Nevada Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering Contractor Covers fixed-works projects requiring specialized engineering knowledge — highways, bridges, dams, pipelines, power transmission, paving, excavation, pools, and related infrastructure. NAC 624 enumerates 25 A-subclassifications (A-1 through A-25). A general engineering contractor's scope and monetary limit are set by the Board. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board based on financial statement, monetary limit, experience, and character |
| General Building Contractor Covers residential and commercial buildings — new construction, additions, remodeling, and related structures. NAC 624 enumerates 7 B-subclassifications, including B-2 Residential & Small Commercial and B-7 Residential Remodeling. A B license holder may self-perform the work their classification authorizes and must subcontract the rest to appropriately licensed C contractors. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board based on financial statement, monetary limit, experience, and character |
| Residential & Small Commercial Contractor A B-classification subcategory for residential and small commercial building work. Qualifying individuals who hold NASCLA Accredited General Building Exam certification may be considered for a trade-exam waiver for B or B-2. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Residential Remodeling Contractor Covers remodeling, alterations, and improvements to existing residential structures. Under SB 130 (2025), the NSCB announced on March 17, 2026 that it is accepting applications for a Restricted B-7 license (regulatory rollout still in progress) with a $7,000 monetary limit including labor and materials (or a greater amount as determined by the Board). The restricted scope is limited to remodeling and improvement of an existing, detached, stand-alone single-family residence (or single-family residential unit within a structure) that does not extend more than three stories above ground and one story below ground, and does not authorize any increase in the existing enclosed space. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Plumbing and Heating Contracting Covers installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing and heating systems, including water supply, drainage, gas piping, water heaters, fire sprinklers, boilers, and chilled-water piping. C-1 includes multiple sub-subclassifications under NAC 624. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Electrical Contracting Covers installation, alteration, and repair of electrical wiring, devices, and equipment. C-2 subclassifications address residential wiring, sign electrical, low-voltage, and specialty electrical work. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Carpentry, Maintenance, and Minor Repairs Covers general carpentry, framing, finish carpentry, and minor repair work on structures. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Painting and Decorating Covers surface preparation, application of paints, stains, coatings, and wallpaper to buildings and structures. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Roofing and Sheet Metal Covers installation and repair of roofing systems — shingles, tiles, built-up roofing, single-ply membranes, metal roofing, and associated flashings. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
| Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Covers installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, including commercial refrigeration. | $300 (non-refundable) | $600 every 2 years (biennial) | $1,000–$500,000, set by the Board |
Processing time: Varies: typically several weeks for application and experience review, 1–2 months for exam scheduling with PSI after Examination Eligibility is issued, plus 2–3 weeks after exam passage to complete bond posting, workers' comp proof, and license issuance. Complete, well-documented applications move faster. from application submission to license issuance.
Nevada (NV) has one of the most comprehensive state-level contractor licensing systems in the country, administered by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 624. Every contractor performing construction in Nevada — regardless of project value — must hold an active NSCB license in the proper classification. Nevada uses a monetary-limit system where each license carries a contract-value ceiling printed directly on the license, set by the Board based on the contractor's financial statement, experience, and bond. Licenses fall into three major classes: A (General Engineering) with 25 subcategories, B (General Building) with 7 subcategories, and C (Specialty) with 42 subcategories. Applicants must designate a Qualifying Individual with at least 4 full years of verified trade experience within the 15 years immediately before the filing of the application, and pass both a trade exam and the Nevada Business & Law (CMS) exam. Nevada also runs a Residential Recovery Fund that can reimburse single-family owner-occupants up to $40,000 per claim when a licensed residential contractor defaults.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's NSCB License Number
Nevada law requires every licensed contractor to display their NSCB license number on all advertising, business cards, contracts, and vehicles. If a contractor cannot or will not provide an NSCB license number, that is a red flag — treat it as unlicensed until you can verify otherwise.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the NSCB Website
Use the NSCB's official contractor license search to verify the contractor's license status. You can search by license number, company name, or the name of the qualifying individual. The lookup shows classification, monetary limit, bond status, active/inactive/suspended/revoked status, and any disciplinary history on file with the Board.
