Louisiana general contractor license

1. Who needs a license

Commercial projects of $50,000 or more need a commercial license; electrical, mechanical and plumbing projects over $10,000 do too. Residential and home improvement work also needs LSLBC credentials. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab), source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

• The board's pages word the commercial-vs-residential unit count and the residential dollar threshold differently. Confirm the exact limits with the LSLBC. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab))
• Asbestos, hazardous waste, lead abatement and underground storage tank projects need a license from $1. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab))
• Home improvement projects over $7,500 need a home improvement registration or a residential license. (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

Penalties

• The board can fine violators up to 10% of the total contract or work value, plus administrative costs and attorney fees. (source: LSLBC: Contractor law (blue book PDF) (opens in a new tab))

2. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

We're still verifying this, check the official board: LSLBC website (opens in a new tab).

Experience and steps

1. Show net worth Commercial and residential applicants submit a financial statement showing at least $50,000 net worth, current within 12 months. (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
2. Pass the exams Complete the Business and Law requirement and any trade exam. (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
3. Insurance Residential and home improvement applicants show general liability of at least $100,000 and workers' comp. (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

Exam

We're still verifying this, check the official board: LSLBC website (opens in a new tab).

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: LSLBC website (opens in a new tab).

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Required (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: At least $100,000 (residential and home improvement) (source: LSLBC: Licensing Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

Renewal

Licenses expire on the anniversary of issue, with 1, 2 or 3 year terms in many cases, and 15 days after expiry to renew without penalty. (source: LSLBC: Contractor law (blue book PDF) (opens in a new tab))

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the LSLBC website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Search the LSLBC contractor database by name, license number, city, parish or qualifying party. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab))

You can search by: Contractor name, License number, City/town, Parish, Qualifying party. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

We're still verifying this, check the official board: LSLBC website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. Red flags when hiring

• Works outside its licensed classification or under a different name. (source: LSLBC: Contractor law (blue book PDF) (opens in a new tab))
• Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work over $10,000 without a commercial license. (source: LSLBC: Types of Licenses (opens in a new tab))

7. How to complain

We're still verifying this, check the official board: LSLBC website (opens in a new tab).