Contractor Licensing Requirements

State By State

By FindPros

Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner hiring a local electrician, you should know the licensing requirements for your state.

Otherwise, you could face fines, removal of your project without compensation, or a dangerous situation at your home. These consequences are usually cheaper than the cost of a permit, which qualified pros aren’t likely to forget. Contractors can face jail time, and unlicensed pros may not have any legal recourse if their client refuses to pay.

In general, licenses are required for

  • Commercial contractors
  • Residential contractors
  • Water and Gas Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • HVAC technicians
  • Mold, Asbestos, hazardous waste remediation services
  • Department of Transportation (road work)

Licensed vs. Registered vs. Certified

Some states require contractor licensing while others require registration or certification. While there are some differences between the three, the exact definitions typically vary by state. This overview should shed some light on the usual differences

  • Licensing involves passing exams and meeting certain criteria to prove reasonable competency in a trade
  • Registration is a written record of who is performing the work. It doesn’t guarantee expertise or competency
  • Certification is usually voluntary, but some states may require it for certain jobs or practices. It can be obtained in place of a license in some states, or in addition to licensure
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Find Your State Requirements

  • AL
  • AK
  • AZ
  • AR
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • IA
  • KS
  • KY
  • LA
  • ME
  • MD
  • MA
  • MI
  • MN
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  • NE
  • NV
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  • NM
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  • NC
  • ND
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  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • SC
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  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY
  • Alabama
    Alabama

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  • Alaska
    Alaska

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Arizona
    Arizona

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Arkansas
    Arkansas

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • California
    California

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Colorado
    Colorado

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Connecticut
    Connecticut

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Delaware
    Delaware

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Florida
    Florida

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Georgia
    Georgia

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Hawaii
    Hawaii

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Idaho
    Idaho

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Illinois
    Illinois

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Indiana
    Indiana

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Iowa
    Iowa

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Kansas
    Kansas

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Kentucky
    Kentucky

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Louisiana
    Louisiana

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Maine
    Maine

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Maryland
    Maryland

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Massachusetts
    Massachusetts

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Michigan
    Michigan

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Minnesota
    Minnesota

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Mississippi
    Mississippi

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Missouri
    Missouri

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Montana
    Montana

    Check Registration
  • Nebraska
    Nebraska

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Nevada
    Nevada

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • New Hampshire
    New Hampshire

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • New Jersey
    New Jersey

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • New Mexico
    New Mexico

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • New York
    New York

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • North Carolina
    North Carolina

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • North Dakota
    North Dakota

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Ohio
    Ohio

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Oklahoma
    Oklahoma

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Oregon
    Oregon

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Pennsylvania
    Pennsylvania

    Check Registration
  • Rhode Island
    Rhode Island

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • South Carolina
    South Carolina

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • South Dakota
    South Dakota

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Tennessee
    Tennessee

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Texas
    Texas

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Utah
    Utah

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Vermont
    Vermont

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Virginia
    Virginia

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Wisconsin
    Wisconsin

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration
  • Wyoming
    Wyoming

    In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount. Pros may need to take an examination for licensure depending on their status.

    Check Registration

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