Search the NSCB License Database →
Step 3: Check the Monetary Limit on the License
Unlike most states, Nevada prints a monetary limit on every contractor license — the maximum dollar value of a single contract or construction project that contractor is authorized to undertake. If your project exceeds the contractor's monetary limit, they must apply for a permanent or single-project limit increase before bidding or signing. Verify the limit matches your project size.
- Confirm the license classification matches the work you need
- Confirm the monetary limit is at or above your project value
- Confirm the license status is ACTIVE (not inactive, suspended, or revoked)
- Confirm the bond is posted and current
Step 4: Verify Bond and Workers' Compensation Coverage
Every active NSCB license must be backed by a surety bond or cash deposit ranging from $1,000 to $500,000, determined by the Board. Contractors with employees must also carry Nevada workers' compensation coverage. The NSCB license record shows bond status; ask the contractor for a current certificate of workers' compensation insurance before work begins.
Step 5: Review Complaint and Disciplinary History
The NSCB license lookup shows disciplinary actions — citations, fines, suspensions, and revocations. You can also call the Board at 702-486-1100 (Southern Nevada) or 775-688-1141 (Northern Nevada) to ask about pending investigations not yet reflected on the public record.
Nevada Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any Nevada contractor with employees. Proof of workers' comp coverage must be submitted before the NSCB will issue or renew a license. Sole-proprietor/owner-only contractors may file a written waiver if they have no employees. |
| General Liability | Not mandated by NRS 624 for most classifications, but commonly required by general contractors, project owners, and local building departments. Residential pool/spa work (C-classification) may require a performance bond equal to not less than 50% of the contract value. |
Nevada Contractor Bond Requirements
Every active NSCB license must be secured by a surety bond or cash deposit. The Board sets the bond amount at license approval based on the license classification, the monetary limit granted, the contractor's financial statement, experience, and character. Amounts range from $1,000 to $500,000. Contractors who post a cash deposit in lieu of a surety bond pay a $200 biennial administrative fee, and the Board holds the deposit for two years after license termination to preserve consumer claim rights.
Nevada Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Nevada law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Every NSCB license carries a monetary limit printed on the license — the maximum contract value that contractor may undertake on a single project. Consumers can verify the limit before hiring.
- AB 39 (2023) mandates specific disclosures in every residential improvement contract: scope, start/end dates, total price, payment schedule, warranty terms, NSCB contact information, and notice of the Residential Recovery Fund. Contracts missing required elements are voidable by the homeowner.
- Down payments on residential improvement work are capped at the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of contract price, unless the contractor has posted a $100,000 consumer protection bond (AB 39, 2023).
- The Residential Recovery Fund (NRS 624.400–624.560) compensates owner-occupants of single-family homes up to $40,000 per claim when a licensed residential contractor defaults or performs deficient work.
- The NSCB conducts proactive undercover operations targeting unlicensed contracting and can issue stop-work orders.
- Contractors must apply for all necessary permits for contracted residential improvement work (AB 39).
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Nevada puts you at risk:
- Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor on first offense under NRS 624.700 — general misdemeanor sentencing under NRS 193.150 (up to 6 months county jail) applies, with NRS 624 fine range approximately $1,000–$4,000
- Second offense is a gross misdemeanor — general gross-misdemeanor sentencing under NRS 193.140 (up to 364 days county jail) applies, with NRS 624 fine range approximately $4,000–$10,000
- Third or subsequent offenses are Category E felonies — Category E felony sentencing under NRS 193.130(2)(e) (1–4 years state prison) applies, with NRS 624 fine range approximately $10,000–$20,000
- SB 16 (2025) adds an enhancement of up to 10% of the contract value when unlicensed work is commenced or money is received
- Wrongfully diverting more than $1,000 of customer funds is a Category E felony under SB 16 (2025)
- An unlicensed contractor's contract may be unenforceable in Nevada courts
- Consumers lose access to the Residential Recovery Fund if they hire an unlicensed contractor
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Nevada
Report unlicensed contracting activity to the Nevada State Contractors Board. The NSCB's investigations unit targets unlicensed contractors and can pursue criminal referrals, administrative fines up to $50,000 per violation, and permanent license denial for repeat offenders.
