Contractor licensing in America: how 43 states and DC compare
Of the 51 jurisdictions in our contractor license table, 44 are published: 43 states and the District of Columbia. Among them, 9 issue no state general contractor license and 23 list an exam for the state credential or one of its classes. Fees charged per application at a single dollar amount run from $15 in Wisconsin (as of 2026-05-09) to $450 in California (as of 2026-10-03), each one fee line rather than a total.
Key findings
- Of the 51 jurisdictions, 44 are published here (43 states and the District of Columbia) and 7 are not yet verified.
- By the kind of state credential, whatever each state calls it: 19 issue one, with an exam listed, that covers residential and commercial work; 4 issue one, with an exam listed, for residential work only; 12 issue a registration or license with no exam or qualification test listed, whatever work it covers (in some, residential or home improvement work only); and 9 issue no state general contractor license.
- 23 list an exam for the state credential or one of its classes, 16 a bond and 13 continuing education. Of those, 4, 9 and 9 respectively list it only for some classes, activities or applicant groups, only where required, or as one option among others; the table marks each, and the state page prints each condition with its source.
- Among the 19 jurisdictions with a fee charged per application at a single dollar amount, the lowest is $15, in Wisconsin (as of 2026-05-09), and the highest $450, in California (as of 2026-10-03).
- Of the 35 that issue a state credential, 19 list a fee in figures marked per application, 13 list fees in figures marked per year, per license term, per exam or on some other basis, and 3 list no fee as a dollar figure.
What this page compares
This page sets the 44 published jurisdictions of our contractor license table side by side on five points: the credential the state government issues to general or building contractors, whether an exam is listed among its requirements, whether a bond is listed, whether continuing education is listed, and the first application fee that states a single dollar amount. Every count here comes from the same 51-row table the contractor license requirements by state hub prints, so a count moves when a row changes.
The table covers the state government only. City and county licenses, and trade licenses such as electrical or plumbing licenses, are not in it. A state that issues no state general contractor license may still have other state rules for contractors, such as rules for home construction contracts; its state page lists those rules where our table holds them.
Listed in the Exam, Bond or Continuing education column means the state's row lists that item for the credential or for at least one of its classes or applicant groups; a note after it marks one listed only for some classes or applicants, only where required, or as one option among others, and the state page prints it with its conditions and source. Not in our verified record means the row does not establish it either way; it does not mean the state has no such requirement. No state GC license means the state government issues no general contractor license, so it sets no state general contractor license exam, bond or fee.
Application fees, one line at a time
Lowest: Wisconsin: Dwelling Contractor certification, application fee, $15 per application, as of 2026-05-09 (fee page).
Highest: California: Original application (exam or waiver for one classification), $450 per application, as of 2026-10-03 (fee page).
These figures come from the 19 jurisdictions whose rows list a fee charged per application with a single dollar amount. A fee per year, per license term, per classification or per exam is left out, as is a fee stated as a range, a formula or in words, and no two fees are added together. Each figure is one line of a fee schedule, dated by the page it was read from; the same state's license, exam and renewal fees are on its state page. Of the 35 jurisdictions that issue a state credential, 19 list such an application fee, 13 list fees in figures marked per year, per license term, per exam or on some other basis (some of them paid with the first application), and 3 list no fee as a dollar figure.
Recent changes
Changes a state's statute, rule or licensing agency page describes, each quoted word for word.
District of Columbia. D.C. Law 25-244 would create a Board of Construction Managers and General Contractors and set eligibility criteria for licensing residential and commercial contractors. The law says it applies upon the later of January 1, 2026, or 120 days after its fiscal effect is included in an approved budget and financial plan, and the D.C. Code's note on § 47-2853.78b says the section the law creates there has not been implemented.
AN ACT To amend Chapter 28 of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code to create a Board of Construction Managers and General Contractors, to establish eligibility criteria for the licensure of construction managers and residential and commercial contractors, and to establish a Residential and Commercial Contractor Guaranty and Education Fund.D.C. Law 25-244, title · official text · retrieved 2026-10-07
(a) This act shall apply upon the later of January 1, 2026, or 120 days after the date of inclusion of its fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan.D.C. Law 25-244, § 3(a) · official text · retrieved 2026-10-03
Applicability of D.C. Law 25-244: § 3 of D.C. Law 25-244 provided that the creation of this section by § 2(d) of D.C. Law 25-244 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.D.C. Code § 47-2853.78b, applicability note · official text · retrieved 2026-10-03
Idaho. Idaho's Contractors Board lists registration fees effective July 1, 2026, and says that as of October 14, 2025, it has begun transitioning to biennial registration.
