Mississippi Contractor License Types
The table below highlights the most common Mississippi contractor license categories. MSBOC's commercial Certificate of Responsibility regime covers dozens of trade classifications beyond those shown here — see MSBOC's classifications page at msboc.us/classifications for the full list.
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Building Construction Major commercial classification covering construction of commercial buildings and single- or multi-family residential structures above the residential thresholds, including additions, alterations, reconstruction, renovations, landscaping, earthwork, and parking areas. Applicants may take the Mississippi Building Construction trade exam or the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building. | $400 (plus $100 per additional classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure; payment/performance bonds may be required at the project level |
| Highway, Street and Bridge Construction Major commercial classification covering construction of highways, roads, streets, bridges, and other public ways, including drains, tunnels, traffic control, signs, striping, and non-electrical guardrails. This classification exclusively covers airport runway construction. | $400 (plus $100 per additional classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure; payment/performance bonds typically required on public projects |
| Heavy Construction Major commercial classification covering heavy civil construction work such as dams, water and sewer mains, pipelines, utility infrastructure, and similar non-building civil projects. | $400 (plus $100 per additional classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure; payment/performance bonds typically required on public projects |
| Municipal & Public Works Construction Major commercial classification covering municipal utility work including water, sewer, and storm-water systems and related public-works improvements. | $400 (plus $100 per additional classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure; payment/performance bonds typically required on public projects |
| Electrical (Commercial) Specialty commercial classification covering installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrical distribution systems and equipment. Required for electrical work over $10,000. Applicants may take the Mississippi Master Electrical exam or the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination. | $400 application (specialty classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Mechanical / HVAC (Commercial) Specialty commercial classification covering installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Required for HVAC work over $10,000. | $400 application (specialty classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Plumbing (Commercial) Specialty commercial classification covering installation, maintenance, and repair of potable water supply, sanitary sewer, storm water, and related plumbing systems. Required for plumbing work over $10,000. | $400 application (specialty classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Fire Protection Systems Specialty commercial classification covering installation, service, and repair of fire sprinkler and fire-suppression systems. Threshold: $5,000 on public projects, $10,000 on private projects. | $400 application (specialty classification) | $200 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Residential Builder Residential license for any person or entity constructing a residence for sale or for another party, not exceeding three floors in height, when total cost exceeds $50,000. Residential builders may also perform new commercial construction not exceeding 7,500 square feet and two stories. Requires residential trade exam plus the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam. | $50 (initial license) | $100 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Residential Remodeler Residential license covering remodeling, repair, or improvement of existing residential structures not exceeding three floors in height, when total cost of the improvement exceeds $10,000. Requires residential remodeler exam plus the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam. | $50 (initial license) | $100 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
| Residential Roofer Subclassification of Residential Remodeler limited exclusively to installation, repair, and improvement of residential rooftop structures — roof coverings and roof drainage. Residential roofing work exceeding $10,000 requires this license. | $50 (initial license) | $100 (annual) | Not required for licensure |
Processing time: Approximately 7 working days after MSBOC receives a complete application and passing exam results; the license is issued within about 5 working days after board approval. Applicants have 180 days from initial submission to complete the process. from application submission to license issuance.
Mississippi (MS) regulates contractors through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), the sole statewide licensing authority. Commercial projects of $50,000 or more require a Certificate of Responsibility under Title 31 Chapter 3 (Certificate of Responsibility regime, Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-15 et seq.), while residential construction over $50,000 (new homes) and residential remodeling over $10,000 require a license under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-1 et seq. All applicants — commercial and residential — must pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, demonstrate experience, and submit references. Commercial applicants must also pass a trade exam (or an accepted NASCLA exam), provide a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement showing minimum net worth ($50,000 for major classifications, $20,000 for specialty), and carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate. Bonds are not generally required for licensure itself; payment and performance bonds apply at the project level on public work and may be required by private owners. MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with multiple state boards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee — reciprocity may waive the Mississippi trade exam but the Law & Business Management exam is required for ALL applicants. MSBOC maintains a public license search at search.msboc.us so consumers can verify any MS contractor license before hiring.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's MSBOC License or Certificate Number
Ask the contractor for their Mississippi State Board of Contractors license number or Certificate of Responsibility (COR) number. Mississippi contractors must conduct business under the exact legal name on their certificate. If a contractor will not provide a number, treat that as a red flag — operating under an unlicensed or unregistered name is itself a violation.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the MSBOC Website
Use the MSBOC's official consolidated search tool to verify the contractor's license status. You can search by license number, name, or classification. The lookup shows license type (commercial certificate of responsibility or residential license), status, classifications held, and expiration date.