- Online: nvcontractorsboard.com
- Phone (Southern NV): 702-486-1100
- Phone (Northern NV): 775-688-1141
- Email: Investigations@nscb.state.nv.us
- Mail: NSCB, 8400 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89113 or 5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102, Reno, NV 89511
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Nevada
The Nevada State Contractors Board investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. NSCB investigators may conduct jobsite visits with both parties present, issue Notices to Correct, and, when warranted, pursue formal disciplinary hearings with penalties up to license revocation and $50,000 administrative fines per violation.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: File a complaint via nvcontractorsboard.com
- Phone (Southern Nevada): 702-486-1100
- Phone (Northern Nevada): 775-688-1141
- Email: Investigations@nscb.state.nv.us
- Mail: NSCB, 8400 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89113 or 5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102, Reno, NV 89511
Typical investigation flow: acknowledgement letter, jobsite visit (within 10 days' notice), Notice to Correct issued within 5 working days of the visit, 20–30 days for the contractor to comply, and formal Notice of Hearing and Complaint if violations persist. Final Decision and Order issued within 30 days of hearing. For financial recovery beyond what the Board can order, homeowners may also file a claim against the contractor's bond or the Residential Recovery Fund.
Nevada Contractor Bond Schedule
Nevada requires several distinct bonds depending on license type and residential work scope. All bonds are set by the NSCB on a case-by-case basis.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $1,000–$500,000 | Required for every active license. Amount set by the Board based on monetary limit, financial statement, experience, and character. May be satisfied with a surety bond or cash deposit. |
| Consumer Protection Bond (residential improvement) | $100,000 | Required under AB 39 (2023, effective Oct 1, 2023) if a residential-improvement contractor wants to collect a down payment exceeding the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price. Without the bond, the down-payment cap applies. |
| Residential Pool/Spa Consumer Protection Bond | $10,000–$400,000 | Per the NSCB Bonds page, any applicant for an original contractor's license (or licensee renewing) to perform work on residential pools or spas must file a consumer protection bond with the Board in an amount of not less than $10,000 and not more than $400,000, as determined by the Board. This is separate from the standard license bond and from performance/payment bonds. Failure to maintain the bond or cash deposit is grounds for denial, suspension, revocation, or non-renewal. |
| Residential Pool/Spa Performance Bond | Not less than 50% of contract value | The Board may require a performance bond equal to at least 50% of the contract value on residential pool and spa work for the property owner's protection, plus an equivalent payment bond to protect labor and material suppliers. |
What Makes Nevada Contractor Licensing Unique
Monetary Limit Printed on Every License
Nevada is one of the few states that prints a contract-value ceiling directly on each contractor license. Limits range from $25,000 or less, to $25,000–$500,000, $500,000–$1 million, and unlimited — determined by the Board based on the contractor's financial statement. Contractors exceeding their limit must apply for a Permanent Raise in Limit or a Single Project Limit Increase.
Residential Recovery Fund — $40,000 per Claim
Under NRS 624.400–624.560, the NSCB operates a Residential Recovery Fund that reimburses owner-occupants of single-family residences who have been harmed by a licensed residential contractor. The cap is $40,000 per claim, and aggregate claims against any one contractor are capped at $750,000 or 20% of the fund balance (whichever is less). Claims must be filed within 4 years of work completion, or within 2 years of a court judgment.
SB 16 (2025) — Tougher Unlicensed-Contracting Penalties
Senate Bill 16, passed in the 2025 session, escalated penalties for unlicensed contracting under NRS 624.700–624.710. Dollar fine ranges and jail/prison durations derive from the general misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and Category E felony sentencing ranges under NRS 193.130–193.150: first offense misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months county jail; NRS 624 charges may apply a $1,000–$4,000 range), second offense gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail and/or up to $2,000 baseline, with NRS 624 enhancing to a $4,000–$10,000 range), and third or subsequent offenses Category E felonies (1–4 years state prison under NRS 193.130(2)(e), with NRS 624 authorizing a $10,000–$20,000 fine). SB 16 also authorizes an additional fine of up to 10% of the contract value when unlicensed work is commenced or money is received.
