Do you need a license to start a painting business? The short answer: Maybe.
Your state may stipulate that you need a contractor’s license before you may submit bids on painting jobs or launch a painting firm. We’ll cover obtaining a license, meeting licensing standards, and protecting your business with insurance in this guide that covers licensing regulations across all 50 states.
Jump ahead:
This list is in alphabetical order and includes links to additional resources.
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
You only need to be licensed in Alabama for work over $50,000. You can apply for a license through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors to work above that threshold.
Future licensees must get the Alabama Painting and Wall Covering contractor license. Applicants need to be approved by the state to sit the examination. Additionally, they must also have passed the Alabama business and law exam. PSI Exams administers both tests.
You’ll also need to provide a financial statement, proof of experience (three previous projects) and three reference letters. There is a $300 application fee and a $150 fee for subcontractors.
All persons engaged in lead-based paint activities (abatement or renovation) must be properly trained and certified by an accredited training program.
Required business insurance in Alabama:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
The State of Alaska has three levels of painting contractor license:
Most contractors who perform residential home improvements must be licensed by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing in Alaska. Only the residential endorsement license has pre-requisite requirements.
You must hold a bond; the amounts depend on your classification type. Application fees total $350.
Required business insurance in Alaska:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues licenses for painters. They require separate painting business licenses for residential and commercial contractors.
Residential painters require two years of experience under a state-recognized contractor. They will then need to take a Statutes and Rules exam and a trade exam.
Arizona commercial painters require two years of experience under a state-recognized contractor. They will then need to take an exam with questions about commercial projects.
Both residential and commercial painters will need to file a contractor’s bond in the amount required for the license classification.
Required business insurance in Arizona:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Arkansas requires licensing for commercial and residential contractor workers.
Depending on the work, residential painters working on projects that cost $2,000 or more need to apply for a license in Arkansas — either a home improvement or residential builder license. Commercial contractors need a license for $50,000 or more work.
Subcontractors don’t have to be fully licensed if they work with an appropriately licensed contractor. They need to get a registration certificate.
All contractors must provide a balance sheet or financial statement and pass the business and law exam. Additionally, commercial contractors need to obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
Required business insurance in Arkansas:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Any contractor, including a painting and decorating contractor, who works on a project that costs $500 or more must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
To qualify for a painting license, you must have four full years of experience in the last ten years in the area you’re applying. Your experience must be at a journey-level or worked as a supervisor, foreman or contractor. You must also pass the written Law and Business examination and a trade exam.
California painting contractors must have a $25,000 bond before getting licensed. If you apply for a license as an LLC, you’ll have different bonds and liability insurance minimums.
Required business insurance in California:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
There is no painting license requirement at the state level in Colorado, but licenses may be required at the city or county level.
You must register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.
While there is no statewide painters license, there is a state-level lead abatement permit if you work with lead-based paints.
Required business insurance in Colorado:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painting contractors don’t need to be licensed in Connecticut but must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection. They must register as a home improvement contractor to work on a residential property.
This includes anyone who performs home improvement totaling more than $200 for any single contract or more than $1,000 annually. All home improvement contractor registrations expire annually on March 31.
If you need to get lead abatement training and certification, you can do so through the Department of Health’s site.
Required business insurance in Connecticut:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Contractors, including painters, must be licensed in Delaware; however, it is for revenue only. The Division of Revenue awards the license. Licenses are usually split by resident or non-resident contractors (you do not maintain a business in Delaware.)
Painting contractors will also need to register their business with the Department of Labor and non-residential license applicants must also have a bond.
The Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program oversees enforcement of lead regulations in Delaware. Individuals and firms performing lead-based paint activities in the State of Delaware must be certified by the Division of Public Health.
Required business insurance in Delaware:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Paint contractors do not require state licensure in Florida. However, if you wish to get a contractor license for other trades, you must register with the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
To become certified for lead abatement, professionals must be trained and submit an application and fee payment to Environmental Protection Agency.
Required business insurance in Florida:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
The State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors regulates contractor licenses in Georgia.
Specialty contractors do not need a residential or general construction license if they work within their specialization. Painters employed by a licensed residential or general contractor under a valid permit are exempted from getting their own license. However, they must follow legal requirements.
Required business insurance in Georgia:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Painters in Hawaii require Professional and Vocational Licensing from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. They may register for a Specialty Contractor C-33 painting and decorating contractor license. They must pass an exam on business, law and trade.
Required business insurance in Hawaii:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
According to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho does not license painting contractors at the state level. Any licensing happens at the local level only.
However, painting contractors must still register their business as a Painting/Wall Coverings subcontractor type.