Step 3: Confirm the Classification Matches Your Project
Mississippi licenses are classification-specific. A Residential Builder license does not authorize commercial work above 7,500 sq ft, and a commercial Certificate of Responsibility in Building Construction does not automatically cover specialty trades like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (which each have their own $10,000 thresholds). Confirm the listed classifications cover your scope of work before signing a contract.
Step 4: Verify Insurance Coverage
Commercial contractors must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, and workers' compensation coverage if they have five or more employees. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance listing MSBOC as a notice party and confirm the policy is current.
- General liability: $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate (commercial)
- Workers' compensation: required for commercial contractors with 5+ employees
- Residential builders/remodelers: workers' comp required if applicable law requires it
Step 5: Check Complaint and Enforcement History
Contact MSBOC directly at 601-354-6161 (or toll-free 800-880-6161) or email info@msboc.us to ask about open complaints, citations, or disciplinary actions against the contractor. MSBOC operates a Statewide Investigative Team that pursues unlicensed activity and tracks violators.
Mississippi Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability (Commercial) | Required for all commercial license applicants: minimum $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. The certificate must list the applicant's exact licensed name and include notice-of-cancellation language to MSBOC. |
| Workers' Compensation (Commercial) | Required for commercial contractors with five or more employees. Certificate must be current at time of application and renewal. |
| Workers' Compensation (Residential) | Required for active residential builders and remodelers where applicable under Mississippi law; not required for inactive licensees. |
| General Liability (Residential) | MSBOC may require liability insurance for residential licensees; when required, it is reflected on the certificate of licensure. Not required for inactive licensees. |
Mississippi Contractor Bond Requirements
Mississippi does not require a contractor license bond to obtain an MSBOC certificate of responsibility or residential license. Instead, MSBOC relies on a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement for commercial applicants (minimum net worth of $50,000 for major classifications, $20,000 for specialty classifications). Payment and performance bonds apply at the project level: public works require surety bonds under Mississippi law, and private owners may require bonds under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-432.
Mississippi Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Mississippi law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Commercial contracts of $50,000 or more awarded without a current Certificate of Responsibility are null and void under Title 31 Chapter 3 (Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-15 et seq.).
- Public agencies must reject bids that do not display a valid COR number on the bid envelope.
- Unlicensed residential builders and remodelers cannot bring a civil action to enforce a construction contract — they can recover only actual documented labor and material costs, and only by clear and convincing evidence (Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9).
- Contractors operating without a required license have no right to assert a mechanic's lien for work requiring licensure.
- MSBOC maintains a Statewide Investigative Team that investigates unlicensed-contractor complaints and may issue stop-work orders.
- MSBOC publishes a public online license search so consumers can verify any contractor's license before hiring.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Mississippi puts you at risk:
- Unlicensed residential contracting is a misdemeanor under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9 — fine of $100 to $5,000, 30 to 60 days in county jail, or both.
- Commercial contracts of $50,000 or more awarded to contractors without a Certificate of Responsibility are null and void under Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-15 et seq.
- Public agencies must reject bids missing a valid COR number on the bid envelope.
- Unlicensed contractors cannot bring a civil action to enforce a contract — recovery is limited to actual documented labor and material costs, shown by clear and convincing evidence.
- Contractors performing work requiring a license without one cannot assert a mechanic's lien.
- For homeowners, the biggest risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor are voided or denied insurance claims, no legal recourse for defective or abandoned work, unpermitted or non-code-compliant construction, and potential liability for on-site injuries.
- MSBOC's Statewide Investigative Team can issue stop-work orders and citations.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Mississippi
Report unlicensed contracting to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. MSBOC maintains a Statewide Investigative Team that pursues unlicensed residential and commercial activity and can issue citations, stop-work orders, and refer cases for criminal prosecution.
