Oregon Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential General Contractor Supervises, arranges for, or performs an unlimited number of unrelated building trades on residential or small commercial structures. The most common residential endorsement — covers new construction, remodels, and additions on single-family homes, apartments/condos of four stories or fewer, manufactured homes, and floating homes. | $400 (2-year license, effective July 1, 2025) | $400 every 2 years (effective July 1, 2024) | $25,000 surety bond (ORS 701.081, as amended by HB 2922) |
| Residential Specialty Contractor Performs work in one or two unrelated building trades for residential or small commercial projects. May also perform three or more unrelated trades on a single property if the total contract for labor and materials is $2,500 or less. Trade classification can change from job to job. | $400 (2-year license, effective July 1, 2025) | $400 every 2 years | $20,000 surety bond |
| Residential Limited Contractor For part-time, retired, or handyman contractors. Unlimited trades allowed on residential structures, but capped at less than $40,000 gross annual construction sales, no more than $5,000 per project, and no more than $5,000 per job site per year. Exceeding the thresholds requires immediate upgrade to a higher endorsement. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Residential Developer For individuals or entities who own, or hold financial interest in, residential properties and arrange for construction work intending to sell. Developers cannot perform construction work themselves — they must engage licensed general contractors for all construction activity. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $25,000 surety bond |
| Home Services Contractor Restricted endorsement for businesses offering service, repair, or replacement under home services warranty agreements. HSC holders cannot perform any other contractor activities. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Home Inspector Services Contractor Restricted endorsement for home inspection businesses. HISC holders cannot perform any other contractor work. Separate individual home inspector certification is also required. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Residential Locksmith Services Contractor Restricted endorsement for locksmith businesses operating in residential settings. RLSC holders cannot perform any other contractor work. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Residential Restoration Contractor For contractors offering fire, water, mold, and disaster restoration services on residential and small commercial structures. Restoration scope as defined in OAR 812-003-0540. RRC holders cannot perform other contractor activities beyond restoration. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Home Energy Performance Score Contractor Restricted endorsement for contractors performing home energy performance assessments and scoring under Oregon's home energy score program. HEPSC holders cannot perform other contractor activities outside the scope of home energy performance work. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $15,000 surety bond |
| Commercial General Contractor Level 1 Authorized to supervise, arrange for, or perform an unlimited number of unrelated building trades on any small or large commercial structure or project. Broadest commercial authority with the most stringent experience requirements. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $80,000 surety bond (ORS 701.084, as amended by HB 2922) |
| Commercial General Contractor Level 2 Performs unlimited unrelated building trades on any small or large commercial structure. Same scope as CGC1 but with less stringent experience requirements — intended for smaller commercial operations. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $25,000 surety bond |
| Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1 Performs specialty trade work (e.g., HVAC, roofing, carpentry, concrete) on any size or complexity of commercial project. Note: electrical and plumbing contractor licensing is handled separately by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), not the CCB — a CSC1 endorsement does not authorize electrical or plumbing work. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $55,000 surety bond |
| Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2 Performs specialty trade work on commercial projects with less stringent experience requirements than CSC1. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $25,000 surety bond |
| Commercial Developer For entities that own or hold financial interest in commercial properties and arrange for construction intending to sell. CD holders cannot perform construction work themselves — they must engage licensed general contractors. | $400 (2-year license) | $400 every 2 years | $25,000 surety bond |
Processing time: 4 weeks for online applications; 6-8 weeks for paper applications (post-exam, post-bond, post-insurance) from application submission to license issuance.
Oregon (OR) has one of the most structured contractor licensing systems on the West Coast, administered by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) under ORS Chapter 701. Virtually anyone who performs construction work for compensation on real property in Oregon must hold a CCB license — there is no dollar-amount threshold exempting small jobs. Applicants choose an endorsement that matches the structures and scope they intend to work on (residential, small commercial, or large commercial), complete 16 hours of pre-license education, pass the NASCLA accredited exam plus the Oregon-specific CCB exam, post a surety bond (ranging from $15,000 for limited residential work up to $80,000 for Commercial General Contractor Level 1), and carry general liability insurance from $100,000 up to $2,000,000 aggregate depending on endorsement. The CCB runs a free public license lookup and a formal dispute-resolution process that can order payment from a contractor's bond.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's CCB License Number
Oregon law requires every licensed contractor to include their CCB license number in all advertising, bids, and written contracts. A legitimate Oregon contractor will have no problem providing this number. If you can't get a CCB number, do not sign a contract.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the CCB Website
Use the CCB's official license search to confirm the license is active, see the contractor's endorsements (residential vs. commercial, general vs. specialty), expiration date, bond and insurance status, and any complaint history.