Required business insurance in Idaho:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painters do not have license requirements at the state level; they only have them in local jurisdictions. Painters also don’t need to be registered as contractors in Illinois but will likely need to register with the Department of Revenue for tax purposes.
Check your local regulatory boards for painter license requirements:
You must register with the Department of Revenue if you conduct business in Illinois, or with Illinois customers.
The lead abatement/mitigation licensure program licenses and approves lead training courses for individuals and entities across the state. Licenses need to be renewed annually.
Required business insurance in Illinois:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
While some contractors must be licensed locally in Indiana, only plumbers require licensing at the state level. There is no painter license requirement in Indiana. However, all businesses in Indiana must register with the Secretary of State’s office.
Painters who work as independent contractors in the building and construction trades need to apply to the Indiana Department of Revenue to certify their position as an independent contractor.
Anyone who conducts lead-based paint activities needs to be licensed. Activities include:
Licenses are issued after course certification and Department of Health examination, and must be renewed every three years through approved refresher training.
Required business insurance in Indiana:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
All construction contractors who do more than $2,000 of business per year must be registered and renew their registration annually with the Iowa Division of Labor. No painting license or exam is required at the state level; however, painters require a local license.
Painters must also register with Iowa’s Secretary of State.
Required business insurance in Iowa:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
While some contractors are licensed at the state level in Kansas, painting contractors are licensed at the local level only or not at all. Painters who work with lead paint require a license from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. You may also need to register with the Secretary of State’s office.
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painters do not require a license at the state level in Kentucky. Learn more about occupational licenses and permits in Kentucky. If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you must register your business with the local County Clerk’s office, otherwise, you must register with the state.
Anyone performing or offering lead-based paint services must be certified. Certification is valid for two years.
Required business insurance in Kentucky:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
The State Licensing Board for Contractors issues four types of licenses: commercial, residential, home improvement and mold remediation.
Painting specialty licenses fall under commercial building construction classifications — Painting, Coating and Blasting and the subclassification Lead Based Paint Abatement/Removal. Applicants must submit information about work experience and a financial statement before sitting for a law and trade exam. They only need to obtain this license if they work on commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more.
Residential painters only need to obtain licensure if the project costs exceed $75,000. Otherwise, they can get a home improvement license to work on existing residential structures with projects exceeding $7,500 but less than $75,000.
Painting contractor insurance requirements vary depending on the license. The board requires home improvement and residential license applicants to submit proof of insurance in Louisiana before issuing a license.
Required business insurance in Louisiana:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painting contractors do not require a state license in Maine. General licensing and permits are dealt with at a town or city level to operate a business in Maine.
Maine law prohibits persons from engaging residential lead abatement activities unless licensed or certified. You can apply for this license through Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Required business insurance in Maine:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
All contractors who perform home improvement, including painters, in Maryland require a license.
All applicants must show two years of experience in home improvement, construction or related education. They must meet the financial solvency guidelines of the Home Improvement Commission.
Applicants must also submit a certificate of trade name registration and show proof of liability insurance. Applicants must pass a licensing exam, with licenses issued for two years.
Anyone who engages in a lead paint abatement service must successfully complete a training course which has been accredited by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Required business insurance in Maryland:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Anyone who supervises construction work in Massachusetts needs to have a license. This includes at least three full years of work experience and passing an exam.
In addition, you need to register as a home improvement contractor to perform residential contracting on an existing one-to-four-unit primary residence occupied by the owner. However, residential contracting excludes interior painting.
Painters need to register their businesses with MassTaxConnect and file with the Secretary of Commonwealth.
Painting contractors who want to apply for a lead-safe renovation or deleading license can submit an online application through the Department of Labor Standards.
Required business insurance in Massachusetts:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Previously, all painters in Michigan had to have a Maintenance and Alterations Contractors License. Lawmakers eliminated this requirement in 2019.
Under the Michigan Lead Abatement Act, to deal with lead-based paint, individuals must be certified by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Required business insurance in Michigan:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Any person contracting directly with a homeowner offering building construction services in more than one skill area requires a building contractor or remodeler license in Minnesota.
Interior painting, exterior finishing painting and drywall painting all fall under different skill areas, so a painter who contracts directly with a homeowner and offers services in more than one of these areas requires a license.
Commercial painting contractors do not require a license but must be registered. Applicants must pass an exam and hold a business insurance certificate in Minnesota.
If you want to work on lead-based activities (abatement, renovation), you must get licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Required business insurance in Minnesota:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
The state of Mississippi requires painting and wall covering contractors to be licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The state must give pre-approval to allow you to sit the exam. Applicants must pass the trade exam, as well as the business and law management exam. The industrial painting specialty and bridge painting do not require an exam.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality oversees lead-based paint regulations. To become lead-safe certified for abatement activities, individuals must attend training for the activity that is to be performed.
