course and pass an exam.
General contractor without residential contractor endorsement
Can undertake commercial work or residential remodel work less than 25% of the value of the structure. No exam is required.
General contractor handyman
You’ll be able to undertake residential or commercial work valued at less than $10,000.
All types of general contractor licenses must hold general liability insurance. They must also have workers’ compensation insurance if they have any employees.
Arizona
Any general contractor who builds, alters, repairs, adds to, subtracts from, improves, moves, wrecks or demolishes any structure must hold a state contractor license to work in Arizona. There are a number of different classifications of licenses awarded by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. They include:
- General residential contractors license
- General commercial contractor license
- General dual license contracting (includes both residential and commercial contracting license)
To receive a general contractor license, you must pass the trade exam, as well as the business management exam. You must show proof of four years of experience and show proof of a bond.
Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Arizona.
Arkansas
All general contractors in Arkansas must have a state general contractor license to do any work worth more than $2,000. There are a number of different classifications of licenses awarded by the Contractors Licensing Board. These include:
Commercial license
Allows you to work on projects worth more than $50,000. This allows you to also do residential work in the same classification as your commercial license.
Restricted commercial license
You can only work on commercial projects worth less than $750,000.
Residential builders license
Allows you to do work on any single-family residence where the work is worth more than $2,000.
Residential remodeler limited license
You can do home improvement work worth up to $50,000.
Residential remodeler unlimited license
You can do any size home improvement projects.
For all licenses, you must provide a financial statement, proof of a bond, and proof of workers’ compensation insurance. You need to pass a business and law exam. You’ll need to select your specialty or classification.
A building (commercial or residential) classification does not require a trade exam. You will require references who can detail your work experience.
Learn more about general contractor license and insurance requirements in Arkansas.
California
All general contractors in California must hold a state license from the California Contractors State License Board for any work worth more than $500.
There are four types of contractor licenses in California:
- Class A general engineering contractor: The license for specialized engineering projects
- Class B general building contractor: The license for managing projects involving two or more unrelated trades
- Class B-2 residential remodeling contractor: The license involves any project to make improvements to an existing residential wood frame structure.
- Class C specialty contractor: The license for performing different types of construction work or particular trades. Class C contractors can’t be general contractors on projects that involve multiple trades.
You can apply for a general engineering contractor or general building contractor license. You must have had four full years of experience in the past ten years at a journeyman level or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor, in the classification in which you’re applying.
You’ll need to show proof of a contractor surety bond or cashier’s check of $25,000, and that you meet all the requirements before you take the trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You’ll also have to submit your fingerprints and take an Asbestos exam. Next steps include posting your bond and showing proof of insurance — workers’ comp and liability coverages.
Several fees are also involved, including a $450 application fee and a $200 license fee. Once you have a license, you’ll need to renew it every two years, which costs $450.
Learn more about general contractor license requirements in California.
Colorado
General contractors do not need a state license to work in Colorado. However, many local governments have contractor license requirements. A good starting point is to contact the local government in the town or city where you’re going to work.
For example, Denver contractors must pass an exam, have a supervisor certificate and meet other standards set by the Denver Community Planning & Development Office. Several cities require contractors to have active insurance, as well.
A few different types of general contractor licenses are available in Colorado, but not all types are offered in every area.
The most common types of licenses are:
- Class A license: This license allows contractors to work on any building project, no matter how big or small.
- Class B license: This license allows contractors to work on most residential and commercial building projects.
- Class C license: This license limits contractors to working on residential buildings for single-family dwellings or multi-family dwellings.
To qualify for a license, contractors will need to pass an International Code Council (ICC) exam and already have a Colorado general liability policy with at least a $100,000 policy limit.
After you’ve satisfied the requirements and your application is submitted, it usually takes a few weeks for review, depending on the municipality. Applications that were submitted through the mail system may also take longer than applications submitted online or in person.
Learn more about Colorado general contractor license requirements.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not require general contractors to hold a state license. However, if you work on residential properties, you’ll be considered a home improvement contractor and you’ll need to register with the Department of Consumer Protection.
Learn more about Connecticut general contractor license requirements.
Delaware
General contractors in Delaware do not require a trade license, but you must get a business license and register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Florida
You must have a state license to work in Florida as a general contractor. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates these licenses.
