Tennessee general contractor license

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. 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. Pass the exams Pass the Business & Law exam and any trade exam for your classification. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
2. Show finances Submit a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement, or a surety bond of at least 50% of the monetary limit requested. The monetary limit is generally 10 times the lesser of working capital or net worth. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply and pay Apply and pay the $250 license fee. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab), source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by Prov. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))

• Business & Law exam (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
• Trade exam (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))

• The exam is open-book. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))

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))

Insurance

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

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: TN BLC: Renewal (opens in a new tab), source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab))
• Renewal fee: $200. (source: TN BLC: Renewal (opens in a new tab), source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab))

BC-A and BC-A/r contractors complete 8 hours of continuing education with every renewal. (source: TN BLC: Renewal (opens in a new tab), source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab))

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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

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

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))