Nebraska Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor Registration (all contractors and subcontractors) Required of every contractor and subcontractor who, for compensation, engages in or arranges construction, alteration, repair, dismantling, or demolition of real property in Nebraska — including residents and nonresidents. Issued by the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act. No exam, no state surety bond, and no dollar-amount threshold. Applicants with employees must provide proof of Nebraska workers' compensation coverage (ACORD 25 certificate). | $25 annual (statutory cap $40 per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2107) | Annual; $25 per renewal (statutory cap $40) | No state contractor license bond required |
| Electrical Contractor License (State Electrical Division) Required to perform or supervise electrical work in Nebraska under the State Electrical Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq.). Administered by the State Electrical Division and the State Electrical Board. An Electrical Contractor must employ a licensed Master Electrician who supervises the work. Licenses are issued for a two-year period and expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. | Set by the State Electrical Board (see electrical.nebraska.gov) | Renewed biennially (every 2 years); expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years | No state bond required by the Electrical Division |
| Master Electrician License Journeyman-level license authorizing planning, laying out, and supervising the installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Requires passing a state exam administered by the State Electrical Board. A Master Electrician's license is required for a firm to obtain an Electrical Contractor license. | Set by the State Electrical Board | Biennial; expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years | No |
| Journeyman Electrician License Authorizes a licensed individual to perform electrical installation work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician. Requires passing the state journeyman exam. | Set by the State Electrical Board | Biennial; expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years | No |
| Nonresident Contractor Registration (Department of Revenue) In addition to Department of Labor contractor registration, nonresident contractors performing work in Nebraska must register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and either post a surety bond or make a cash deposit sufficient to cover the estimated Nebraska sales and use tax on the project. This is separate from — and in addition to — the Department of Labor's Contractor Registration. | Registration through Nebraska Form 20 (Nebraska Tax Application); nonresident contractors also use the Department of Revenue's contractor registration process | Varies by project and tax period | Yes — sales/use tax surety bond or cash deposit in lieu of bond, filed with the Nebraska Department of Revenue |
Processing time: Contractor Registration is typically processed within 1-2 weeks when the online application is complete and workers' compensation proof is on file. Electrical licenses (Master/Journeyman) require passing a state exam and can take 2-3 months. from application submission to license issuance.
Nebraska (NE) does not license general contractors at the state level. Instead, every contractor and subcontractor doing business in the state must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-2101 to 48-2117). Registration is required statewide — there is no dollar-amount or county-population threshold — and covers resident and nonresident contractors alike. Registration does not require an exam or a surety bond; it verifies workers' compensation coverage, collects contact information, and funds enforcement. The Department of Labor currently charges a $25 annual registration fee (statutory cap $40 per § 48-2107). Nebraska does license electricians separately through the State Electrical Division (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq.), and nonresident contractors must also register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and post a sales/use tax bond or deposit. Plumbing and HVAC are regulated by local municipalities — there is no statewide plumbing or HVAC license.
Step 1: Search the Nebraska Department of Labor Contractor Registry
Every contractor and subcontractor doing business in Nebraska is required to be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Use the official Contractor Registration search tool to look up a contractor by business name or registration number. A registered contractor will show an active status; if no record is returned, the contractor may be operating illegally.
Search the Nebraska Contractor Registry →
Step 2: Confirm Workers' Compensation Coverage Is Current
A registered Nebraska contractor with employees must keep a current workers' compensation certificate (ACORD 25) on file listing the Nebraska Department of Labor as a certificate holder. If workers' comp lapses, the contractor is removed from the registered list. Ask the contractor for a current certificate and confirm it matches what's on file with the Department of Labor.
Step 3: Verify Electrical Licenses Separately
If your project involves electrical work, the individual or firm performing it must hold a state Electrical Contractor license (with a Master Electrician on staff), and the workers must be licensed as Master, Journeyman, or Special Electricians by the Nebraska State Electrical Division. Contractor Registration alone does NOT authorize electrical work.
