Kentucky contractor license lookup
Kentucky licenses plumbers, electricians, boiler, sprinkler and fire alarm contractors through HBC. There is no state general contractor license; Louisville and Lexington run their own. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab), source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab), source: Lexington: How to register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
How: There is no state general contractor license to look up. For plumbing or electrical work ask HBC; otherwise check with your city or county. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
Plumbing, electrical, boiler, sprinkler and fire alarm work needs HBC licensing. General contractors have no state license; cities and counties set their own rules. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab), source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab), source: Lexington: How to register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
- Louisville Metro issues Building A and Building B contractor licenses. (source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab))
- Lexington-Fayette requires contractors to register. (source: Lexington: How to register as a contractor (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| HBC trades | State plumbing, electrical, boiler, sprinkler and fire alarm licensing | Licensed or certified by HBC (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab)) |
| Louisville A/B | Louisville Metro Building A (A-R, A-RC, A-C) and Building B | Local license: License A covers any number of permitted projects a year, License B one (source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
We're still verifying this, check the official board: HBC website (opens in a new tab).
4. How to look up a contractor
How: There is no state general contractor license to look up. For plumbing or electrical work ask HBC; otherwise check with your city or county. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Plumbing or electrical work by someone without an HBC license. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab))
- In Louisville, no Metro contractor license for permitted work. (source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
We're still verifying this, check the official board: HBC website (opens in a new tab).
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Lexington: How to register as a contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Does Kentucky have a state general contractor license?
No. HBC licenses plumbers, electricians, boiler, sprinkler and fire alarm contractors. For general contracting, check your city or county. (source: Kentucky HBC (opens in a new tab))
What insurance does Louisville require?
A liability certificate, plus workers' comp and unemployment insurance if you have employees, or a notarized affidavit if you don't. (source: Louisville Metro: Obtain a Contractor's License (opens in a new tab))