Alaska Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor (without Residential Endorsement) Undertakes construction projects that involve three or more trades or that supervise mechanical or specialty subcontractors. Without a residential endorsement, a general contractor cannot perform new residential construction or alterations exceeding 25% of a residential structure's value (AS 08.18.025). Bond required: $25,000 under AS 08.18.071(b)(1). | $100 nonrefundable application fee | $25,000 surety bond or cash deposit | |
| General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement A general contractor authorized to construct or substantially alter privately-owned residential structures of one to four units. Requires passing the residential contractor exam (70% minimum) within 12 months of application and completing an approved Arctic Engineering course (e.g., UAA ES AC030, UAA ES A411 Northern Design, UAA CE A403, UAF CE 401, UW CIVENG 500) or the Alaska Craftsman Home Program within 24 months (AS 08.18.025(b)(4)). If the contractor performs exclusively residential work, the bond is $20,000; if any non-residential work is performed, the $25,000 general contractor bond applies (AS 08.18.071(b)). | $100 application fee + $250 endorsement fee | $20,000 (residential-only) or $25,000 (with non-residential work) | |
| Mechanical Contractor Performs plumbing, pipe fitting, sheet metal, heating, air conditioning, ventilating, or sprinkler and dry-chemical fire-protection work (AS 08.18.171). A mechanical contractor registration will not be issued unless the applicant is — or employs — a person currently licensed as a Mechanical Administrator under AS 08.40 (AS 08.18.028). | $100 nonrefundable application fee | $10,000 surety bond or cash deposit (AS 08.18.071(b)(3)) | |
| Specialty Contractor Contractor whose business is limited to not more than three specific trades as defined by the Department (12 AAC 21.200 – 12 AAC 21.570). Recognized trades include carpentry (finish/rough), concrete & paving, drywall, electrical, excavation, glazing, painting, roofing, sheet metal, tile & terrazzo, water & sewer, and others. | $100 nonrefundable application fee | $10,000 surety bond or cash deposit (AS 08.18.071(b)(3)) | |
| General Contractor – Handyman For contractors whose projects each have an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less (including all labor, materials, and other items), not part of a larger operation and not divided to evade higher bonding (AS 08.18.071(b)(4); 12 AAC 21.700). Cannot perform work requiring an electrical or mechanical administrator (AS 08.40) or work requiring a Residential Contractor Endorsement (AS 08.18.025). | $100 nonrefundable application fee | $5,000 surety bond or cash deposit (AS 08.18.071(b)(4)) |
Processing time: Complete, correct renewal applications are processed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks (CBPL). New applications typically take longer due to exam scheduling, bond/insurance review, and endorsement verification. from application submission to license issuance.
Alaska (AK) regulates contractors through the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL). The Construction Contractors Program operates under Alaska Statutes Title 8, Chapter 18 (AS 08.18) and Alaska Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 21 (12 AAC 21). Any construction work in Alaska requires registration — including small jobs: since January 1, 2015, contractors performing projects with an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less must hold a separate Handyman endorsement. Alaska is unique in requiring a Residential Contractor Endorsement — with a 16-hour Arctic Engineering course and a state exam — before a general contractor can build or substantially alter (more than 25% of value) a one-to-four-unit privately-owned residential structure. Bond amounts scale by category from $5,000 (handyman) to $25,000 (general contractor), and all contractors must carry public liability, property damage, and (if they have employees) workers' compensation insurance.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's Alaska License Number
Alaska contractors must include their name, mailing address, principal place of business, and registration number on all advertising, contracts, correspondence, cards, signs, and documents prepared for the contracting business (AS 08.18.051). If a contractor cannot provide a registration number, treat it as a serious red flag.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the CBPL Professional License Search
Use the Division's free Professional License Search to verify a contractor's registration, license type, endorsements, and any disciplinary action. As of November 22, 2022, primary-source license verifications are provided directly through the website at no cost.
Search Professional Licenses (CBPL) →
Step 3: Confirm Bond and Insurance
Ask the contractor for a copy of the current surety bond and a certificate of insurance. Business name on documents must exactly match the name on the license, and documents should be current and not expired (per CBPL Bond & Insurance Quick Facts).
