Whether you’re in the process of planning your dream project or need an emergency fix, understanding and checking licensing is a vital part of the hiring process—and the requirements for contractors vary depending on where you live.
Some states issue licenses for general contractors, while others only require them for specialty trades. Cities and counties can also require their own set of credentials.
Hiring a licensed pro can affect the quality and legality of your home project, so before you hire a local general contractor, familiarize yourself with rules and regulations in your area. Use this tool to look up the license requirements for professionals as required by your state. When available, the license check tool also provides links to regulatory agencies’ real-time license verification websites so you can confirm a pro’s current license status before you hire.
The license information presented here is based on Angi's own ongoing research, and may be incomplete or outdated. License regulations are complex, and requirements can vary both state-by-state and based on project scope. We encourage you to check with the regulatory agencies in your area for their most up-to-date information and to confirm if licensing is required for your specific project.
This tool and guide will help you determine licensing requirements at the state level. We recommend continuing your research by contacting your local government to confirm your pro meets city and county licensing requirements.
Each state has its own regulations and guidelines around contractor licensing, and counties and cities may have additional requirements, too. Before you commit to hiring a general contractor, start your research process here. Then, make sure your chosen pro meets all of the criteria and has the appropriate licenses.
A general contractor license is a state or local government-issued license that ensures the contractor meets the city's, town's, or state's requirements for working on residential and commercial construction projects. Licensing requirements vary widely by state, county, and even city. For instance, some states may require no licensing for general contractors or may only require a license for general contractors who work on projects valued at more than $1,000. Many licensing bodies require pros to have the appropriate general contractor insurance and provide references, accountant-prepared financial statements, and proof that their business is appropriately registered. In some locations, general contractors may have to pass a written exam.
Some specialty trades, including subcontracted and niche work, require their own set of licensing. For example, heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) pros need a state-issued license in many states. With few exceptions, the same is true for electricians and plumbers, regardless of project type. Conversely, handypeople typically don’t need a license, but some states require it.
Structural engineers and architects have different areas of expertise, even though they’re both rooted in civil engineering and work on building projects. Generally, structural engineers focus more on function and durability, while architects consider aesthetics. Both have many years of formal education under their belt, and both typically need a license to work in the United States.
Though both are a type of credential, typically, a government body will issue a license, which gives the person who carries it the legal right to practice that type of work. States may also require or issue certifications, which indicate a person has completed the necessary work or education to practice their specialty.
Depending on location, contractors may need to pass an exam, register their business with the state, get liability insurance, or some combination. Licensing legitimizes a contractor’s business and, in many cases, legally protects them from liability and fines due to issues that may occur on a job. In some places, contracting without a license can prevent a potential pro from ever getting one.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Alabama.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Alaska.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Arizona.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Arkansas.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in California.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Colorado at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing and electrical contractors do require state licensure. You can find out more from the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Connecticut.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Delaware.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Florida.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Georgia.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Hawaii.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Idaho.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Illinois at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, roofing and plumbing contractors require licensing at the state level from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Indiana at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing contractors require licensing at the state level from the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Iowa.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Kansas at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, well drillers and asbestos abatement contractors require licensing at the state level from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Kentucky at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, HVAC and electrical pros require licensing at the state level from the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Louisiana.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Maine at the state level, although they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing and electrical pros require licensing at the state level from the Maine Regulatory Licensing & Permittingoffice.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Maryland.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Massachusetts.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Michigan.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Minnesota.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Mississippi.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Missouri at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical pros can obtain licensing at the state level from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Montana.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Nebraska.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Nevada.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in New Hampshire at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing, electrical, asbestos abatement, and lead abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in New Jersey.
At the time of this posting, part-time contractors do not need licensing in New Mexico at the state level, although they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, if a contractor earns more than $7,200 per year (at the time of posting), they need a license from the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in New York at the state level, although they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, asbestos abatement and crane operating pros do require licensing at the state level from the New York State Department of Safety and Health.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in North Carolina.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in North Dakota.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Ohio at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and HVAC pros require licensing at the state level from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Oklahoma at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical pros require licensing at the state level from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Oregon.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Rhode Island.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in South Carolina.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in South Dakota at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical, plumbing, and asbestos abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Tennessee.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Texas at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, HVAC, plumbing, well-drilling, and fire sprinkler system pros require licensing at the state level from the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guild.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Utah.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Vermont at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical pros do require licensing at the state level from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Virginia.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Washington.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in West Virginia.
Learn more about general contractor licensing requirements in Wisconsin.
At the time of this posting, general contractors do not need licensing in Wyoming at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electricians and water well pros require licensing at the state level from the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety] and the Wyoming Water Well Contractors Licensing Board, respectively.