Restricted B-7 License Announced March 17, 2026 (SB 130)
Under SB 130 (2025), the NSCB announced on March 17, 2026 that it is accepting applications for a Restricted B-7 Residential Remodeling license (regulatory rollout may still be in progress). The restricted license carries a $7,000 monetary limit, including labor and materials (or a greater amount as determined by the Board), and is scoped to remodeling/improvement of an existing, detached, stand-alone single-family residence — or single-family residential unit within a structure — that does not extend more than three stories above ground and one story below ground, with no increase in the existing enclosed space. It provides a bridge pathway for newer contractors to enter the residential remodeling market under defined scope and bonding limitations (minimum $2,000 bond or cash deposit) before pursuing full B-7 licensure.
AB 39 (2023) Down-Payment Cap
Effective October 1, 2023, AB 39 capped residential-improvement down payments at the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price — unless the contractor posts a $100,000 consumer protection bond. The bill also mandated specific disclosures in residential improvement contracts and made noncompliant contracts voidable by the homeowner.
Nevada Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Nevada Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Nevada?
Use the Nevada State Contractors Board license search at app.nvcontractorsboard.com. Search by license number, company name, or qualified individual name. The lookup shows classification, monetary limit, bond status, license status (active/inactive/suspended/revoked), and disciplinary history. You can also call the NSCB at 702-486-1100 (Las Vegas) or 775-688-1141 (Reno).
Is my Nevada contractor required to be licensed?
Yes. Nevada requires an NSCB license for all construction work — there is no dollar-value exemption. Any person who contracts, bids, or performs construction in Nevada without an active NSCB license in the proper classification is in violation of NRS 624.700.
What is an NSCB monetary limit?
Every Nevada contractor license carries a monetary limit — the maximum dollar value of a single contract or project that contractor may undertake. Limits are set by the Board based on the contractor's financial statement, experience, bond, and character. Tiers include $25,000 or less, $25,000–$500,000, $500,000–$1 million, and unlimited. If your project exceeds the contractor's limit, they must get a Permanent Raise in Limit or a Single Project Limit Increase before bidding.
What's the difference between Class A, B, and C contractor licenses in Nevada?
Class A (General Engineering) covers infrastructure and heavy civil work like highways, bridges, dams, pipelines, and pools — 25 subcategories. Class B (General Building) covers residential and commercial building construction — 7 subcategories including B-2 Residential & Small Commercial and B-7 Residential Remodeling. Class C (Specialty) covers specific trades — 42 subcategories including C-1 Plumbing, C-2 Electrical, C-3 Carpentry, C-7 Roofing, C-21 HVAC, and many more. The combined AB license is available only to highly experienced, financially robust contractors.
How much does a Nevada contractor license cost?
The non-refundable application fee is $300. Upon approval, the initial license fee is $600 for a 2-year period (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses). Renewal is $600 every 2 years. Contractors posting a cash deposit in lieu of a surety bond pay a $200 biennial administrative fee. Separately, a surety bond ($1,000–$500,000) must be posted — the annual premium varies with credit and bond amount.
Do Nevada contractors need a surety bond?
Yes. Every active NSCB license must be backed by a surety bond or cash deposit ranging from $1,000 to $500,000. The Board determines the amount based on license classification, monetary limit, financial statement, experience, and character. Residential improvement contractors who want to collect more than the default $1,000 / 10% down-payment cap must also post a $100,000 consumer protection bond under AB 39 (2023).
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Nevada?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Nevada is risky. Under NRS 624.700–624.710, unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor on the first offense, a gross misdemeanor on the second offense, and a Category E felony on the third or subsequent offenses — with the general misdemeanor / gross misdemeanor / Category E felony penalty ranges under NRS 193.130–193.150 applying (first offense up to 6 months county jail; second offense up to 364 days jail; Category E felony 1–4 years state prison). NRS 624 authorizes fine ranges in the vicinity of $1,000–$4,000 (misdemeanor), $4,000–$10,000 (gross misdemeanor), and $10,000–$20,000 (felony). SB 16 (2025) added a fine enhancement of up to 10% of contract value when unlicensed work is commenced. An unlicensed contractor's contract may be unenforceable, and you lose access to the Residential Recovery Fund.