- Surety bond: $5,000 handyman / $10,000 specialty or mechanical / $20,000 residential-only GC / $25,000 general contractor (AS 08.18.071(b))
- Public liability: minimum $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury (one/multiple persons) and $20,000 property damage (AS 08.18.101(a)(2))
- Workers' compensation insurance if the contractor has employees (AS 23.30; AS 08.18.101(a)(1))
Step 4: Verify the Residential Endorsement for Home Projects
If your project is new residential construction or alterations exceeding 25% of the structure's value on a one-to-four-unit private residence, the contractor must hold a Residential Contractor Endorsement (AS 08.18.025). The license search shows endorsement status; a general contractor without the endorsement cannot legally undertake this work.
Step 5: Check Disciplinary History and File Concerns with Investigations
CBPL publishes quarterly disciplinary action reports from 2017 onward. Complaints about licensed or unlicensed contractor activity go to the CBPL Investigations Section.
Alaska Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Public Liability — Bodily Injury | Minimum $50,000 for injury or death to any one person and $100,000 for injury or death to more than one person (AS 08.18.101(a)(2)). |
| Public Liability — Property Damage | Minimum $20,000 for damage to property (AS 08.18.101(a)(2)). |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any contractor with employees, through a private insurer admitted in Alaska or a self-insurance certificate from the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board (AS 08.18.101(a)(1); AS 23.30). |
| De Minimis Exception | The public-liability/property-damage minimums do not apply to contractors whose projects each have an aggregate contract price of $2,500 or less (AS 08.18.101(a)(2)). |
Alaska Contractor Bond Requirements
Every registered Alaska contractor must file a surety bond running to the State of Alaska, or a cash deposit / negotiable security in the same amount, under AS 08.18.071. The bond secures payment of taxes, wages, material suppliers, equipment rentals, and judgments for negligent or improper work. Bond amounts: $25,000 general contractor; $20,000 general contractor with residential endorsement doing exclusively residential work; $10,000 mechanical or specialty contractor (and home inspectors); $5,000 handyman (projects ≤ $10,000).
Alaska Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Alaska law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must display their name, address, principal place of business, and registration number on all advertising, contracts, cards, signs, and documents (AS 08.18.051).
- A general contractor cannot undertake new residential construction or alterations exceeding 25% of a residential structure's value without a Residential Contractor Endorsement (AS 08.18.025).
- Handyman contractors cannot perform work requiring an electrical or mechanical administrator or work requiring a residential endorsement (12 AAC 21.700).
- Bond and insurance documents must be dated within 30 days of submission and business names must exactly match — CBPL enforces strict documentation to prevent coverage gaps (per CBPL Bond & Insurance Quick Facts).
- CBPL publishes quarterly disciplinary action reports from 2017 onward for every professional license.
- CBPL's online Professional License Search provides free primary-source license verification (no letter or fee required since November 22, 2022).
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Alaska puts you at risk:
- Administrative fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses (AS 08.18.125)
- Class B misdemeanor exposure for knowing violations after prior sanctions (AS 08.18.141)
- Unenforceable contracts and lost access to CBPL complaint/disciplinary remedies
- No bond or insurance to back up faulty work or property damage
- Potential denial of homeowner's insurance claims for work performed by unlicensed contractors
- The Department can deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a contractor's registration and pursue enforcement for unlicensed activity
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Alaska
Report unlicensed or improperly endorsed contractor activity to the CBPL Investigations Section. Unlicensed contracting, contracting without a required residential endorsement, or practicing on a lapsed registration are all subject to administrative fine and potential criminal referral under AS 08.18.
- Email: Investigations@Alaska.Gov
- Phone: (907) 269-8124
- Fax: (907) 269-8195
- Mail: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Investigations, 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Alaska
The CBPL Investigations Section investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors, reviews whether respondents are properly licensed or endorsed, and can initiate enforcement action for unlicensed practice, improper licensing, or missing endorsements.
