Contractor License Cost & Requirements by State (2026)
What does a contractor license cost? It depends on the state. Of the 30 states where we verified the full state fee for a general contractor license or registration, it ranges from $40 in Nebraska to $780 in Arizona. 14 states have no state general contractor license at all, so cities and counties set the rules.
How we ranked the states
We compared one thing that is published for most states: the state fee to get the main general contractor credential (license, certification or registration). Where a state lists an application fee and a separate initial license fee for the same credential, we added them. Where a state has several classes, we used the lowest-priced general class and named it. Extra charges that a board lists only as a note on a fee (for example a recovery fund or guaranty fund payment, or a surcharge) are shown under the fee as "Board note" but not added, because many depend on the business. Exam fees are shown in their own column because most states don't publish them on the board's fee page, so they're not part of the ranking.
States are ranked from the highest state fee to the lowest. States are not ranked when a required state fee isn't in our verified data (shown as "Not verified") or when there is no state license. We don't estimate any figure. Bond and insurance amounts are shown as each board states them. Every figure comes from the state pages on this site, which were checked against each official state board in October 2026. Alaska and North Dakota have limited data.
Map: how each state licenses general contractors
- State license with exam (23)
- State registration (13)
- No state GC license, local rules (14)
- Limited data (ND, AK)
- "n/v" = fee not verified; "n/r" = not ranked (see table)
All 50 states ranked by state fee
Note: this ranking is by the state fee only. City, county or other local licences, permits and registrations can add more to what you pay.
Click a column heading to sort. If the table is wider than your screen, scroll it sideways; the State column stays in place. "Not verified" means we haven't confirmed that figure with the state board yet; check the state's page for the official link.
| Exam required | Experience | Bond | Liability insurance | Sources | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1 | State license with exam ROC general license (commercial; residential general is higher) | $780 Board note: 2-year license. | $61 Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) | Yes | Not verified | Residential general: $9,000 (under $750,000 volume) or $15,000. Residential specialty: $4,250 (under $375,000) or $7,500. Commercial general: $5,000 to $100,000. Commercial specialty: $2,500 to $50,000. | Not verified | 1: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees (opens in a new tab) 2: Arizona ROC: License Classifications (opens in a new tab) |
| California | 2 | State license with exam CSLB B license, sole owner | $650 Application fee (exam or waiver, one class) $450 + Initial license fee, sole owner $200 | — | Yes | The qualifier needs 4 years of journey-level experience (or as a foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder) in the class, within the last 10 years. | A $25,000 contractor bond (or a $25,000 cashier's check) is needed before you get an active license. This amount applies since 1 January 2023. | Not generally required, but it must be disclosed in the contract. | 1: CSLB Fees (opens in a new tab) 2: CSLB class description: B General Building Contractor (opens in a new tab) 3: CSLB class description: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor (opens in a new tab) |
| Maryland | 3 | State license with exam MHIC contractor license | $403.75 New contractor application fee $281.25 + Processing fee $22.50 + Guaranty Fund (new contractor) $100 | — | Yes | 2 years of trade experience or related education. Owner, manager or supervisor business experience can replace 1 year (the Commission decides). | Not verified | At least $500,000 for MHIC contractors, from 1 June 2024 (Business Regulation 8-302.1). | 1: MHIC fees (opens in a new tab) 2: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (opens in a new tab) 3: MHIC license requirements (opens in a new tab) |
| Oregon | 4 | State license with exam CCB license, 2 years | $400 Board note: Flat $400 for new applications since 1 July 2025. | $60 CCB test | Yes | Not verified | Since 1 Jan 2024: Residential General $25,000, Specialty $20,000, Limited $15,000, Developer $25,000, restricted residential $15,000; Commercial General Level 1 $80,000, Specialty Level 1 $55,000, Level 2 $25,000. | Residential General $500,000 per occurrence, Specialty $300,000, Limited $100,000. Commercial General Level 1 $2M aggregate, Level 2 $1M aggregate. | 1: CCB License (insurance, bonds) (opens in a new tab) 2: CCB Guide to becoming a licensed contractor (opens in a new tab) 3: CCB Licensing (bond increase) (opens in a new tab) |
