Louisiana Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Contractor License Required for any commercial construction project of $50,000 or more (labor plus materials). A lower $10,000 threshold applies for Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical specialty classifications, and any work involving hazardous materials requires a license at $1 or more. Applicants must pass a trade exam, the Louisiana Business & Law open-book course, and meet financial-responsibility requirements based on audited or reviewed financial statements. | Application + license fees set by LSLBC (contact board for current schedule) | Annual renewal (verify current fee with LSLBC) | No contractor license bond required for commercial license; qualification is financial-statement based |
| Residential Building Contractor License Required for new residential construction where the total cost of the undertaking exceeds $75,000 (labor plus materials). Applicants must pass a residential trade exam, complete the Louisiana Business & Law requirement, and submit certificates for workers' compensation and general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000. Financial-responsibility documentation is required. | Application + license fees set by LSLBC (contact board for current schedule) | Annual renewal (verify current fee with LSLBC) | No standalone contractor license bond; financial-responsibility and $100,000 general liability insurance required |
| Home Improvement Registration A separate tier for residential repair, renovation, and remodel work on existing residential structures where the total project value (labor and materials) exceeds $7,500 but does not exceed $75,000. Registrants must carry workers' compensation coverage and general liability insurance of at least $100,000. Projects exceeding $75,000 require a full Residential Building Contractor license. Holders of a valid Commercial or Residential license are not required to separately register as a Home Improvement contractor. | Registration fee set by LSLBC | Annual renewal (verify current fee with LSLBC) | No bond; $100,000 general liability insurance required |
| Mold Remediation Contractor License Mold remediation licensing is consolidated under the general LSLBC framework (R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq.) following repeal of former Chapter 24-A by Acts 2022, No. 195. A license is required for any person performing mold remediation services (removal, cleaning, sanitizing) on projects exceeding $7,500. Licensed residential contractors performing incidental mold work of 20 square feet or less on their own projects are generally exempt. LSLBC issues, renews annually, suspends, or revokes mold remediation licenses. | Application fee set by LSLBC | Annual renewal | No bond; insurance requirements apply |
Processing time: Varies — applicants must pass trade and business-and-law requirements, clear a financial-responsibility review, and be approved by the board at a scheduled meeting. Allow 2-4 months from complete application to license issuance; delays are common if financial statements or documentation are incomplete. from application submission to license issuance.
Louisiana has a state-level contractor licensing system administered by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), headquartered in Baton Rouge. Unlike many states that leave general-contractor licensing to local jurisdictions, Louisiana requires a state license for most commercial and residential construction above fixed monetary thresholds: commercial projects of $50,000 or more (LA R.S. 37:2156.1), residential projects exceeding $75,000 (LA R.S. 37:2150.1), and a separate Home Improvement Registration for residential repair or remodel work between $7,500 and $75,000. Louisiana also has lower dollar thresholds for specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, mechanical over $10,000) and a $1-or-more threshold for any work involving hazardous materials. Verification of any active Louisiana contractor license is free on the LSLBC website.
Step 1: Ask the Contractor for Their LSLBC License Number
Louisiana contractors licensed by the LSLBC are assigned a unique license number that should appear on contracts, proposals, and advertising. If a contractor cannot or will not provide a license number for a project over the state threshold ($50,000 commercial, $75,000 residential, or $7,500 home improvement), treat that as a significant warning sign.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the LSLBC Contractor Search
Use the LSLBC's official Contractor Search to verify the license in real time. You can search by license number, contractor name, qualifying party, or classification. The lookup shows license status, classifications, expiration date, and the qualifying party of record.
Step 3: Confirm the Classification Matches Your Project
Louisiana licenses are granular — a Commercial license does not automatically authorize residential work, and specialty classifications (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing) are distinct from Building Construction. Verify the contractor's classification covers the specific type of work you need.
- Commercial projects $50,000+: Commercial license in the relevant classification
- Residential new construction over $75,000: Residential Building Contractor license
- Residential repair/remodel $7,500-$75,000: Home Improvement Registration
- Mold remediation over $7,500: Mold Remediation license
- Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing over $10,000: matching specialty classification
Step 4: Verify Insurance Coverage
Louisiana residential and home improvement contractors must carry workers' compensation coverage and general liability insurance of at least $100,000. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance naming you as a certificate holder, and verify directly with the insurer that the policy is active.
Step 5: Check Complaint and Disciplinary History
Board action (suspensions, revocations, cease-and-desist orders, fines) is maintained by the LSLBC. You can call the board at (225) 765-2301 or file a complaint online through the LSLBC complaint portal. The LSLBC investigates both licensed and unlicensed contractor activity.