You can file a complaint by:
- Email: Investigations@Alaska.Gov
- Phone: (907) 269-8124
- Fax: (907) 269-8195
- Mail: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Investigations, 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM and 12:30 PM–3:00 PM Alaska Time. Beware of scam callers impersonating the Division — if in doubt, hang up and call (907) 269-8124 directly.
Alaska Contractor Bond Schedule
Alaska contractors may file either a surety bond or a cash deposit / negotiable security (time certificate of deposit, government bonds, etc.) of equivalent value, held in trust by the State (12 AAC 21.120 — cash deposits instead of bond). A cash certificate of deposit or other negotiable security cannot be released until three years after the contractor ceases business or completes its final project, whichever applies (12 AAC 21.090(e)).
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Required for a General Contractor without a Residential Contractor Endorsement, or a GC-RE performing any non-residential work (AS 08.18.071(b)(1)). |
| Residential-Only General Contractor Bond | $20,000 | General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement performing exclusively residential work (AS 08.18.071(b)(2)). |
| Mechanical or Specialty Contractor / Home Inspector Bond | $10,000 | Required for Mechanical and Specialty Contractors and for Home Inspectors (AS 08.18.071(b)(3)). |
| Handyman Contractor Bond | $5,000 | Required when every project has an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less (AS 08.18.071(b)(4)). |
What Makes Alaska Contractor Licensing Unique
Arctic Engineering Course Required for Residential Work
To obtain a Residential Contractor Endorsement, applicants must have completed — within 24 months of application — either the Alaska Craftsman Home Program or an approved postsecondary Arctic Engineering course (e.g., UAA ES AC030 Fundamentals of Arctic Engineering, UAA ES A411 Northern Design, UAA CE A403, UAF CE 401, or UW CIVENG 500 Cold Regions Engineering). The course covers frozen ground, heat transfer, arctic hydrology, and cold-climate structural/thermal design. (AS 08.18.025(b)(4))
25% Rule for Residential Alterations
Under AS 08.18.025, an 'alteration' means a change worth more than 25% of the structure's value. Any work above that threshold on a one-to-four-unit private residence requires a Residential Contractor Endorsement — not just a general contractor registration.
Handyman Licensing Since 2015
Effective January 1, 2015, Alaska requires a 'General Contractor – Handyman' registration for any project with an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less. This closed a prior gap in consumer protection and subjects small-job contractors to bonding ($5,000), insurance, and registration requirements. Splitting a larger project into sub-$10,000 contracts to evade higher bonding is explicitly prohibited (AS 08.18.071(b)(4)).
First-Offense Civil Fine Up to $1,000
CBPL can impose an administrative fine of up to $1,000 for a first violation and up to $1,500 for any subsequent violation of AS 08.18.011 (registration) or AS 08.18.025 (residential endorsement). Fines do not apply in communities with populations of 1,000 or fewer (AS 08.18.125).
Biennial Renewal Cycle — No Grace Period
Alaska contractor registrations renew every two years. For general contractors with residential endorsement, the renewal deadline is September 30 of even-numbered years; after that date the license lapses immediately with no grace period, and any work performed on a lapsed license is illegal (per CBPL General Contractor with Residential Endorsement Packet, con4135).
Alaska Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Alaska Contractor Licensing
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Alaska?
Use the CBPL Professional License Search at commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/professional. You can search by license number, program, license type, business name (DBA), owner/entity name, or city. The search shows current status, license type, endorsements, and any disciplinary actions. As of November 22, 2022, primary-source license verification through the website is free — no written request or fee is required.
What kinds of contractor licenses does Alaska issue?
The CBPL Construction Contractors Program issues five license categories under AS 08.18: General Contractor (with or without Residential Contractor Endorsement), Mechanical Contractor, Specialty Contractor, and General Contractor – Handyman. Residential work on one-to-four-unit private residences requires the Residential Contractor Endorsement on top of a general contractor registration.
Does Alaska require a license for small jobs?
