Mississippi general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

1. References and jobs Provide three reference letters (one from a bank) and show at least 3 completed jobs in the classification. (source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab))
2. Commercial finances Commercial applicants file a reviewed financial statement showing net worth of $50,000 (major) or $20,000 (specialty). (source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

• Law and Business Management exam (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
• Trade exam (some classifications) (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab))

• The exams are open book. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab))

Bond

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

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))

Renewal

• Renew every 1 year. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC (opens in a new tab))

Licenses renew every year and can be renewed up to 180 days after expiry. From 2026, renewal notices are sent by email only. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC (opens in a new tab))

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. Reciprocity (license transfer)

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

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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