Nebraska State Electrical Division →
Step 4: Check Local Plumbing and HVAC Licensing
Nebraska does not issue state plumbing or HVAC licenses. If your project is in Omaha, Lincoln, or another city with a plumbing board, confirm the plumber or HVAC contractor holds the appropriate local license. Contact your city's building or permit office before work begins.
- City of Omaha: Permits and Inspections Division
- City of Lincoln: Building and Safety Department
- Other cities: check the local building department
Step 5: For Nonresident Contractors, Verify Revenue Department Registration
Out-of-state contractors working in Nebraska must also register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and post a sales/use tax bond or cash deposit. If you're hiring a contractor based outside Nebraska, confirm they are in compliance with both the Department of Labor and the Department of Revenue — otherwise you (the payer) may be legally required to withhold 5% of payments under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2753 (the Revenue Act; § 48-2117 establishes the registration database used to determine exemption).
Nebraska Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Workers' compensation insurance is required under Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-101 et seq. for employers with one or more employees (see § 48-106 for scope/exemptions). A current ACORD 25 certificate naming the Nebraska Department of Labor as a certificate holder must be filed as part of Contractor Registration; lapsed coverage triggers removal from the registered contractor list. |
| General Liability | Not required by the state for Contractor Registration, but strongly recommended. Many municipalities, general contractors, and project owners require proof of general liability before permitting work. |
| Sales/Use Tax Surety Bond (nonresidents only) | Nonresident contractors must post a surety bond or cash deposit with the Nebraska Department of Revenue sufficient to cover estimated sales/use tax liability on the project. |
Nebraska Contractor Bond Requirements
Nebraska does NOT require a state contractor license bond for resident contractors. The state's Contractor Registration Act creates a registration system — not a bonding system — and registration is satisfied by paying the fee ($25 annual; statutory cap $40 per § 48-2107) and, for employers, filing workers' compensation proof. Nonresident contractors must separately post a sales/use tax surety bond or cash deposit with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Individual Nebraska cities (notably Omaha and Lincoln) may require local contractor or trade-specific bonds.
Nebraska Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Nebraska law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Every contractor and subcontractor doing business in Nebraska must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor — you can verify any contractor in seconds at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg/Search.
- Failure to register is a civil violation carrying a penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2114).
- Payers who pay an unregistered contractor are required to withhold 5% of the payment and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2753 — this shifts the enforcement cost to those who hire unregistered contractors.
- Home-improvement and door-to-door sales contracts are regulated under Nebraska's Home Solicitation Sales Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-1601 to 69-1607), which requires written contracts and a 3-business-day right of cancellation for qualifying sales.
- Electrical work must be performed by individuals and firms licensed by the State Electrical Board — Contractor Registration alone does NOT authorize electrical work (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq.).
- Nebraska's Department of Labor removes contractors from the registered list when workers' compensation coverage lapses, protecting property owners from hiring uninsured employers.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Nebraska puts you at risk:
- Unregistered contractors face civil penalties up to $500 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2114.
- Property owners and general contractors who pay unregistered contractors are required by law to withhold 5% of each payment and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
- Unregistered contractors are almost always uninsured — hiring them exposes you to liability for on-the-job injuries and damage.
- Contracts with unregistered contractors may be difficult or impossible to enforce in Nebraska courts.
- Electrical work performed without a State Electrical Board license is a separate violation that can result in stop-work orders and fines, and most insurers will deny claims on unlicensed electrical work.
- Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage caused by work performed by an unregistered or unlicensed contractor.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Nebraska
Report an unregistered contractor to the Nebraska Department of Labor's Labor Standards Division. Report unlicensed electrical work to the State Electrical Division. Report fraud or deceptive practices to the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
- Department of Labor (contractor registration): (402) 471-2239
- Department of Labor mailing: 550 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68509
- State Electrical Division: electrical.nebraska.gov
- Attorney General Consumer Protection: (402) 471-2785 or protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Labor's Labor Standards Division enforces the Contractor Registration Act and investigates complaints about unregistered contractors and workers' compensation violations. Complaints about electrical work are handled by the State Electrical Division. Most consumer disputes about workmanship, contract terms, or payment must be resolved through civil court or through the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
You can file a complaint by:
- Phone (contractor registration): (402) 471-2239
- Mail: Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards, 550 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68509
- Online: dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/Contractors/Overview
- Attorney General Consumer Protection: protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov or (402) 471-2785
For workmanship disputes with a registered contractor, the Department of Labor does not mediate — it enforces registration and workers' compensation compliance. Consumers typically pursue civil remedies. Electrical-work complaints should go to the State Electrical Division at electrical.nebraska.gov.
Nebraska Contractor Bond Schedule
Nebraska's statewide Contractor Registration Act does not require a surety bond. Bond obligations arise from two other sources: (1) sales/use tax obligations for nonresident contractors, and (2) local city ordinances.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Contractor License Bond | Not required | The Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-2101 to 48-2117) does not require a state license bond. |
| Nonresident Contractor Sales/Use Tax Bond | Amount set by the Nebraska Department of Revenue based on estimated project tax liability | Required of out-of-state contractors before performing work in Nebraska. Can be satisfied by a surety bond or a cash deposit in lieu of bond. |
| Local Municipal Contractor Bonds | Varies by city | Cities such as Omaha and Lincoln require local contractor or trade licenses with their own bond amounts. Check with the local building or permits department. |
What Makes Nebraska Contractor Licensing Unique
Nebraska Does Not License General Contractors
Nebraska is one of a small group of states that does not issue statewide general contractor licenses. Instead, all contractors and subcontractors must register with the Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act. Registration is an administrative filing — not a competency-based license — and has no exam, experience, or bonding requirement.
Registration Applies Statewide With No Dollar Threshold
Every contractor and subcontractor doing business in Nebraska must register, regardless of project size and regardless of the county's population. There is no dollar-amount or geographic threshold — if you perform construction work for compensation in Nebraska, you must register with the Department of Labor.
5% Withholding Rule for Unregistered Contractors
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2753 (the Nebraska Revenue Act), if a property owner or general contractor pays an unregistered contractor, the payer is required to withhold 5% of each payment and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue. The joint Department of Labor / Department of Revenue database established by § 48-2117 is how payers verify whether a contractor is registered and thus exempt from withholding. This shifts enforcement responsibility to the hiring party and is a strong reason always to verify a contractor's registration before paying.
Electricians Are Licensed Separately
While Nebraska does not license general contractors, the State Electrical Division licenses Electrical Contractors, Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, and Special Electricians under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq. Electrical licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year, so they renew on a two-year cycle.
No State Plumbing or HVAC License
Nebraska does not issue statewide plumbing or HVAC licenses. Plumbing is regulated locally under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-1907 — cities with plumbing boards (such as Omaha and Lincoln) issue and enforce their own licenses. HVAC and mechanical contractors are similarly regulated city-by-city.
Nonresident Contractors Face an Extra Layer
Out-of-state contractors must register with both the Nebraska Department of Labor AND the Nebraska Department of Revenue, and must post a sales/use tax surety bond or cash deposit covering estimated tax liability before beginning work.
Nebraska Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Nebraska Contractor Licensing
Do contractors need a license in Nebraska?
Nebraska does not issue statewide general contractor licenses. Instead, every contractor and subcontractor doing business in Nebraska must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-2101 to 48-2117). Registration is required regardless of project size or county. Electrical work requires a separate license from the State Electrical Board. Plumbing and HVAC are regulated by local municipalities.
How do I check if a Nebraska contractor is registered?
Use the Nebraska Department of Labor's official Contractor Registration search tool at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg/Search. You can search by business name or registration number. If a contractor is not listed, they may be operating illegally — and you could be required to withhold 5% of payments to them and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
How much does contractor registration cost in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Department of Labor currently charges a $25 annual fee for Contractor Registration (the statutory cap is $40 under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2107). Registration is annual. Electricians pay separate fees to the State Electrical Board. Nonresident contractors must also register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and post a sales/use tax bond or deposit.