Search the CCB License Database →
Step 3: Verify Bond and Insurance Status
Every active Oregon contractor must maintain both a surety bond and general liability insurance — amounts depend on the endorsement. Confirm both show 'active' on the CCB lookup.
- Surety bond: $15,000 (RLC / restricted residential), $20,000 (RSC), $25,000 (RGC / RD / CGC2 / CSC2), $55,000 (CSC1), or $80,000 (CGC1)
- General liability insurance: $100,000 (RLC / restricted residential), $300,000 (RSC), $500,000 (RGC / RD / CSC2 / CD), $1,000,000 (CGC2 / CSC1), or $2,000,000 aggregate (CGC1)
- Workers' compensation insurance: required if the contractor has employees
Step 4: Check Complaint and Disciplinary History
The CCB lookup shows complaints, mediations, and disciplinary actions. Multiple unresolved complaints or recent suspensions are a significant risk signal. You can also call the CCB at 503-378-4621 to ask about pending investigations.
Step 5: Confirm the Right Endorsement for Your Project
Oregon endorsements are scope-limited. A Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) cannot legally take a $50,000 kitchen remodel. A Residential Specialty Contractor can only perform one or two unrelated trades — or three-plus only if the job is under $2,500. Residential endorsements do not cover large commercial work. Match the endorsement to the job before you sign.
Oregon Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Required for all CCB licensees. Minimum coverage scales with endorsement: $100,000 (RLC and restricted residential), $300,000 (RSC), $500,000 (RGC, RD, CSC2, CD), $1,000,000 (CGC2, CSC1), and $2,000,000 aggregate (CGC1). The CCB must be named as certificate holder. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any contractor with employees, administered by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). Sole proprietors with no employees are generally not required to carry workers' comp but must indicate their status on the CCB application. |
Oregon Contractor Bond Requirements
Every Oregon contractor must file a surety bond with the CCB under ORS 701.068. The amount depends on the endorsement — residential bonds range from $15,000 to $25,000, commercial bonds from $25,000 to $80,000. HB 2922 (effective January 1, 2024) raised every bond tier by $5,000. The bond covers damages ordered by the CCB in dispute resolution; if a judgment exceeds the bond, the CCB can require a bond up to 5x the standard amount as a condition of reinstatement.
Oregon Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Oregon law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must include their CCB license number in all advertising, bids, and written contracts.
- Any residential construction contract for more than $2,000 must be in writing and include the CCB-required Consumer Protection Notice, Notice of Procedure, and Information Notice to Owner About Construction Liens (ORS 701.305, 701.330).
- If a written contract is required and the contractor fails to provide one, the contractor loses the right to file a construction lien against the property.
- Change orders must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- The CCB runs a formal dispute-resolution / mediation process that can order payment from the contractor's bond.
- Before filing a CCB complaint, the owner must send a 30-day pre-complaint notice to the contractor by certified mail.
- The CCB publishes a public license lookup and a tips line for reporting unlicensed activity.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Oregon puts you at risk:
- You lose access to the CCB's dispute resolution and mediation process
- You cannot claim against the contractor's surety bond (because there isn't one)
- Unlicensed construction contracting is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon (ORS 701.990)
- The CCB can impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense under ORS 701.992 / OAR 812-005-0800
- Under HB 4089 (2026), knowingly hiring an unlicensed construction labor contractor is a Class A misdemeanor (first offense) and Class C felony (repeat offenses)
- Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims tied to unlicensed work
- Unauthorized use of another contractor's CCB license number is a Class C felony under HB 4089 (2026), punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $125,000 fine
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Oregon
Report unlicensed contracting activity to the CCB Tips line. The CCB investigates tips and can issue civil penalties, citations, and criminal referrals.
- Online: oregon.gov/ccb
- Phone: CCB Tips line 503-934-2246
- Email: ccbtips@ccb.oregon.gov
- Mail: CCB, P.O. Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309-5052
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Oregon
The Oregon CCB Dispute Resolution Section investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. Before filing a formal complaint, property owners must send a 30-day pre-complaint notice to the contractor by certified mail. Complaints are resolved through on-site or telephone mediation; if mediation fails, the CCB can order payment from the contractor's bond or refer the dispute to court. The complaint filing fee is $50.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: Start the complaint process at oregon.gov/ccb (Dispute Resolution section)
- Phone: Dispute Resolution Section 503-934-2247
- Email: disputes@ccb.oregon.gov
- Mail: CCB, P.O. Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309-5052
Strict filing deadlines apply (ORS 701.143): for existing structures, the CCB must receive the complaint within 1 year of substantial completion; for new structures, within the earlier of 1 year after first occupancy or 2 years after substantial completion. No exceptions.