Required business insurance in Mississippi:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painting contractors do not require a state license in Missouri; however, they may require a license at the local level. You must register your business with the Department of Revenue.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issues lead licensing. Individuals must attend training by a provider that is accredited by us to become licensed.
Required business insurance in Missouri:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
The state of Montana does not have a statewide license for painting contractors. However, they require all construction contractors and subcontractors with employees to register with the Department of Labor and Industry. Those without employees may still opt to be registered but are not required.
Paint contractors who work with lead-based paint must undergo EPA-approved training and certification.
Required business insurance in Montana:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Nebraska handles contractor licensing on the municipal level. However, the state requires all contractors who do business in counties with populations of 100,000 or more to have a license. Contractors must also register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Any person working on a lead abatement project or in a lead occupation in Nebraska must obtain a license. All lead licenses expire two years from the date of issuance.
Required business insurance in Nebraska:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Painters in Nevada must be licensed and hold a Nevada Painting and Decorating Painting License. They must also register their business with Nevada’s Secretary of State.
License applicants must be pre-approved to take the exam and will need to pass a trade exam and a business and law exam. To qualify for a license, applicants must show four years of experience from the last 15 years, submit financial statements, and have a surety bond and workers’ comp insurance if applicable.
Required business insurance in Nevada:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Construction contractors, including painting contractors, do not need to be licensed in the state of New Hampshire. There may be local licensing requirements. Businesses must register with the state.
Individuals cannot perform lead abatement or lead inspection work in New Hampshire without a valid license. All applicants must attend training through an approved provider licensed by the Division of Public Health Services.
Required business insurance in New Hampshire:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
In New Jersey, you only need to register to become licensed as a contractor in the state. Painters fall under the umbrella of home improvement contractors and must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs.
All registered painters must have a registration badge and display their registration number in their place of business on all business documents and all advertisements.
All individuals who work with lead-based paint must have a NJ Department of Health lead permit.
Required business insurance in New Jersey:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painters don’t need to get a license from the state as of 2016. But cities and counties may have license rules, so painters should check with local governments before taking on jobs.
Required business insurance in New Mexico:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
New York State does not require a painter’s license at the state level; however, there are requirements at the local government level. Businesses must also register their business.
For example, painters in New York City require a Home Improvement Contractor License, which the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs awards. Applicants must pass a Home Improvement exam and show proof of insurance to obtain a license. The license lasts for two years and must then be renewed.
Required business insurance in New York:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Contractors in North Carolina must hold a license to bid on and work on jobs costing $30,000 or more. They must also register their business. Painting is not one of the trades classified within the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors’ license types.
In addition, any person who deals with lead-based paint must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and take a series of classes to receive the certification.
Required business insurance in North Carolina:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
North Dakota requires all contractors who do work that costs more than $4,000 to be licensed in the state. To apply to be a licensed contractor, you must be registered as a business with the Secretary of State and have proof of North Dakota business insurance.
There is no exam requirement. Choose between the four classes of contractor licenses, depending on the size of the jobs you want to be licensed for.
Required business insurance in North Dakota:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board only requires specific trades to obtain contractor licenses; painters are not included in the requirement. However, home improvement and general contractors in Ohio must be licensed or registered at the local level, with specific requirements depending on the city.
The Ohio Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program oversees safe and proper lead abatement, detection and analytical services. The program licenses lead-baed activities.
Required business insurance in Ohio:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
In Oklahoma, general contractors and subcontractors who provide general construction services, including painters, are not required to hold a state license. Counties, towns and cities may have local license requirements.
The Department of Environmental Quality oversees certification of firms and contractors who work with lead-based paint or perform renovations in potentially contaminated areas.
Required business insurance in Oklahoma:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
In Oregon, all contractors who do any construction work to improve a property, including painters, require a state license issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board and register with the Secretary of State.
To obtain a license, you must complete training and take an exam. When applying, you must submit a surety bond and provide proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The license will be valid for two years.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has authority from the EPA to regulate lead-based paint activities in the state. Individuals and firms conducting lead-paint activities must be trained by an authorized, accredited provider, certified by OHA and licensed by the Contractors Board.
Required business insurance in Oregon:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not require most construction contractors to hold a license; however, under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, most contractors must be registered and hold current business insurance in Pennsylvania.
Registered contractors must display their registration number on all contracts, advertisements and other business documents. Any contractors, including painters, who work with lead removal must be licensed by the state from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Required business insurance in Pennsylvania:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Contractors who repair, build or remodel one to four-family residential buildings in Rhode Island must register with the Contractor’s Registration and Licensing Board.