| Alaska Limited data | 5 | State registration General contractor registration | $350 Application (general, mechanical, specialty) $100 + Initial biennial registration $250 Board note: Nonrefundable. Renewal $250. | — | No (general) | Not verified | General $25,000; with residential endorsement $20,000; mechanical or specialty $10,000; handyman $5,000. Must stay in effect 3 years. | $20,000 property damage, $50,000 one person, $100,000 more than one person | 1: 12 AAC 02.180 (Centralized Licensing Regulations) (opens in a new tab) 2: CBPL Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab) 3: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab) |
| South Carolina | 5 | State license with exam CLB General or Mechanical license (commercial) | $350 Board note: General or Mechanical license. | — | Yes | Not verified | A surety bond can replace the financial statement. General: $20,000 (Group 1) to $350,000 (Group 5). Mechanical: $7,000 to $300,000. | Not verified | 1: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab) 2: SC CLB: General Information (opens in a new tab) 3: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59 (opens in a new tab) |
| Hawaii | 7 | State license with exam CLB license, sole proprietor | $310 Application $50 + Sole proprietor license $260 Board note: Non-refundable. Plus a $150 recovery fund fee. | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Bodily injury $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence; property damage $50,000 | 1: Requirements for License, Sole Proprietor (opens in a new tab) |
| Alabama | 8 | State license with exam Prime contractor license (jobs of $100,000+) | $300 | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: ALBGC: How to Apply (opens in a new tab) 2: ALBGC: Law (opens in a new tab) 3: Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (opens in a new tab) |
| Nevada | 8 | State license with exam NSCB license application (exam fees paid to PSI) | $300 Board note: Non-refundable. Exam fees are paid separately to PSI. | — | Yes | Not verified | Set by the Board, from $1,000 to $500,000. Residential pool and spa contractors also need a $10,000 to $400,000 consumer protection bond. | Not verified | 1: NSCB License Application Form (opens in a new tab) 2: NSCB: License Requirements (opens in a new tab) |
| Tennessee | 10 | State license with exam Contractor license (projects of $25,000+) | $250 Board note: Renewal $200. | — | Yes | Not verified | Home improvement licensees need a $10,000 surety bond (or a cash or property bond, or letter of credit). | Not verified | 1: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab) 2: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab) 3: TN BLC: Home Improvement license (opens in a new tab) |
| Virginia | 11 | State license with exam Class C license (Class B and A cost more) | $235 Board note: Plus $25 Recovery Fund assessment. | — | Yes (Class A and B) | Qualified individual experience: 1 year (Class C), 3 years (Class B), 5 years (Class A). | Not verified | Not verified | 1: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab) 2: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab) |
| Utah | 12 | State license with exam DOPL license, one qualifier and one classification | $225 Application, per qualifier $50 + Application, per classification $175 Board note: Plus a $1 surcharge. | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | $1,000,000 per incident, $2,000,000 aggregate (since 20 April 2026) | 1: DOPL contractor application (opens in a new tab) 2: DOPL: General Contractor (opens in a new tab) 3: DOPL: Contracting (opens in a new tab) |
| Connecticut | 13 | State registration Home Improvement Contractor registration (incl. Guaranty Fund) | $220 Board note: $120 fee plus the $100 Guaranty Fund fee. Non-refundable. | — | No | Not verified | DCP may require a $15,000 bond as a condition of registration. | At least $20,000; $1M for underground oil tank removal | 1: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab) 2: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab) 3: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab) |
| Michigan | 14 | State license with exam Residential builder license (individual) | $195 Board note: Non-refundable. Veterans may qualify for a fee waiver. | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab) 2: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab) 3: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab) |
| Minnesota | 15 | State license with exam Residential building contractor license (plus Recovery Fund, see note) | $180 Board note: Plus a Contractor Recovery Fund fee: $320 (under $1M receipts), $420 ($1-5M) or $520 (over $5M). | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, $25,000 property damage | 1: DLI: Residential contractor licensing (opens in a new tab) |
| Washington | 16 | State registration L&I contractor registration | $150.20 | — | Not verified | Not verified | $30,000 for general contractors, $15,000 for specialty contractors. Raised on 1 July 2024 from $12,000 / $6,000. | $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined. L&I must be listed as certificate holder. | 1: L&I form F625-001-000 (opens in a new tab) 2: L&I: Register as a contractor (opens in a new tab) |
