How to get a contractor license in Mississippi
The short version: 1) References and jobs 2) Commercial finances. (source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab))
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))
Checked against official Mississippi State Board of Contractors sources. See sources.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
The 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
- Trade exam (some classifications)
- The exams are open book. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commercial application Includes one classification. | $400 (source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab)) |
| Each additional classification $100 per additional classification ($400 includes one). | $100 (source: MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab)) |
| Residential application | $50 (source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and insurance
- Workers' comp: Commercial: if you have 5 or more employees
- 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))
Common questions
Does Mississippi accept other states' licenses?
Reciprocity covers trade exams only. New residents and military families may qualify for recognition of out-of-state licenses. (source: MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab), source: MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- MSBOC (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MSBOC FAQ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MSBOC Commercial Application (rev. 1/2024) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MSBOC: Residential Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].