Louisiana Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Required for Residential Building Contractors and Home Improvement registrants — minimum $100,000 coverage, filed with LSLBC. Commercial licensees typically carry liability insurance as a condition of bidding but are not subject to the same statutory minimum. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any Louisiana contractor with employees, and specifically required as a condition of LSLBC residential and home improvement licensure. Certificate of coverage must be filed with the board. |
Louisiana Contractor Bond Requirements
Louisiana does NOT require a contractor license bond for the LSLBC Commercial or Residential licenses. Financial qualification is instead based on submitted financial statements and, for residential/home-improvement licensees, a $100,000 minimum general liability insurance policy. Individual project owners, public works, or local jurisdictions may separately require bid, performance, or payment bonds, but there is no state-level license bond requirement.
Louisiana Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Louisiana law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- LSLBC maintains a free public license lookup so homeowners and project owners can verify any Louisiana contractor's license status, classifications, and qualifying party before signing a contract.
- Residential contractors and home improvement registrants must carry a minimum $100,000 general liability policy and workers' compensation coverage on file with the board.
- The LSLBC can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and penalties against unlicensed contractors and refer violators to the Louisiana Attorney General for prosecution.
- Mold remediation work above $7,500 must be performed by a separately licensed contractor under the LSLBC framework (R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq., following repeal of former Chapter 24-A by Acts 2022, No. 195), protecting consumers from unqualified operators on health-sensitive work.
- The LSLBC's Residential Building Subcommittee handles residential disputes and can suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for violations.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Louisiana puts you at risk:
- The LSLBC can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and civil penalties under LA R.S. 37:2158 for performing contractor work above the statutory thresholds without a license
- The LSLBC can refer unlicensed-contracting cases to the Louisiana Attorney General for prosecution
- Contracts with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable in Louisiana courts
- Your property and liability insurance may deny claims arising from work performed by an unlicensed contractor
- You lose access to the LSLBC's complaint investigation and disciplinary process when the person who did the work was never licensed
- Mold remediation performed without the required LSLBC license (R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq., following repeal of former Chapter 24-A by Acts 2022, No. 195) can expose occupants to health risks and create separate liability
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Louisiana
Report unlicensed contracting activity to the LSLBC. Performing work above the state thresholds ($50,000 commercial, $75,000 residential new construction, $7,500 home improvement, $7,500 mold remediation, $10,000 for plumbing/electrical/mechanical) without the required LSLBC license or registration is a violation of LA R.S. 37:2158.
- Online complaint portal: arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbccomplaint/new
- Phone: (225) 765-2301
- Mail: LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Louisiana
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors investigates complaints against both licensed and unlicensed contractors. The board can revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew licenses; issue cease-and-desist orders; impose fines; and refer violators for criminal prosecution.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: File a complaint at arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbccomplaint/new
- Phone: (225) 765-2301
- Mail: LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Do not submit a duplicate online complaint if you have already mailed or emailed a paper complaint to the board. Gather your contract, payment records, photos, and correspondence before filing.
Louisiana Contractor Bond Schedule
While Louisiana does not impose a state contractor license bond, public-works projects and many private commercial contracts require project-specific surety bonds under the Louisiana Public Works Act (LA R.S. 38:2241 et seq.).
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bid Bond | Typically 5% of bid | Required on public-works projects above statutory thresholds; set by the awarding authority. |
| Performance & Payment Bond | Typically 100% of contract value | Required on Louisiana public-works contracts under LA R.S. 38:2241. Not a license bond — attaches to the specific contract. |
What Makes Louisiana Contractor Licensing Unique
Three Separate License Tiers by Project Value
Louisiana is unusual in operating three distinct residential tiers keyed to project value: Home Improvement Registration ($7,500-$75,000 on existing structures), Residential Building Contractor (new residential over $75,000), and Commercial license (commercial work $50,000 or more). Each has different application, exam, and insurance requirements.
$1 Threshold for Hazardous Materials
Any commercial contract involving hazardous materials requires a Louisiana commercial license regardless of dollar amount — the threshold is literally $1 or more. This is one of the lowest licensing thresholds of any state for any category of work.
No State License Bond
Unlike California ($25,000), Florida, and many other states, Louisiana does not require a contractor license bond as a condition of licensure. Financial qualification is based on submitted financial statements, and residential licensees must carry $100,000 general liability insurance. Project-specific bonds may still be required on public-works contracts.
Business & Law Requirement
Louisiana's Business & Law component is a short online course required of all applicants — it must be completed by new qualifying parties, by applicants using reciprocity, or when taking NASCLA credit. A separate trade exam is required for each classification unless waived by reciprocity or equivalent credentials.
Specialty Trades Have a Lower $10,000 Threshold
Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical specialty classifications require a Louisiana license for commercial work exceeding $10,000 — far below the $50,000 general commercial threshold. This catches smaller MEP projects that would fall under a handyperson exemption in other states.
Louisiana Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Louisiana Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Louisiana?
Go to the LSLBC Contractor Search at lslbc.gov/contractor-search/ and search by license number, contractor name, qualifying party, or classification. The lookup shows current status, classifications, and expiration. You can also call the LSLBC at (225) 765-2301 to verify a license by phone.