- Phone: 601-354-6161 (local) or 800-880-6161 (toll-free)
- Email: info@msboc.us
- Mail: Mississippi State Board of Contractors, 2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216
- Online: msboc.us/consumers
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors investigates complaints against licensed commercial and residential contractors as well as unlicensed operators. MSBOC may issue citations, suspend or revoke licenses, assess civil penalties, and refer cases for criminal prosecution under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9 and § 31-3-15.
You can file a complaint by:
- Phone: 601-354-6161 (local) or 800-880-6161 (toll-free)
- Email: info@msboc.us
- Mail: Mississippi State Board of Contractors, 2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216 (or P.O. Box 320279, Jackson, MS 39232)
- Online: complaint and reporting information at msboc.us/consumers
For financial recovery beyond MSBOC's enforcement authority you may need to pursue civil court. Gather contracts, receipts, photos, and written communications before filing.
Mississippi Contractor Bond Schedule
Mississippi uses project-level surety bonds rather than a statewide license bond. Commercial applicants demonstrate financial responsibility through a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Net Worth (Major Classifications) | $50,000 minimum net worth | Demonstrated via a reviewed or audited CPA financial statement dated within the preceding 12 months. Compilation statements are not accepted. |
| Commercial Net Worth (Specialty Classifications) | $20,000 minimum net worth | Demonstrated via a reviewed or audited CPA financial statement dated within the preceding 12 months. |
| Private Project Performance/Payment Bond | Equal to or greater than the total contract amount | Optional under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-432 — when furnished, must be written by a surety authorized in Mississippi and listed on the U.S. Treasury's acceptable-sureties list. |
What Makes Mississippi Contractor Licensing Unique
Two License Systems Under One Board
MSBOC administers two parallel license systems: a Commercial Division issuing Certificates of Responsibility under Title 31 Chapter 3 for projects of $50,000 or more, and a Residential Division issuing residential builder, remodeler, and roofer licenses under Title 73 Chapter 59. The board itself is a single ten-member body appointed by the Governor.
CPA Financial Statement — Not a Bond
Unlike most states, Mississippi does not require a contractor license bond. Commercial applicants instead submit a reviewed or audited CPA financial statement showing a minimum net worth of $50,000 (major classifications) or $20,000 (specialty classifications). Compilation-level statements are explicitly rejected.
Specialty Trade Thresholds Are Lower Than General Commercial
The headline $50,000 commercial threshold is not uniform. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires commercial licensing at just $10,000. Fire protection systems trigger commercial licensing at $5,000 on public projects and $10,000 on private projects.
Reciprocity with Multiple States — But the L&B Exam Is Always Required
MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with boards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee (14 partner boards in total across those states). Reciprocity may waive the Mississippi trade exam for qualifying applicants from a reciprocal board — but MSBOC's own reciprocity page states explicitly that 'All applicants are required to take the Mississippi Business and Law exam.' The Law & Business Management exam is never waived, including for Tennessee applicants.
Unlicensed Residential Work Is a Misdemeanor
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9, unlicensed residential building or remodeling — or knowingly providing false information to obtain a license — is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $100 to $5,000, 30 to 60 days in county jail, or both. These statutory penalties apply to the contractor, not the homeowner. A homeowner who hires an unlicensed contractor generally faces no direct statutory fine, but does face substantial practical risks: voided or denied insurance claims, no legal recourse against the contractor, unpermitted or non-code-compliant work, and potential liability for injuries on the job site.
Mississippi Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Mississippi Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Mississippi?
Use the Mississippi State Board of Contractors consolidated license search at search.msboc.us/ConsolidatedSearch.cfm. You can search by contractor name, license number, or classification. The lookup shows whether the license is a commercial Certificate of Responsibility or a residential license, the classifications held, and current status. You can also call MSBOC at 601-354-6161 or 800-880-6161.
What projects require a contractor license in Mississippi?
Commercial projects of $50,000 or more require a Certificate of Responsibility from MSBOC under Title 31 Chapter 3 (Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-15 et seq.). New residential construction over $50,000 requires a Residential Builder license, and residential remodeling over $10,000 requires a Residential Remodeler license under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-1 et seq. Specialty trades have lower thresholds: electrical, plumbing, and HVAC require commercial licensing at $10,000, and fire protection at $5,000 (public) or $10,000 (private).