Oregon Contractor Bond Schedule
Oregon bond amounts are set by ORS 701.081 (residential) and ORS 701.084 (commercial), both updated by HB 2922 effective January 1, 2024. Contractors holding multiple endorsements must file a separate bond for each.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential General Contractor (RGC) / Residential Developer (RD) | $25,000 | Raised from $20,000 on January 1, 2024 under HB 2922. |
| Residential Specialty Contractor (RSC) | $20,000 | Raised from $15,000 on January 1, 2024. |
| Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) and restricted residential endorsements (HSC, HISC, RLSC, HEPSC, RRC) | $15,000 | Raised from $10,000 on January 1, 2024. |
| Commercial General Contractor Level 1 (CGC1) | $80,000 | Raised from $75,000 on January 1, 2024. |
| Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1 (CSC1) | $55,000 | Raised from $50,000 on January 1, 2024. |
| Commercial General Contractor Level 2 (CGC2) / Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2 (CSC2) / Commercial Developer (CD) | $25,000 | Raised from $20,000 on January 1, 2024. |
What Makes Oregon Contractor Licensing Unique
No Dollar-Amount Threshold
Unlike California's $1,000 handyperson exemption, Oregon has no minimum project value below which an unlicensed contractor may work. Virtually any paid construction or repair work on real property in Oregon requires a CCB license.
Endorsement-Based, Not Trade-Based
Oregon doesn't issue separate electrical or plumbing contractor licenses through the CCB (those come through the Oregon Building Codes Division). The CCB licenses by endorsement — residential vs. commercial, general vs. specialty, Level 1 vs. Level 2 — and the endorsement defines the size and type of structure, not the trade.
16-Hour Pre-License Training + Two Exams
Under ORS 701.122 (statutory authority) and OAR Chapter 812 Division 006 (which sets the specific 16-hour requirement), applicants must complete 16 hours of pre-license education before sitting for both the NASCLA accredited examination and the Oregon-specific CCB exam administered by PSI. The Oregon exam is open-book — candidates may bring the Oregon Contractor Reference Manual into the testing center.
HB 2922 Raised Every Bond $5,000 (Jan 1, 2024)
House Bill 2922 increased every CCB bond tier by $5,000 effective January 1, 2024. RGC moved from $20,000 to $25,000, RSC from $15,000 to $20,000, CGC1 from $75,000 to $80,000, and so on.
HB 4089 Raised Unlicensed-Contracting Penalties in 2026
House Bill 4089, signed by Governor Kotek on March 31, 2026, amended ORS 701.990 to elevate the unauthorized use of a CCB license number (and use of a license number with intent to deceive the public) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. It also made knowingly hiring an unlicensed construction labor contractor a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class C felony for repeat offenses. Operative date pending — see OLIS for current status.
Oregon Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Oregon Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Oregon?
Use the CCB's official license search at search.ccb.state.or.us or from the main CCB site at oregon.gov/ccb. Search by business name, individual name, or CCB license number. The lookup shows endorsement type, active/inactive status, expiration date, bond and insurance status, and complaint history. You can also call the CCB at 503-378-4621.
Do all contractors need a license in Oregon?
Yes — Oregon has no dollar-amount exemption. Virtually anyone performing construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement work on real property for compensation must hold a CCB license under ORS Chapter 701. That includes roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, concrete, HVAC services, tree service, land development, and most other construction trades. There are narrow statutory exemptions (e.g., certain owner-builders on their own homes), but 'small jobs' are not one of them.
What is a CCB license number?
A CCB license number is the unique identifier the Oregon Construction Contractors Board assigns to every licensed contractor. Oregon law requires contractors to include this number in all advertising, bids, and written contracts. You can plug the number into the CCB license search to pull up the full license record — endorsement, status, bond, insurance, and complaint history.
How much does an Oregon CCB contractor license cost?
As of July 1, 2025, the application fee for a new license is $400 for the 2-year license term (it was $325 before). Renewal is also $400 every two years (the renewal increase took effect July 1, 2024). On top of that, budget for the 16-hour pre-license training, the $60 PSI exam fee (per attempt), the NASCLA exam fee, annual surety bond premiums (typically $100-$950 depending on credit and bond size), and general liability insurance premiums.
Do Oregon contractors need a surety bond?
Yes. Every CCB licensee must file a surety bond before the license is issued. Amounts range from $15,000 (Residential Limited Contractor and restricted residential endorsements) to $80,000 (Commercial General Contractor Level 1). HB 2922 raised every tier by $5,000 effective January 1, 2024. Contractors don't pay the full bond amount — they pay an annual premium to a surety company.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Oregon?
You lose access to the CCB's dispute-resolution process and the contractor's bond. Unlicensed construction contracting is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 701.990, and the CCB can impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense under ORS 701.992. Under HB 4089 (2026), knowingly hiring an unlicensed construction labor contractor is a Class A misdemeanor on the first offense and a Class C felony for repeat offenses. Homeowner's insurance may also deny claims for damage caused by unlicensed work.