| Massachusetts | 17 | State registration HIC registration (plus Guaranty Fund, see note) | $150 Board note: Plus a Guaranty Fund payment: $100 (0 to 3 employees), $200 (4 to 10), $300 (11 to 30), $500 (over 30). | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab) 2: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab) |
| Rhode Island | 17 | State registration CRLB registration | $150 Board note: $50 late fee if expired. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | $500,000, CRLB as certificate holder | 1: CRLB: Apply (opens in a new tab) 2: CRLB: Renew (opens in a new tab) 3: CRLB: General Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) |
| Florida | 19 | State license with exam Division I certification (lowest of 2 date-based fees) | $145 | — | Yes | 4 years of experience in the category, with at least 1 year as a supervisor. Up to 3 years can be replaced by military service or college credit. | Not verified | Not verified | 1: CILB 5-A application (certified, individual) (opens in a new tab) 2: Florida Statutes 489.105 (opens in a new tab) |
| Idaho | 20 | State registration DOPL contractor registration | $120 Board note: Renewal $60 a year or $120 biennially. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | At least $300,000 single limit, including products and completed operations | 1: DOPL Contractors Board (opens in a new tab) 2: DOPL Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab) |
| New Jersey | 21 | State registration Home improvement contractor registration | $110 Board note: Non-refundable. | — | No | Not verified | Additional security: $50,000 for a contract over $120,000 (or over $750,000 in 12 months); $25,000 for $10,000 to $120,000 (or $150,000 to $750,000); $10,000 below that. | HIC: $500,000 per occurrence. HEC: $1,000,000 per occurrence. | 1: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab) |
| Arkansas | 22 | State license with exam Residential license ("up to" this amount a year) | $100 Board note: Up to $100 per year. | — | Yes | Not verified | Residential roofer registration needs a $15,000 surety bond. | Not verified | 1: Arkansas Residential Licensing Law (rev. 04.2026) (opens in a new tab) 2: ACLB: Apply for Contractors License/Registration (opens in a new tab) |
| North Dakota Limited data | 22 | State license with exam Class D license (Class A to C cost more) | $100 Board note: Renewal $30. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Certificate required, ND Secretary of State as holder | 1: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab) |
| Pennsylvania | 22 | State registration Home improvement contractor registration | $100 Board note: Non-refundable. Online card payments add $2; ACH is free. | — | No | Not verified | Not verified | At least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage. | 1: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) 2: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab) 3: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab) |
| North Carolina | 25 | State license with exam Limited license (Intermediate and Unlimited cost more) | $75 | $100 Exam fee (maximum) | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab) |
| Vermont | 25 | State registration Residential contractor registration (individual) | $75 | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate | 1: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab) |
| Montana | 27 | State registration Construction Contractor License (from 1 Jan 2026) | $70 Board note: Valid 2 years. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: DLI: New online portal notice (opens in a new tab) 2: DLI: HB 239 Notice to Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab) |
| Iowa | 28 | State registration DIAL contractor registration (yearly) | $50 Board note: Renews every year. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Contractors whose principal place of business is outside Iowa must file a $25,000 bond, with few exceptions. | Not verified | 1: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) |
| Mississippi | 28 | State license with exam Residential license (commercial is higher) | $50 | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Commercial: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Residential: proof of coverage, no set minimum. | 1: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab) 2: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab) |
| Nebraska | 30 | State registration NDOL contractor registration (yearly) | $40 Board note: From 1 Aug 2026; renews every year. | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: NDOL: Who Needs to Register (opens in a new tab) 2: NDOL CRA/ECA fact sheet (opens in a new tab) |
| Colorado | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: DORA: Home & Repair (opens in a new tab) 2: DPO: Electrical (opens in a new tab) 3: DPO: Plumbing (opens in a new tab) |
| Delaware | — | No state GC license No state contractor license (state business license instead) | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: DOR: Business License FAQs (opens in a new tab) 2: DOR: Contractors (opens in a new tab) |
