Mississippi contractor license lookup

1. Who needs a license

$10,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab))

Licenses are needed for commercial work over $50,000, new residential construction over $50,000, and residential remodeling or roofing over $10,000. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab))

• Fire sprinkler work needs a license over $5,000 (public) or $10,000 (private). (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab))

2. License types and classes

3. Required insurance and bonds

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Commercial: if you have 5 or more employees (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: Commercial: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Residential: proof of coverage, no set minimum. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab))

Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.

4. How to look up a contractor

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

How: Search MSBOC's contractor database and check the name and classification match your contract. (source: MSBOC (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Red flags when hiring

• A bid or contract in a different name from the license certificate. (source: MSBOC (opens in a new tab))
• Texts claiming to be from MSBOC asking for payment; a known scam. (source: MSBOC (opens in a new tab))

6. Consumer protections and complaints

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