Do Nebraska contractors need a surety bond?
No — Nebraska does not require a state contractor license bond. The Contractor Registration Act has no bonding requirement for resident contractors. However, nonresident (out-of-state) contractors must post a sales/use tax surety bond or a cash deposit with the Nebraska Department of Revenue before starting work. Some Nebraska cities (notably Omaha and Lincoln) require their own local contractor bonds.
What happens if I hire an unregistered contractor in Nebraska?
If you pay an unregistered contractor, Nebraska law requires YOU — the payer — to withhold 5% of each payment and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue. In addition, the unregistered contractor faces civil penalties of up to $500 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2114). Always verify a contractor's registration at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg/Search before paying.
Is there a state plumbing license in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not issue a statewide plumbing license. Plumbers are regulated by local municipalities under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-1907 — cities with a plumbing board (such as Omaha and Lincoln) issue and enforce their own plumbing licenses. If you're hiring a plumber, check with the city's building or permit office.
How do Nebraska electrical licenses work?
Unlike general contracting, Nebraska does license electricians at the state level. The State Electrical Division (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq.) issues Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, and Special Electrician licenses. Firms performing electrical work need an Electrical Contractor license with a Master Electrician on staff. Licenses renew biennially and expire December 31 of every even-numbered year.
Do nonresident contractors have additional requirements in Nebraska?
Yes. Out-of-state contractors must (1) register with the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act, AND (2) register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and post a surety bond or make a cash deposit sufficient to cover estimated sales/use tax on the project. Both registrations must be in place before any work begins.
How long does Nebraska contractor registration last?
Contractor Registration with the Nebraska Department of Labor is annual and must be renewed each year. If workers' compensation coverage lapses, the contractor is removed from the registered list until updated proof is filed. Electrical licenses, by contrast, run on a two-year cycle and expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year.
Who do I file a complaint against a Nebraska contractor with?
For registration or workers' compensation violations, contact the Nebraska Department of Labor's Labor Standards Division at (402) 471-2239. For electrical-work complaints, contact the State Electrical Division at electrical.nebraska.gov. For consumer fraud and deceptive practices, contact the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (402) 471-2785 or protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov. Most workmanship disputes must ultimately be resolved in civil court.
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.
- Nebraska Department of Labor — Contractor Registration (home) — Primary administrator of the Contractor Registration Act. Online registration, renewal, and account login. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nebraska Department of Labor — Contractor Registration Search — Official public lookup tool for registered Nebraska contractors and subcontractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nebraska Department of Labor — Labor Standards: Contractors Overview — Overview of the Contractor Registration Act, workers' compensation requirements, and enforcement. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2107 — Registration; fee — Statutory registration fee authority (up to $40). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2114 — Violations; civil penalties — Civil penalties for failing to register (up to $500 first violation; up to $5,000 subsequent). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2103 — Contractor Registration Act; definitions — Defines 'contractor' and scope of the Contractor Registration Act. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2118 — State Electrical Act; fees — Authorizes fees for electrical licenses under the State Electrical Act; biennial renewal December 31 of even-numbered years. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nebraska State Electrical Division — State Electrical Division — licenses Electrical Contractors, Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, and Special Electricians under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2101 et seq. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-1601 to 69-1607 — Home Solicitation Sales Act — Home Solicitation Sales Act (§§ 69-1601 to 69-1607) — written-contract and 3-business-day cancellation rules for qualifying home-improvement and door-to-door sales. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-106 — Workers' Compensation; scope — Workers' compensation coverage requirement referenced in the Contractor Registration Act (ACORD 25 filing). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nebraska Department of Revenue — Information on Construction Contractors — Nonresident contractor registration, sales/use tax bonding, and Form 20 (Nebraska Tax Application). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nebraska Attorney General — Consumer Protection — Consumer-fraud complaints against Nebraska contractors; (402) 471-2785. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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.
Ready to look up a contractor?
Search on Official Nebraska Site →