| Georgia | — | State license with exam Secretary of State GC license (fee not verified) | Not verified | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | $300,000 per occurrence for Residential Basic; $500,000 per occurrence for the other 3 types. | 1: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (opens in a new tab) |
| Illinois | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460: Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act rules (opens in a new tab) 2: Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing (opens in a new tab) |
| Indiana | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: IN.gov: Business Owner's Guide (opens in a new tab) |
| Kansas | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Kansas Business Center: Construction (opens in a new tab) 2: Kansas AG: Roofing information for consumers (opens in a new tab) |
| Kentucky | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab) 2: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab) 3: Lexington: How to register as a contractor (opens in a new tab) |
| Louisiana | — | State license with exam LSLBC license or registration (fee not verified) | Not verified | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | At least $100,000 (residential and home improvement) | 1: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab) 2: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab) |
| Maine | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Maine AG: Home Construction and Repair (opens in a new tab) |
| Missouri | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: RSMo 324.920 (opens in a new tab) |
| New Hampshire | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: NHID: How to Verify If Your Contractor Has the Right Insurance (opens in a new tab) |
| New Mexico | — | State license with exam CID license (application fees only; license fee not verified) | $72 Qualifying Party application $36 + License application $36 Board note: Plus license fees; exam fees are in the PSI bulletins. Not ranked: license fee not verified | — | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: CID: Apply for a Construction Industries License (opens in a new tab) 2: NM CID (opens in a new tab) |
| New York | — | No state GC license No statewide license (NYC has its own) | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: NYC DCWP: Quick tips when hiring a home improvement contractor (opens in a new tab) 2: NYC311: Home Improvement Contractor License Check (opens in a new tab) 3: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab) |
| Ohio | — | No state GC license No state GC license (commercial trades only) | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: OCILB Examination Application (opens in a new tab) |
| Oklahoma | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Oklahoma CIB (opens in a new tab) |
| South Dakota | — | State registration Excise tax license (a tax license, not a skills license) | $0 Board note: No fee. A 2% excise tax applies to gross receipts. Not ranked: a tax license, not a contractor license | — | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | 1: SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab) 2: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab) |
| Texas | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Office of the Texas Governor: Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide (opens in a new tab) |
| West Virginia | — | State license with exam WVCLB license (license fee not verified) | Not verified | $59.95 Exam (each) | Yes | Not verified | Not verified | Required | 1: WVCLB exam bulletin (opens in a new tab) 2: W. Va. Code 30-42-3 (opens in a new tab) |
| Wisconsin | — | State license with exam Dwelling Contractor certification (fee not verified) | Not verified | — | Not verified | Not verified | Dwelling Contractors need a $25,000 surety bond OR general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence. | Not verified | 1: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab) 2: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab) |
| Wyoming | — | No state GC license No state GC license | No state license | — | — | — | — | — | 1: Wyoming SOS: Business FAQs (opens in a new tab) 2: WSFM: Electrical Safety (opens in a new tab) |
State by state
- Alabama. Alabama general contractors need a state license for jobs of $100,000 or more; home builders are licensed by the HBLB. The state fee we compared is $300 (Prime contractor license (jobs of $100,000+)). Alabama guide · Alabama license cost
- Alaska. Alaska general contractors register with CBPL ($25,000 bond); home builders need a residential endorsement. The state fee we compared is $350 (General contractor registration). Limited data: we verified fewer details for this state than for most. Alaska guide · Alaska license cost
- Arizona. Arizona contractors need an ROC license for work over $1,000 or needing a permit, in residential, commercial or dual classes. The state fee we compared is $780 (ROC general license (commercial; residential general is higher)). Arizona guide · Arizona license cost
