Tennessee contractor license lookup
Tennessee contractors need a state license from the Board for Licensing Contractors for projects of $25,000 or more. Some counties also require a home improvement license from $3,000. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab), source: Tennessee Verify a License (opens in a new tab), source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the BLC website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the state Verify a License search and check the license is active and its classification and monetary limit fit your job. (source: Tennessee Verify a License (opens in a new tab), source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$25,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
A contractor's license is needed before bidding or contracting on projects of $25,000 or more as a prime contractor, certain subcontractors, or construction manager. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
- Masonry subcontractors need a license when the masonry portion is $100,000 or more. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
- In Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties, residential remodeling from $3,000 to $24,999 needs a home improvement license. (source: TN BLC: Home Improvement license (opens in a new tab))
- Projects may not be split into phases to get around the law. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Contractor license (classified, with a monetary limit) | Projects of $25,000 or more, limited to the license's monetary limit (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab)) |
| HI | Home Improvement license | Residential remodeling from $3,000 to $24,999 in participating counties (source: TN BLC: Home Improvement license (opens in a new tab)) |
| LLE | Limited Licensed Electrician | Electrical work under $25,000 per project where the state Division of Fire Prevention issues permits (source: TN BLC: Limited Licensed Electrician (opens in a new tab)) |
| LLP | Limited Licensed Plumber | Limited plumbing license issued by the board (source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Bond
No bond is required. Home improvement licensees need a $10,000 surety bond (or a cash or property bond, or letter of credit). (source: TN BLC: Home Improvement license (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 BLC website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the state Verify a License search and check the license is active and its classification and monetary limit fit your job. (source: Tennessee Verify a License (opens in a new tab), source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Bids a project of $25,000 or more without a state license. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
- Splits one project into phases to stay under the limit. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
- Works on a job bigger than the license's monetary limit. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
How to complain
- File a complaint with the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The board can discipline a license but cannot get refunds. (source: TN BLC: File a complaint (opens in a new tab))
- Department phone: (615) 741-2241. (source: TN BLC: Fees (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.
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: Home Improvement license (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: Limited Licensed Electrician (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: Renewal (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TN BLC: File a complaint (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Tennessee Verify a License (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Will the board get my money back?
No. The board's jurisdiction is limited to discipline against the license. It cannot seek refunds or give legal advice. (source: TN BLC: File a complaint (opens in a new tab))