Contractor License Lookup by State
36 states require contractor licensing at the state level. 15 states handle licensing at the city or county level. Select a state to verify licenses or learn about requirements.
States with Contractor Licensing
Alabama
GuideAlabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (LBGC)
Alaska
GuideDivision of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL)
Arizona
GuideArizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
Arkansas
GuideArkansas Contractors Licensing Board
California
Search LiveContractors State License Board (CSLB)
Connecticut
GuideDepartment of Consumer Protection (DCP)
Delaware
GuideDelaware Division of Revenue
Florida
Search LiveDepartment of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Georgia
GuideGeorgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Hawaii
GuideContractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Idaho
GuideIdaho Contractors Board, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
Iowa
GuideDepartment of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL)
Louisiana
GuideLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
Maryland
GuideMaryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
Massachusetts
GuideOffice of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC)
Michigan
GuideDepartment of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Minnesota
GuideDepartment of Labor and Industry (DLI)
Mississippi
GuideMississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
Montana
GuideMontana Department of Labor and Industry
Nebraska
GuideNebraska Department of Labor
Nevada
GuideNevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
New Jersey
GuideDivision of Consumer Affairs (current)
New Mexico
GuideConstruction Industries Division (CID), Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD)
North Carolina
GuideNorth Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
North Dakota
GuideNorth Dakota Secretary of State
Oregon
GuideOregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB)
Pennsylvania
GuidePennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration)
Rhode Island
GuideContractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB)
South Carolina
GuideSouth Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (LLR)
Tennessee
GuideTennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Utah
GuideDivision of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Virginia
GuideDepartment of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors
Washington
GuideDepartment of Labor and Industries (L&I)
Washington D.C.
GuideDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
West Virginia
GuideWest Virginia Contractor Licensing Board, Department of Labor
Wisconsin
GuideDepartment of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
States Without State-Level Licensing
These states do not require a state-level general contractor license. Licensing requirements vary by city and county. Specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) may still require state licensing.
Colorado
Local OnlyNo state-level GC license. Each municipality controls licensing requirements. Denver, Colorado Springs, etc. each have separate requirements. State licenses plumbing and electrical only. Workers' comp
Illinois
Local OnlyNo state-level GC license. Chicago has special requirements including financial solvency statement and proof of insurance. State licenses roofing contractors. Plumbing violations can result in $3,000+
Indiana
Local OnlyNo state-level GC license. Only plumbing is licensed at state level. All other licenses handled at county/city level. Indianapolis and Evansville have notable requirements.
Kansas
Local OnlyNo statewide licensing requirement of any kind. Pure local jurisdiction. Municipal licensing required in most cities. No statewide requirements even for specialty trades.
Kentucky
Local OnlyNo state-level GC license. Pure local control model. Workers' compensation insurance mandatory statewide regardless of local licensing.
Maine
Local OnlyNo state GC license. All residential jobs over $3,000 require a written contract by law. State only licenses plumbers and electricians. Local municipalities may have their own requirements.
Missouri
Local OnlyNo statewide licensing system at all. No state-level electrician or plumber licenses either. Pure local control. Kansas City and St. Louis have their own requirements.
New Hampshire
Local OnlyNo state GC license. Electrical, plumbing, and asbestos/lead abatement are licensed at state level. Manchester has special requirements. Pure local jurisdiction for GCs.
New York
Local OnlyNo state GC license. NYC requires separate registrations for different work types. Many cities require licenses despite no state requirement. NYC home improvement contractors need bond or trust fund e
Ohio
Local OnlyNo state GC license. State licenses specific trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hydronics, refrigeration) only. Requires workers' comp through monopolistic state insurer (BWC). Local municipalities c
Oklahoma
Local OnlyNo state GC license. State Construction Industries Board handles specialty trades only (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). Out-of-state contractors need separate business license process. Pure local l
South Dakota
Local OnlyNo state GC license. State licenses plumbing, electrical, and asbestos only. Pure local licensing jurisdiction for GCs. Sioux Falls and Rapid City have their own requirements.
Texas
Local OnlyNo statewide GC license — one of the most notable examples. State licenses plumbing, electrical, and some other specialties. Requirements vary significantly between cities (Austin, Dallas, Houston, Sa
Vermont
Local OnlyNo state GC license. Pure local jurisdiction model. Some trades require state licenses/certifications. Apprenticeships may substitute for exams in some trades.
Wyoming
Local OnlyNo state GC license. Only electricians licensed statewide. Local requirements vary widely. One of the least regulated states for general contractors.