Any painter who works on a pre-1978 home must obtain their Lead Renovator license by taking an eight-hour training course. Painters must also work for a licensed Lead Renovation Firms. Painting business owners must renew their firm’s Lead Renovation license every five years after completing a four-hour refresher course.
Required business insurance in Rhode Island:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Contractors in South Carolina need a license when performing commercial construction work costing more than $10,000 (increased from $5,000 in 2023).
To get the General Contractors-Nonstructural Renovation classification license, applicants must designate a Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) and provide a financial state or surety bond. They must pass the business and law exam. (No technical exam.)
Painters of residential properties must be registered as a Residential Specialty Contractor but are not required to take an exam. They need three letters of reference demonstrating one year of experience within the past five years. Applicants also need to provide a credit report and a surety bond if they perform work exceeding $5,000.
Required business insurance in South Carolina:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
There are no specific painter licenses in South Dakota. Painters are considered general construction contractors in the state and are licensed at the local government level. However, painters must register their business with the Secretary of State’s office.
Required business insurance in South Dakota:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Painters in Tennessee require a state Home Improvement license for any remodeling on existing residential homes for jobs costing between $3,000 and $24,999. While an examination is not required, applicants must provide a bond and a copy of a sample written contract to be used when contracting with customers. The board may also request an interview.
Any jobs of $25,000 or more require a Contractor’s license. Applicants must provide experience, a reference and financial statement. Painters may or may not need to take a trade exam and a business and law exam based on what license classification they’re applying for.
Both types of licenses require proof of business insurance in Tennessee as a licensing condition. This may include general liability and workers’ comp coverages.
Lead-based paint activities must be conducted by firms and individuals certified by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Required business insurance in Tennessee:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Texas has no painter license requirement on a state level; however, you may require a local license to operate your painting business in a specific city. You must also register with the Secretary of State’s office when starting a business in Texas.
Required business insurance in Texas:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
A Drywall, Paint, and Plastering Specialty Contractor license is required for general painting in the state of Utah. The license is awarded by the Division of Professional Licensing.
Applicants must provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp (if you have employees). They must also show at least two full years of work experience, and completed a 25-hour pre-license course. If you are only applying for Specialty Classifications, you do not need to sit for examination.
To perform regulated lead-based paint work activities, you must be certified by a Utah-accredited program.
Required business insurance in Utah:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
General contractors and home improvement contractors in Vermont are not licensed at the state level but may need to be licensed at the local level.
There are state licenses for lead abatement, so painters who work with lead paint will require this license.
Required business insurance in Vermont:
State license: Yes Business registration: Yes
Virginia’s painting contractors require a state license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. There are three classes of contractor licenses depending on value or contract worth:
Most applicants must sit for a prelicense business class. Those applying for a Class A and B license must complete examination requirements and provide a financial statement or surety bond.
Applicants can select the Painting & Wall Covering specialty designation. (Must be pre-approved and pass an examination.)
If you work with lead-based paints, you must obtain an additional license.
Required business insurance in Virginia:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
General and specialty contractors are required to register with the Department of Labor & Industries in Washington State. This includes contractors in the specialty of painting and wall covering. They do not require contractors to be licensed at the state level.
To register as a contractor, you must register with the Department of Revenue, purchase a surety bond and show proof of general liability insurance. No coursework or test is required.
To work with lead-based paints, you must be certified through Washington’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program.
Required business insurance in Washington State:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
A contractor license is required in West Virginia for almost all work on projects costing $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work.
However, according to the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act, a contractor does not include “a person who performs landscaping or painting services for commercial or residential customers.” thus, a license may not be required, but it’s best to contact the Division of Labor to confirm if you need a license, specialty or otherwise.
Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia, every individual or business entity must register and get a certificate from the State Tax Department.
Painters must obtain lead licensing if working with lead-based paints.
Required business insurance in West Virginia:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Wisconsin does not require a license for painters. The only contractors that require licenses are dwelling contractors, electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians. Building contractors require registration only.
Training and certification are required for professionals who offer or conduct regulated lead-based paint activities. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issues certifications.
Required business insurance in Wisconsin:
State license: No Business registration: Yes
Painters are not required to be licensed at the state level in Wyoming. All contractors, other than electrical, are licensed at the local level. Painters must register their businesses with the Secretary of State’s office.
Required business insurance in Wyoming:
We’re providing all of this information as a service. It is correct and updated to the best of our knowledge, but it is not meant to be taken as legal advice and you should always consult with local authorities before making any business decisions. Regulations are subject to change at any time.
Matt Crawford leads NEXT's content team. He's a small business insurance specialist and has worked with business owners throughout his career as a community journalist and content marketer.
You can find him at one of his many favorite local restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area when he's not at work.