How do I file a complaint against an Oregon contractor?
First, send the contractor a 30-day pre-complaint notice by certified mail (the CCB website has a tool to generate one). After the 30 days pass, file your complaint with the CCB Dispute Resolution Section at oregon.gov/ccb, by phone at 503-934-2247, or by email at disputes@ccb.oregon.gov. The filing fee is $50. Mind the deadline — for existing structures, complaints must be received within 1 year of substantial completion; no exceptions.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Oregon?
From the time you submit a complete application (with exam passage, bond, insurance, and business registration in hand), the CCB takes about 4 weeks for online applications and 6-8 weeks for paper applications. Add several weeks on the front end for the 16-hour pre-license training and scheduling both the NASCLA and Oregon-specific exams through PSI. A realistic end-to-end timeline is 2-4 months.
Does Oregon require a written contract for home improvement work?
Yes — any residential construction project over $2,000 requires a written contract that includes the CCB-mandated Consumer Protection Notice, Notice of Procedure, and Information Notice to Owner About Construction Liens, plus specific details about scope, price, payment schedule, and the contractor's CCB number. If a contractor skips the written contract on a job that requires one, they forfeit the right to place a construction lien on the property.
What's the difference between a residential and commercial CCB endorsement?
Residential endorsements (RGC, RSC, RLC, RD, and the restricted residential endorsements) cover single-family homes, apartments/condos of four stories or fewer, manufactured homes, and floating homes. Commercial endorsements cover everything else — bigger apartment complexes, hospitals, shopping centers, industrial buildings. Commercial is further split by size: 'small commercial' means nonresidential structures ≤10,000 sq ft and ≤20 ft tall or total contract ≤$250,000; 'large commercial' is everything above that. CGC1/CSC1 and CGC2/CSC2 handle commercial work; RGC/RSC are residential-only.
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.
- Oregon CCB — Home — Primary regulator for Oregon contractor licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — CCB License Overview — Endorsements, bond amounts (including HB 2922 increases), application pathway. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Endorsement Chart (PDF) — Authoritative endorsement definitions, structure categories (residential / small commercial / large commercial), and scope rules. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Proposed / Enacted Fee Increase — Renewal fee moved to $400 on July 1, 2024; new-application fee moved to $400 on July 1, 2025. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS Chapter 701 — Construction Contractors (official) — Authoritative statutory text for Oregon construction contractor licensing (ORS 701.021, 701.081, 701.084, 701.122, 701.143, 701.305, 701.330, 701.990, 701.992). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.081 — Residential bond amounts (secondary) — Unofficial annotated version of statutory residential surety bond requirements (post-HB 2922). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.084 — Commercial bond amounts (secondary) — Unofficial annotated version of statutory commercial surety bond requirements (post-HB 2922). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.122 — Pre-license education authority (secondary) — Unofficial annotated version. Statute authorizes pre-license training and exam; the specific 16-hour requirement is set by OAR Chapter 812 Division 006, not the statute. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.143 — Complaint filing deadlines (secondary) — Unofficial annotated version of statutory deadlines for filing CCB complaints. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.515 — Lead-Based Paint Renovation licensing — Lead-based paint renovation contractor licensing (not unlicensed-contracting penalties). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.990 — Criminal penalties for unlicensed contracting — Class A misdemeanor for violating ORS 701.021; Class C felony (post-HB 4089) for intentional unauthorized use of a license number or use with intent to deceive. Secondary source; cross-reference the official ORS chapter 701 page. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ORS 701.992 — Civil penalties — Secondary source. CCB authority to impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation (civil only — criminal classification lives in ORS 701.990). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- OAR 812-005-0800 — Schedule of civil penalties — Detailed schedule of CCB civil penalties for specific violations. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Consumer Protection — Pre-complaint notice, complaint filing process, and consumer rights. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Continuing Education — Residential and commercial continuing education requirements per renewal cycle. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Guide to Home Improvement Contracts (PDF) — $2,000 written-contract threshold and required contract elements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon CCB — Contact Us — Address (201 High St. SE, Suite 600, Salem, OR 97301), mailing (P.O. Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309-5052), phone 503-378-4621, email ccb.info@ccb.oregon.gov. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon HB 2922 (2023) — Bond increases — Enacted legislation raising every CCB bond tier by $5,000 effective January 1, 2024. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Oregon HB 4089 (2026) — Unlicensed contracting penalties — Signed by Governor Kotek March 31, 2026. Amends ORS 701.990 to enhance criminal penalties for unauthorized license-number use and knowingly hiring unlicensed labor contractors. Official chapter designation and operative date pending — see OLIS Measure History for current status. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CCB License Search — Public license lookup tool. (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.
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