Does Mississippi require a contractor license bond?
No. Mississippi does not require a contractor license bond for MSBOC licensure. Commercial applicants instead must submit a reviewed or audited CPA financial statement showing at least $50,000 net worth for major classifications or $20,000 for specialty classifications. Project-level payment and performance bonds may still be required by public owners or by private owners under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-432.
How much does a Mississippi contractor license cost?
A new commercial license application is $400, plus $100 for each additional classification. Commercial renewals are $200 annually. Residential builder, remodeler, and roofer licenses cost $50 initially and $100 annually to renew. The required Mississippi Law and Business Management exam is $120 per attempt, administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Mississippi?
Once MSBOC has a complete application and your passing exam results, board review takes roughly 7 working days, and the license is issued within about 5 working days after approval. Applicants have 180 days from their initial submission to complete all requirements — including exams, references, and documentation — before the application is destroyed.
Does Mississippi have contractor license reciprocity?
Yes. MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with boards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee (14 partner boards across those nine states). Reciprocity can waive the Mississippi trade exam for qualifying applicants, but MSBOC requires the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam of ALL applicants — including those coming in under any reciprocity agreement. See MSBOC's reciprocity page at msboc.us/contractors/reciprocity for the full current list.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Mississippi?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor carries real risk. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9, the contractor commits a misdemeanor punishable by a $100–$5,000 fine, 30–60 days in county jail, or both — those statutory penalties apply to the contractor, not to you. The contractor cannot enforce the contract and cannot file a mechanic's lien; they can recover only documented actual costs of labor and materials, and only by clear and convincing evidence. Commercial contracts of $50,000+ awarded without a Certificate of Responsibility are null and void under § 31-3-15 et seq. As a homeowner your biggest practical risks are voided or denied property/casualty insurance claims, no legal recourse if the contractor disappears or does defective work, unpermitted or non-code-compliant construction, and potential liability if someone is injured on the job site.
How do I file a complaint against a Mississippi contractor?
Contact the Mississippi State Board of Contractors by phone at 601-354-6161 (or 800-880-6161), by email at info@msboc.us, or by mail at 2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216. MSBOC's Statewide Investigative Team handles unlicensed-activity complaints and can issue stop-work orders, citations, and license revocations for licensed contractors.
Do Mississippi contractors have to carry insurance?
Commercial license applicants must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, with MSBOC listed for cancellation notice. Workers' compensation is required for commercial contractors with five or more employees. Residential builders and remodelers must carry workers' comp where applicable law requires it; MSBOC may also require liability insurance for residential licensees.
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.
- MSBOC — Mississippi State Board of Contractors (home) — Primary regulator for all Mississippi contractor licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Consolidated License Search — Official public license lookup for commercial and residential licensees. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Contact Us — Board address, phone, fax, and email of record. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Classifications — Full list of commercial and residential license classifications and scopes. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Licenses (application process) — Three-step application process, notarization requirement, 180-day window. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Maintaining a License — Annual renewal requirements and late-renewal window. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Reciprocity — Reciprocity agreements with boards in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. MSBOC explicitly requires the Mississippi Business and Law exam of all applicants; reciprocity may waive the trade exam only. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Frequently Asked Questions — Processing timelines, application review, exam and documentation requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Commercial Laws and Rules (2022 revision, PDF) — Commercial net-worth requirements, insurance minimums, and penalties. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- MSBOC — Residential Laws and Rules (2022 revision, PDF) — Residential builder, remodeler, and roofer statutory framework (2022 revision, website version). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Miss. Code Ann. § 31-3-15 (commercial $50,000 threshold) — State-hosted version unavailable for public static linking; Justia mirror cited for the statute text. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-1 (residential definitions and thresholds) — State-hosted version unavailable for public static linking; Justia mirror cited for the statute text. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Miss. Code Ann. § 73-59-9 (penalties for unlicensed residential contracting) — State-hosted version unavailable for public static linking; Justia mirror cited for the statute text. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Mississippi Legislature — 2025 Senate Session Summary (PDF) — Legislative summaries including construction and public-works changes enacted in 2025. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ms.gov — State Board of Contractors agency listing — Official Mississippi agency directory entry for MSBOC. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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