Contractor License Requirements by State
Most states require contractors to be licensed. Requirements vary widely — some states license at the state level, others at the city or county level, and a few have no general contractor license at all.
Common Requirements
- •Pass a trade exam (business & law, plus technical for specialty trades)
- •Proof of general liability insurance (typically $1M minimum)
- •Surety bond (amounts vary by state, $5,000–$25,000 typical)
- •Workers' comp insurance (if you have employees)
- •Minimum years of experience (usually 2–4 years)
- •Background check (some states)
State-by-State Contractor License Guides
Select your state for specific contractor licensing requirements, fees, and application details.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
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This is general information, not legal advice.