How to get a contractor license in Tennessee
The short version: 1) Pass the exams 2) Show finances 3) Apply and pay. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab), source: TN BLC: Fees (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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
The exam
An exam is required. Exams are run by Prov. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
- Business & Law exam
- Trade exam
- The exam is open-book. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contractor license, initial Renewal $200. | $250 (source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab)) |
| Home improvement license, initial Renewal $200. | $250 (source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab)) |
| Limited Licensed Electrician, initial Renewal $50. | $50 (source: TN BLC: Fees (opens in a new tab)) |
| Limited Licensed Plumber, initial Renewal $50. | $75 (source: TN BLC: Fees (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
Bond: Not 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))
Common questions
Can I use a license from another state in Tennessee?
No. But Tennessee has trade exam waiver agreements with several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, for some license types. (source: TN BLC: Contractor license (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.
- 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)
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