There are different types of licenses based on what kind of classification your business falls under:
- A certified license allows contractors to work anywhere in the state
- A registered license allows contractors to only work in specific areas in the state
Choose your license once you’ve decided what type of contracting work you’ll do:
General contractor – CG and RG
The license is unlimited regarding the type of work you can perform. You will need to show at least one year of experience constructing structures four stories or higher. You must have experience in four of seven specific categories.
Building contractor – CB and RB
This is limited to the construction of commercial buildings or residential buildings that don’t exceed three stories in height, or the remodeling, repair or improvement of any size structure.
Residential contractors license – CR and RR
This is limited to work on residences that are no more than two stories in height.
You’ll need to show proof of four years of experience, or a combination of education and experience (with up to three years of education can substitute for experience). You must show proof of financial stability, as well as liability and workers’ compensation insurance in Florida.
You’ll need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You may be able to register with the state and then apply for a trade license at the local, county or city level.
Florida is unique in that it requires you to pass your state certification exam before you can apply for your general contractor license. You need to schedule your exam with Professional Testing, Inc.
Note: Test-takers can only take the exam in February, April, June, August, October and December.
Learn more about Florida general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Georgia
You’ll need a contractor license in Georgia if you plan to work on projects valued at $2,500 or higher. The Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors takes a tiered approach for licenses based on the projects you’re working on. You’ll also have to meet minimum insurance requirements, as well as education or work experience requirements:
- A diploma or transcript in engineering, architecture, project management, or building construction.
- A diploma or transcript showing college-level coursework and work experience commensurate with at least four years of university experience.
- At least four years of work experience in construction, of which two were working for a general contractor.
There are four different kinds of licenses in Georgia for general contractors:
General contractor
This license is for work that exceeds $2,500 on private, commercial, industrial, public, and other building projects.
General contractor-limited tier
This allows for the same work as basic contractor license but with contract amounts of $500,000 or less.
Residential-basic contractor
This license is limited to projects with detached one-family and two-family residences and one-family townhouses (not over three-stories) and adjacent structures.
Residential-light commercial contractor
This license is the same as residential-basic, with the addition of projects related to multifamily and multi-use light commercial buildings and adjacent structures.
Note that for Residential Basic and Light Commercial license applications, your proof of net worth can be in the form of a $25,000 surety bond in the individual or business organization’s name. For all other applications, you will need a signed financial letter referenced by a certified accountant.
Learn more about Georgia general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Hawaii
General contractors must hold a state license in Hawaii to do any commercial, residential or public works that are worth more than $1,000 or require a building permit. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Board awards a number of licenses, including:
- General engineering contractors (fixed works projects); and
- General building contractors (construction of structures using more than two unrelated trades).
To qualify for a license, you must show proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You’ll need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
Learn more about Hawaii general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Idaho
Any general contractor who performs construction work worth more than $2,000 must be registered with the Idaho Contractors Board. There is no state licensing requirement for general contractors in Idaho.
Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Idaho.
Illinois
Illinois does not have a state license requirement for general contractors. However, in many local jurisdictions, you must get a license and insurance before starting work.
For example, the Department of Buildings in Chicago requires specific licenses based on the value of projects your business will work on. It also has minimum requirements for contractor business insurance in Illinois.
You might be able to work out a license reciprocity agreement in Illinois if you already have a contractor license in another state. If not, you’ll need to apply for a license from scratch:
- Provide a description of the work and services you aim to perform
- Specify the classification of license for which you are applying for
- Clarify your business structure and provide additional company information
- Identify and verify by affidavit that the applicant or member of your business entity is financially stable
- Submit your certificate of insurance with the City of Chicago as additionally insured and policy limits ranging from $1 million to $5 million depending on the sizes of your projects
- Sign and complete the application
You must also pay all licensing fees, which vary according to license class:
- Class A – $2,000 fee for an unlimited contract amount
- Class B – $1,000 fee for projects up to $10,000,000
- Class C – $750 fee for projects up to $5,000,000
- Class D – $500 fee for projects up to $2,000,000
- Class E – $300 fee for projects up to $500,000
Once you have your license, you need to renew it every year.
