Vermont general contractor license

1. Who needs a license

$10,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))

Residential contractors doing residential work estimated at $10,000 or more (labor and materials) must register with OPR (26 V.S.A. 5501). (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))

• Exempt include employees of a registered business, trades licensed by Public Safety within scope, and subcontractors not contracting with the homeowner. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (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. Apply online Apply through OPR Online Services with proof of your registered business name. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
2. Insurance and contracts Upload proof of $1,000,000/$2,000,000 liability insurance and attest you use written contracts. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))

Exam

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

Bond

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

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Not stated by OPR (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: OPR Initial Licensing, Renewal Fees and Dates (opens in a new tab))
• Renewal fee: $75. (source: OPR Initial Licensing, Renewal Fees and Dates (opens in a new tab))

Renewal $75 individual or $250 business, due 31 March of odd-numbered years. (source: OPR Initial Licensing, Renewal Fees and Dates (opens in a new tab))

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the OPR website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Use OPR's Find a Professional to look up a residential contractor or download the roster. Any sanctions are public. (source: OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (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: OPR website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. Red flags when hiring

• No written contract with price, dates, scope and change-order terms. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
• Not in OPR's registry on a job of $10,000 or more. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))

7. How to complain

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