- Arkansas. Arkansas needs a commercial license for jobs of $50,000 or more and a residential license for home building, remodeling or improvement over $2,000. The state fee we compared is $100 (Residential license ("up to" this amount a year)). Arkansas guide · Arkansas license cost
- California. General building contractors in California need the B license. The B-2 license covers remodels of existing homes that use 3 or more unrelated trades. The state fee we compared is $650 (CSLB B license, sole owner). California guide · California license cost
- Colorado. Colorado has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Colorado guide
- Connecticut. Connecticut home improvement contractors and new home builders must register with DCP; no exam is required. The state fee we compared is $220 (Home Improvement Contractor registration (incl. Guaranty Fund)). Connecticut guide · Connecticut license cost
- Delaware. Delaware general contractors need a state business license (not a trade license) plus any city or county license. Delaware guide · Delaware license cost
- Florida. Florida has 3 Division I licenses: general (any work), building (up to 3 stories) and residential (1 to 3 family homes, up to 2 habitable stories). The state fee we compared is $145 (Division I certification (lowest of 2 date-based fees)). Florida guide · Florida license cost
- Georgia. Georgia general contractors need one of 4 Secretary of State licenses. All need a PSI exam and liability insurance of $300,000 or $500,000. Georgia guide
- Hawaii. Hawaii general contractors need a class A or B license from the Contractors License Board. The state fee we compared is $310 (CLB license, sole proprietor). Hawaii guide · Hawaii license cost
- Idaho. Idaho has no general contractor license, but jobs over $2,000 need a DOPL contractor registration and $300,000 liability insurance. The state fee we compared is $120 (DOPL contractor registration). Idaho guide · Idaho license cost
- Illinois. Illinois has no statewide general contractor license. The state licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR) and plumbers (IDPH). Other trades are licensed locally. Check roofers on IDFPR's lookup. Illinois guide · Illinois license cost
- Indiana. Indiana has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Indiana guide · Indiana license cost
- Iowa. Iowa has no general contractor license, but contractors earning $2,000 or more a year must register with DIAL ($50 a year). The state fee we compared is $50 (DIAL contractor registration (yearly)). Iowa guide · Iowa license cost
- Kansas. Kansas has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Kansas guide
- Kentucky. Kentucky has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Kentucky guide · Kentucky license cost
- Louisiana. Louisiana contractors need LSLBC licenses or registration depending on job type and value. Confirm limits with the board. Louisiana guide
- Maine. Maine has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Maine guide · Maine license cost
- Maryland. Home improvement contractors in Maryland need an MHIC license to contract with homeowners, and at least $500,000 liability insurance. The state fee we compared is $403.75 (MHIC contractor license). Maryland guide · Maryland license cost
- Massachusetts. Massachusetts home improvement contractors register as HICs; Construction Supervisor Licenses are separate. The state fee we compared is $150 (HIC registration (plus Guaranty Fund, see note)). Massachusetts guide · Massachusetts license cost
- Michigan. Michigan residential builders need a LARA license for projects of $600 or more. The state fee we compared is $195 (Residential builder license (individual)). Michigan guide · Michigan license cost
- Minnesota. Minnesota residential contractors need a DLI building contractor or remodeler license for multi-skill work for homeowners. The state fee we compared is $180 (Residential building contractor license (plus Recovery Fund, see note)). Minnesota guide · Minnesota license cost
- Mississippi. Mississippi general contractors need an MSBOC license for commercial or new home jobs over $50,000 and remodeling over $10,000. The state fee we compared is $50 (Residential license (commercial is higher)). Mississippi guide · Mississippi license cost
- Missouri. Missouri offers a statewide electrical contractor's license under RSMo 324.920. Confirm any other license requirements with the city or county where the work is done. Missouri guide
- Montana. Montana general contractors need a DLI Contractor License from 1 January 2026, replacing registration. The state fee we compared is $70 (Construction Contractor License (from 1 Jan 2026)). Montana guide · Montana license cost
- Nebraska. Nebraska has no general contractor license, but contractors earning over $5,000 a year must register with NDOL. The state fee we compared is $40 (NDOL contractor registration (yearly)). Nebraska guide · Nebraska license cost
- Nevada. Nevada general contractors need an NSCB B or B-2 license, a bond and a monetary limit that covers the job. The state fee we compared is $300 (NSCB license application (exam fees paid to PSI)). Nevada guide · Nevada license cost