Learn more about general contractor license and insurance requirements in Illinois.
Indiana
General contractors don’t need a state license to work in Indiana. Make sure to check the licensing requirements with local governments before you begin work.
Learn more about Indiana general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Iowa
There are no state licensing requirements for general contractors in Iowa. However, any construction contractor (individual or business) who earns at least $2,000 a year doing construction work, must register with the Iowa Division of Labor.
Kansas
General contractors don’t need to hold a state license to work in Kansas. However, there are local licensing requirements, so check these before you begin work.
Kentucky
You don’t need a state general contractor license to work in Kentucky. All licensing is done at the local city/county level so make sure to check this before you begin work.
Learn more about Kentucky general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Louisiana
General contractors must have a state license to work in Louisiana. There are five types of licenses you should consider, all of which are awarded by the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors:
Residential contractor license
Covers construction and home improvement projects worth more than $75,000. You’ll need to pass an exam to show a financial statement and proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Commercial contractor license
Covers commercial projects worth more than $50,000. You’ll need to submit a financial statement and must pass the trade exam, as well as the business and law exam.
Home improvement registration
If you plan to do any home repair or improvement projects valued between $7,500 to $75,000, and you don’t have a residential or commercial license, you’ll need this license.
After you figure out which type of license you want, you need to apply for the license itself:
- Fill out your application
- Prepare your notarized financial statements
- Pick a legal representative
- Pass the exam
- Get insurance (you must have proof of general liability insurance coverage and a certificate of insurance for active workers’ compensation insurance)
- Pay relevant fees
- Get approval from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for General Contractors
Once you’ve completed all these steps, submit your application for board approval.
Learn more about Louisiana general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Maine
You don’t need a state license to work as a general contractor in Maine. However, if you undertake home improvement or construction jobs worth more than $3,000 you must provide a written contract. There may be local licensing requirements, so check these before you begin work.
Maryland
As a general contractor, you may or may not need a state license, depending on the work you do. For new home construction, you don’t need a state license, but you do need to register with the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. If you plan to do work on existing residential property, you will need to get your Maryland Home Improvement Contractor’s License (MHIC) from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
If you undertake any home improvement projects, you will need a license, which the Maryland Home Improvement Commission issues. In this case, you’ll need proof of two years of work experience in home improvement, construction, or related education.
You’ll also need proof of financial solvency and proof of insurance (at least $50,000 of contractor liability insurance). You must pass a business and law exam.
Commercial contractors must register at the city/county level. You’ll apply for a construction license with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county if you plan to work on new construction projects, excavating or curbing and paving streets or sidewalks.
The Marine Contractors Licensing Board handles licensing for general contractors that work on projects involving waterfront structures, such as boathouses, piers, ramps and wetland observation decks.
Learn more about Maryland general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Massachusetts
As a general residential contractor in Massachusetts, you must be registered and licensed. You must hold a Home Improvement Contractor registration to perform ordinary repairs to an existing property. To work on larger projects on existing properties, you must also hold a Construction Supervisor License from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
You can apply for an unrestricted license, a one- and two-family dwelling license or a specialty license. You must show three years of experience in building construction or design, and you must pass an exam.
Contractors who build new homes or work on commercial buildings only are exempt.
Learn more about Massachusetts general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Michigan
As a general contractor, you’ll need a Residential Builders license or a Maintenance & Alterations Contractors license to construct, repair, alter, add to, subtract from or improve a residential structure or a combined residential and commercial structure. You’ll need to complete a 60-hour pre-licensure course and you must pass a test.
The general contractor license is issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Commercial construction contractors must contact their local county building offices for permits or licenses.
Learn more about Michigan general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Minnesota
A general commercial contractor does not need a state license to work in Minnesota. However, a residential building contractor or remodeler does need a license. The Residential Building Contractor license is awarded by the Department of Labor and Industry.
You’ll need to show proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
Learn more about Minnesota general contractor license and insurance requirements.
Mississippi
General commercial and residential contractors must hold a state license to work in Mississippi on projects worth more than $50,000. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors awards the licenses.
You’ll need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You must show proof of general liability insurance.
Learn more about Mississippi general contractor license and insurance requirements.
