Wisconsin general contractor license

1. Who needs a license

No one may get a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling without a Dwelling Contractor (or Restricted) certification, and holding or employing a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))

• This does not apply to owners who live or will live in the dwelling and pull the permit themselves. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))

2. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

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

Experience and steps

1. Take the qualifier course The DCQ applicant completes at least 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course, taken within the last year. (source: DSPS: DCQ new licensure (opens in a new tab))
2. Show financial responsibility The Dwelling Contractor files a $25,000 surety bond or $250,000 per-occurrence liability insurance. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply on LicensE Apply through license.wi.gov. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))

Exam

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

Bond

No bond is required. A $25,000 bond, or $250,000 per-occurrence general liability insurance instead. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))

Insurance

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

Renewal

• Continuing education: 12 hours. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab), source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))

The DCQ renews every 2 years with 12 hours of approved CE, 4 in laws, codes, contracts, liability and risk management. The Dwelling Contractor has no CE but must upload current proof of financial responsibility. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab), source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))

4. How to look up a contractor

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

How: Check the Dwelling Contractor and Qualifier credentials through DSPS's LicensE system. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (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: DSPS website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. Red flags when hiring

• Can't pull a permit for your home, or asks you to pull it as owner. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))
• No proof of a bond or liability insurance. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))

7. How to complain

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