How do I file a complaint against a Nevada contractor?
File a complaint with the NSCB online at nvcontractorsboard.com, by phone at 702-486-1100 (Southern Nevada) or 775-688-1141 (Northern Nevada), by email at Investigations@nscb.state.nv.us, or by mail to 8400 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89113, or 5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102, Reno, NV 89511. Board investigators may conduct a jobsite visit, issue a Notice to Correct, and pursue formal discipline if the contractor fails to comply.
What is the Nevada Residential Recovery Fund?
The Residential Recovery Fund (NRS 624.400–624.560) reimburses owner-occupants of single-family residences when a licensed residential contractor defaults or performs deficient work. The cap is $40,000 per claim and $750,000 or 20% of the fund balance (whichever is less) per contractor in aggregate. File within 4 years of work completion or within 2 years of a court judgment against the contractor. Court costs and legal fees are not reimbursed.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Nevada?
Several weeks for initial application and experience review, 1–2 months to schedule and pass trade and business-and-law (CMS) exams through PSI, and 2–3 weeks after exam passage to post the bond, provide workers' comp proof, and receive the license number. The total timeline varies with application completeness and exam availability.
What is the Restricted B-7 license?
Authorized by SB 130 (2025) and announced by the NSCB on March 17, 2026 (regulatory rollout may still be in progress), the Restricted B-7 Residential Remodeling license provides a bridge pathway for contractors with reduced experience to enter the residential remodeling market. It carries a $7,000 monetary limit including labor and materials (or more, as set by the Board) and is limited to remodeling of an existing, detached, stand-alone single-family residence (or single-family residential unit within a structure) that does not extend more than three stories above ground or one story below ground, with no increase in the existing enclosed space. Applicants still must submit financial statements, post a bond (minimum $2,000), and pass required exams.
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.
- NSCB — License Classifications — Official list of A, B, and C classifications and subclassifications. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — License Requirements — Experience, examination, bond, workers' comp, and financial statement requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Raise Your License Limit (Monetary Limits) — Monetary limit tiers and financial statement requirements; references R048-23 (effective April 19, 2024). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Bonds — Bond ranges ($1,000–$500,000), cash deposit alternative, biennial administrative fee, residential pool bond rules. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — License Examinations — Trade exam, Business & Law (CMS) exam, and PSI administration. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Licensure by Endorsement (NASCLA waiver) — NSCB page that explicitly names the NASCLA Accredited General Building Exam as a trade-exam waiver path for the B / B-2 classifications. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Residential Recovery Fund — $40,000 per-claim cap; aggregate per-contractor cap; 4-year filing window. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Unlicensed Contracting Penalties — Summary of NRS 624.700–624.710 misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony escalation. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Licensed Contractor Complaints — Complaint process: acknowledgement, jobsite visit, Notice to Correct, formal hearing timeline. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Contractor License Search (Official Lookup) — Search by license number, company name, or qualified individual. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — Contact Us — Las Vegas HQ: 8400 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89113 / 702-486-1100. Reno: 5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102, Reno, NV 89511 / 775-688-1141. Specialty emails at nscb.state.nv.us. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 624 (Contractors) — Primary statutory authority for Nevada contractor licensing, Residential Recovery Fund (624.400–624.560), and unlicensed contracting (624.700–624.710). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nevada Legislature — NAC Chapter 624 (Contractors Regulations) — Administrative Code defining classification subcategories and Board procedures. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nevada Legislature — SB 16 (2025) Enrolled — Enhanced penalties for unlicensed contracting, 10% contract-value enhancement, expanded disciplinary grounds. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NSCB — New B-7 Restricted License (March 2026) — Implementation announcement for SB 130 (2025) restricted B-7 Residential Remodeling license. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Nevada Legislature — AB 39 (2023) Enrolled — Residential improvement contract disclosures, down-payment cap, consumer protection bond. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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