- New Hampshire. New Hampshire has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. New Hampshire guide · New Hampshire license cost
- New Jersey. New Jersey home improvement contractors must register yearly with the Division of Consumer Affairs. The state fee we compared is $110 (Home improvement contractor registration). New Jersey guide · New Jersey license cost
- New Mexico. New Mexico general contractors need a CID license with a Qualifying Party who passed the trade and Business & Law exams. The state fee we compared is $72 (CID license (application fees only; license fee not verified)). New Mexico guide · New Mexico license cost
- New York. In NYC, home improvement contractors need a DCWP license for jobs over $200. New York has no statewide contractor license. New York guide · New York license cost
- North Carolina. North Carolina general contractors need an NCLBGC license for projects of $40,000 or more, with a Limited, Intermediate or Unlimited project cap. The state fee we compared is $75 (Limited license (Intermediate and Unlimited cost more)). North Carolina guide · North Carolina license cost
- North Dakota. North Dakota general contractors need a Secretary of State license (Class A to D) for jobs over $4,000. The state fee we compared is $100 (Class D license (Class A to C cost more)). Limited data: we verified fewer details for this state than for most. North Dakota guide · North Dakota license cost
- Ohio. Ohio's Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses commercial electrical, HVAC, hydronics, plumbing and refrigeration contractors. Other contractors should check with their city or county. Ohio guide · Ohio license cost
- Oklahoma. Oklahoma has no state general contractor license. Check with your city or county. Oklahoma guide
- Oregon. Oregon general contractors need a CCB license with a residential or commercial general endorsement, plus the matching bond and insurance. The state fee we compared is $400 (CCB license, 2 years). Oregon guide · Oregon license cost
- Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania home improvement contractors doing $5,000+ a year register with the Attorney General for $100 every 2 years. There is no exam. The state fee we compared is $100 (Home improvement contractor registration). Pennsylvania guide · Pennsylvania license cost
- Rhode Island. Rhode Island general contractors must register with CRLB: $150, a 5-hour course and $500,000 insurance. The state fee we compared is $150 (CRLB registration). Rhode Island guide · Rhode Island license cost
- South Carolina. South Carolina commercial contractors need a CLB license over $10,000; residential builders need an RBC license over $5,000. The state fee we compared is $350 (CLB General or Mechanical license (commercial)). South Carolina guide · South Carolina license cost
- South Dakota. South Dakota contractors need a free DOR excise tax license (a tax license, not a skills license). Check your city or county for local rules. The state fee we compared is $0 (Excise tax license (a tax license, not a skills license)). South Dakota guide · South Dakota license cost
- Tennessee. Tennessee contractors need a state license for projects of $25,000 or more, and a home improvement license from $3,000 in some counties. The state fee we compared is $250 (Contractor license (projects of $25,000+)). Tennessee guide · Tennessee license cost
- Texas. Texas has no state general contractor license. "General contractors are not required to obtain a license," says the Governor's office, but local rules may apply. Texas guide · Texas license cost
- Utah. Utah general contractors need a DOPL license such as B100 or R100, the Business & Law exam and $1M/$2M liability insurance. The state fee we compared is $225 (DOPL license, one qualifier and one classification). Utah guide · Utah license cost
- Vermont. Vermont residential contractors must register with OPR for jobs of $10,000 or more; it covers construction, renovation and repair. The state fee we compared is $75 (Residential contractor registration (individual)). Vermont guide · Vermont license cost
- Virginia. Virginia contractors need a DPOR Class A, B or C license for jobs over $1,000. The state fee we compared is $235 (Class C license (Class B and A cost more)). Virginia guide · Virginia license cost
- Washington. General contractors in Washington register with L&I, can do more than one trade, and need a $30,000 bond. The state fee we compared is $150.20 (L&I contractor registration). Washington guide · Washington license cost
- West Virginia. West Virginia contractors need a WVCLB license for jobs of $5,000 or more (residential) or $25,000 or more (commercial). West Virginia guide · West Virginia license cost
- Wisconsin. Wisconsin builders need a Dwelling Contractor certification and a Qualifier to get permits for one- and two-family homes. Wisconsin guide
- Wyoming. No statewide general contractor license found; check your city or county. Wyoming guide · Wyoming license cost
Sources
Official state board and state law pages, checked in October 2026. Each state's page lists every source with the date we checked it.
