Updated April 2026
Nebraska Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Registration only
- Licensing Board
- Nebraska Department of Labor
- Minimum Project Threshold
- $2,500 (in counties with 100,000+ residents)
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $1,000–$10,000 (varies by project dollar amount)
Registration under Contractor Registration Act. Only applies in counties with 100,000+ residents. No exam except for electricians. Sales tax election required at registration.
Nebraska requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding $2,500 (in counties with 100,000+ residents) in labor and materials. The Nebraska Department of Labor oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Nebraska should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Visit the Nebraska Department of Labor website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Nebraska license data to our search tool — check our Nebraska page for updates.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Nebraska requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($1,000–$10,000 (varies by project dollar amount)). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Nebraska Department of Labor tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Nebraska Department of Labor website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Nebraska puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Nebraska
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Nebraska, report them to the Nebraska Department of Labor. Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.