What is the dollar threshold for needing a contractor license in Louisiana?
Louisiana has multiple thresholds. Commercial projects require a Commercial license at $50,000 or more (or $10,000 for Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical specialty work, and $1 or more for anything involving hazardous materials). New residential construction requires a Residential Building Contractor license when the project exceeds $75,000. Residential repair and remodel work on existing structures between $7,500 and $75,000 requires a Home Improvement Registration.
Do Louisiana contractors need a surety bond?
No state-level license bond is required. Louisiana's LSLBC uses financial statements and — for residential and home improvement contractors — a $100,000 minimum general liability insurance policy to qualify contractors. Project-specific bid, performance, and payment bonds are still common on public-works and private commercial contracts.
What insurance must a Louisiana contractor carry?
Residential Building Contractors and Home Improvement registrants must file a certificate showing at least $100,000 of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage with the LSLBC. Any contractor with employees must carry workers' compensation regardless of classification.
What is a Louisiana Home Improvement Registration?
It's a separate tier at the LSLBC for contractors performing repair, renovation, or remodel work on existing residential structures with a total project value over $7,500 but not exceeding $75,000. Holders of a full Residential Building Contractor or Commercial license are not required to also hold a Home Improvement Registration. Projects over $75,000 require the full Residential Building Contractor license.
Does Louisiana have reciprocity with other states?
The LSLBC allows certain out-of-state applicants to waive the trade exam if they hold a comparable license in good standing in a reciprocal state. Applicants must submit a Reciprocity Request form completed by the other state's board along with license verification. Contact the LSLBC for the current list of reciprocal states and accepted classifications.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Louisiana?
The LSLBC can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and other penalties against anyone performing contractor work above the statutory thresholds without a license (LA R.S. 37:2158 and 37:2160). The contract may also be unenforceable, and your insurer may deny claims arising from unlicensed work. The LSLBC investigates complaints against unlicensed operators and can refer cases to the Louisiana Attorney General.
How do I file a complaint against a Louisiana contractor?
File online through the LSLBC complaint portal at arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbccomplaint/new, call (225) 765-2301, or mail a written complaint to LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Include the contractor's name, license number (if any), a description of the dispute, and supporting documents (contract, payments, photos, correspondence).
How long does it take to get a Louisiana contractor license?
Typical timelines run 2-4 months from a complete application to license issuance. The process includes financial-responsibility review, trade exam scheduling and passing, completion of the Business & Law requirement, and approval at a scheduled LSLBC board meeting. Delays are common when financial statements, insurance certificates, or qualifying-party documentation are incomplete.
Do I need a license for mold remediation in Louisiana?
Yes. Mold remediation licensing is now consolidated under the general LSLBC framework (R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq.) following repeal of former Chapter 24-A by Acts 2022, No. 195. Mold remediation services (removal, cleaning, sanitizing) on projects exceeding $7,500 require a Mold Remediation license from the LSLBC. Licensed residential contractors performing incidental mold work of 20 square feet or less on their own projects are generally exempt. The LSLBC issues, renews annually, suspends, and revokes mold remediation 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.
- LSLBC — Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (home) — Primary regulator for Louisiana contractor licensing (commercial, residential, home improvement, mold). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — Contractor Search (official lookup) — Search licensed contractors by number, name, qualifying party, or classification. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — Blue Book (statutes, rules, thresholds) — Official compilation confirming $50,000 commercial, $75,000 residential, $7,500-$75,000 home improvement, $10,000 specialty-trade thresholds. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — Application Instructions — Reciprocity process, qualifying-party requirements, and exam waivers. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — Business and Law Requirement — Online Business & Law course requirement for new qualifying parties. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — File a Complaint (online portal) — Official online complaint submission for licensed and unlicensed contractor activity. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Louisiana Revised Statutes — R.S. 37:2150.1 (Definitions; contractor thresholds) — Core definitions and project-value thresholds for contractors under Title 37, Chapter 24: $7,500 home improvement/mold, $75,000 residential, $10,000 specialty trades, $1+ hazardous materials. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Louisiana Revised Statutes — R.S. 37:2158 (board authority, penalties) — Authorizes LSLBC to revoke/suspend/refuse licenses, issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, and penalties for violations including unlicensed contracting. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Louisiana Acts 2022, No. 195 (repeals Chapter 24-A; consolidates mold under R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq.) — Act 195 of the 2022 Regular Session repealed former Chapter 24-A (R.S. 37:2181-2192) and consolidated mold remediation regulation into the general LSLBC framework at R.S. 37:2150.1 et seq. $7,500 threshold and 20-sq-ft incidental exception remain in effect via LSLBC rule. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- LSLBC — Contact (address and phone) — Canonical LSLBC contact page with Baton Rouge address (600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) and main phone (225) 765-2301. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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