- Alabama: ALBGC: How to Apply
- Alabama: ALBGC: Law
- Alabama: Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
- Alaska: 12 AAC 02.180 (Centralized Licensing Regulations)
- Alaska: CBPL Construction Contractors
- Alaska: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts
- Arizona: Arizona ROC: Licensing Fees
- Arizona: Arizona ROC: License Classifications
- Arkansas: Arkansas Residential Licensing Law (rev. 04.2026)
- Arkansas: ACLB: Apply for Contractors License/Registration
- California: CSLB Fees
- California: CSLB class description: B General Building Contractor
- California: CSLB class description: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor
- Colorado: DORA: Home & Repair
- Colorado: DPO: Electrical
- Colorado: DPO: Plumbing
- Connecticut: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application
- Connecticut: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act
- Connecticut: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers
- Delaware: DOR: Business License FAQs
- Delaware: DOR: Contractors
- Florida: CILB 5-A application (certified, individual)
- Florida: Florida Statutes 489.105
- Georgia: Georgia SOS: Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ
- Hawaii: Requirements for License, Sole Proprietor
- Idaho: DOPL Contractors Board
- Idaho: DOPL Contractors FAQ
- Illinois: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460: Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act rules
- Illinois: Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing
- Indiana: IN.gov: Business Owner's Guide
- Iowa: DIAL: Contractor Registration
- Kansas: Kansas Business Center: Construction
- Kansas: Kansas AG: Roofing information for consumers
- Kentucky: Kentucky HBC
- Kentucky: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License
- Kentucky: Lexington: How to register as a contractor
- Louisiana: LSLBC: Types of Licenses
- Louisiana: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF)
- Maine: Maine AG: Home Construction and Repair
- Maryland: MHIC fees
- Maryland: Maryland Home Improvement Commission
- Maryland: MHIC license requirements
- Massachusetts: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal
- Massachusetts: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types
- Michigan: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application
- Michigan: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners
- Michigan: MCL 339.2403
- Minnesota: DLI: Residential contractor licensing
- Mississippi: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF)
- Mississippi: MSBOC FAQ
- Missouri: RSMo 324.920
- Montana: DLI: New online portal notice
- Montana: DLI: HB 239 Notice to Construction Contractors
- Nebraska: NDOL: Who Needs to Register
- Nebraska: NDOL CRA/ECA fact sheet
- Nevada: NSCB License Application Form
- Nevada: NSCB: License Requirements
- New Hampshire: NHID: How to Verify If Your Contractor Has the Right Insurance
- New Jersey: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026)
- New Mexico: CID: Apply for a Construction Industries License
- New Mexico: NM CID
- New York: NYC DCWP: Quick tips when hiring a home improvement contractor
- New York: NYC311: Home Improvement Contractor License Check
- New York: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist
- North Carolina: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1
- North Dakota: ND Secretary of State: Contractors
- Ohio: OCILB Examination Application
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma CIB
- Oregon: CCB License (insurance, bonds)
- Oregon: CCB Guide to becoming a licensed contractor
- Oregon: CCB Licensing (bond increase)
- Pennsylvania: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration
- Pennsylvania: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System
- Pennsylvania: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008)
- Rhode Island: CRLB: Apply
- Rhode Island: CRLB: Renew
- Rhode Island: CRLB: General Contractor Registration
- Rhode Island: CRLB FAQs
- South Carolina: SC CLB: Licensure Information
- South Carolina: SC CLB: General Information
- South Carolina: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59
- South Dakota: SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF)
- South Dakota: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax
- Tennessee: TN BLC: Fees
- Tennessee: TN BLC: Contractor license
- Tennessee: TN BLC: Home Improvement license
- Texas: Office of the Texas Governor: Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide
- Utah: DOPL contractor application
- Utah: DOPL: General Contractor
- Utah: DOPL: Contracting
- Vermont: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs
- Virginia: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II
- Virginia: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100
- Washington: L&I form F625-001-000
- Washington: L&I: Register as a contractor
- West Virginia: WVCLB exam bulletin
- West Virginia: W. Va. Code 30-42-3
- Wisconsin: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier
- Wisconsin: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor
- Wyoming: Wyoming SOS: Business FAQs
- Wyoming: WSFM: Electrical Safety
Updated October 2026. Found a change? Email [email protected].