Yes. Since January 1, 2015, Alaska requires a 'General Contractor – Handyman' license for any project with an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less, including all labor, materials, and other items. Splitting a larger job into multiple sub-$10,000 contracts to evade a higher bond is explicitly prohibited under AS 08.18.071(b)(4).
How much bond does an Alaska contractor need?
Bond amounts under AS 08.18.071(b) are: $25,000 for a General Contractor; $20,000 for a General Contractor with Residential Endorsement performing exclusively residential work; $10,000 for Mechanical Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and Home Inspectors; $5,000 for Handyman Contractors (projects ≤ $10,000). Contractors may file an equivalent cash deposit or negotiable security in place of a surety bond.
What insurance must an Alaska contractor carry?
Under AS 08.18.101, contractors must carry public liability and property damage insurance with minimums of $20,000 for property damage, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, and $100,000 for injury or death of more than one person. Workers' compensation insurance is required for any contractor with employees. The insurance minimums do not apply to contractors whose projects are each $2,500 or less.
What is the Residential Contractor Endorsement and do I need it?
Any general contractor who builds or substantially alters a privately-owned residential structure of one to four units must hold a Residential Contractor Endorsement (AS 08.18.025). 'Alteration' means work worth more than 25% of the structure's value. To get the endorsement, the applicant must pass the residential contractor exam (70% minimum) within 12 months of application and complete an approved Arctic Engineering course or the Alaska Craftsman Home Program within 24 months.
How much does an Alaska contractor license cost?
Under 12 AAC 02.180, the nonrefundable application fee is $100 and the biennial registration (initial or renewal) fee is $250. The Residential Contractor Endorsement adds $250 initial and $250 biennial renewal. Other fees include $35 for a specialty trade change, $75 to switch between general and specialty/mechanical, $65 for a name change, and $30 for a bonding research fee.
What happens if someone contracts without a license in Alaska?
A first violation of AS 08.18.011 (registration) or AS 08.18.025 (residential endorsement) can result in an administrative fine of up to $1,000; a second or subsequent violation up to $1,500 (AS 08.18.125). Knowing violations after a prior sanction are a class B misdemeanor under AS 08.18.141. Administrative fines do not apply in communities with populations of 1,000 or fewer.
How do I file a complaint against an Alaska contractor?
Contact the CBPL Investigations Section at Investigations@Alaska.Gov or (907) 269-8124, or mail to Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Investigations, 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567. Investigations reviews both licensed and unlicensed activity and can initiate enforcement for missing licenses or endorsements.
How long does it take to get an Alaska contractor license?
Complete, correct renewal applications are processed in roughly 4 to 6 weeks. New applications take longer because they require exam scheduling (for residential endorsement), Arctic Engineering course completion, and review of bond and insurance documents. There is no grace period for lapsed licenses.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- CBPL — Construction Contractors Program (home) — Program overview, contacts, and application resources. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Construction Contractors FAQs — Primary FAQ covering license categories, bond amounts, and handyman threshold. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Statutes and Regulations (AS 08.18 / 12 AAC 21) — Links to the governing Alaska Statutes and Administrative Code sections. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Professional License Search — Free, primary-source contractor license lookup tool. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — License Verification (policy update Nov 22, 2022) — Primary-source verification is free online — no written request or fee. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Bond & Insurance Quick Facts (PDF) — Official summary of bond amounts (AS 08.18.071) and insurance minimums (AS 08.18.101). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Handyman Contractor Application Packet (con4816 PDF) — Handyman registration requirements, $5,000 bond, $350 total fees. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — General Contractor with Residential Endorsement Packet (con4135 PDF) — Residential endorsement procedures, renewal deadlines, no grace period. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Specialty Contractor Trades List (con4818 PDF) — Official list of specialty trades under 12 AAC 21.200 – 12 AAC 21.570. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Approved Courses in Arctic Engineering — Official list of approved Arctic Engineering courses accepted for the Residential Contractor Endorsement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Investigations Section — Complaint filing procedures, contact information, and enforcement role. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CBPL — Construction Contractors Forms — Application and miscellaneous forms for all contractor categories. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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