Fees (Effective July 1st, 2026) Contractor Registration Fees: Contractor Registration Fees: Application/Initial Annual Renewal Biennial Renewal Individual $120 $60 $120 Business $120 $60 $120 Reinstatement Fee (in addition to Renewal fee) : $40Idaho Contractors Board home page, Fees (Effective July 1st, 2026) · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-09-14
As of October 14, 2025, this Board has begun transitioning to biennial registration.Idaho Contractors Board home page · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-09-14
Louisiana. Act No. 422 of Louisiana's 2025 Regular Session amends R.S. 37:2156.1(A): its text lists building construction as item (1) and residential construction as item (9), as amended, and home improvement as item (11), as enacted.
2025 Regular Session ACT No. 422 ENROLLED2025 La. Acts No. 422 (SB 122, enrolled), page 1 heading · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-02-12
(1) Building construction.2025 La. Acts No. 422 (SB 122, enrolled), R.S. 37:2156.1(A)(1) as amended · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-02-12
(9) Residential construction.2025 La. Acts No. 422 (SB 122, enrolled), R.S. 37:2156.1(A)(9) as amended · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-02-12
(11) Home improvement.2025 La. Acts No. 422 (SB 122, enrolled), R.S. 37:2156.1(A)(11) as enacted · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-02-12
Louisiana. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors' memorandum dated July 13, 2026 lists changes made by Act 757 of 2026, among them liability insurance and residential roofing, each effective August 1, 2026.
DATE: July 13, 2026LSLBC memorandum, Changes to Contractor Licensing Laws (July 13, 2026) · official text · retrieved 2026-10-08
• Liability Insurance Effective August 1, 2026LSLBC memorandum, Changes to Contractor Licensing Laws (July 13, 2026) · official text · retrieved 2026-10-08
• Residential Roofing Effective August 1, 2026LSLBC memorandum, Changes to Contractor Licensing Laws (July 13, 2026) · official text · retrieved 2026-10-08
Authority: Act 757 of 2026; La. R.S. 37:2156.1; LAC 46:XXIX.105.LSLBC memorandum, Changes to Contractor Licensing Laws (July 13, 2026) · official text · retrieved 2026-10-08
Montana. Montana's Department of Labor and Industry says that effective January 1, 2026, all construction contractors in Montana are required to be licensed with it, and that those with an active Montana registration as of December 31, 2025 were converted to the new license.
Effective January 1, 2026 All construction contractors in the state of Montana are required to be licensed with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Construction Contractors that had an active Montana registration as of December 31, 2025, have been converted to the new license.DLI, Montana Construction Contractor License (CCL) Program · official text · retrieved 2026-10-03
Nebraska. Nebraska's Department of Labor says the contractor registration annual fee increases to $40.00 effective August 1, 2026.
Contractor Registration annual fee increases to $40.00 effective August 1, 2026.Nebraska Department of Labor, Contractor Registration home (Wayback capture) · Archived copy of the official text, captured 2026-08-11
Oregon. Oregon's Construction Contractors Board lists the initial application at $325 if received by 6/30/2025 and $400 beginning 7/1/2025.
CCB Initial Application(s): $325 (if received by 6/30/2025) $400 (beginning 7/1/2025)Oregon CCB, CCB License page · official text · retrieved 2026-10-04
Tennessee. Tennessee's Board for Licensing Contractors says that beginning July 1, 2026, a Contractors' Surety Bond of at least 50% of the monetary limit requested may be used in place of a CPA-reviewed or CPA-audited financial statement.
Beginning July 1, 2026, contractors may use the new Contractors’ Surety Bond option as an alternative to submitting a CPA-reviewed or CPA-audited financial statement. The surety bond must be in an amount equal to at least 50% of the monetary limit requested.TN Board for Licensing Contractors, Contractor · official text · retrieved 2026-10-03
The 44 published jurisdictions, compared
| State | State license | Exam | Bond | One application fee (first listed) | As of | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | General contractor license; residential home builders license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed, some classes or applicants | Prime contractor application: $300 per application fee page | 2026-10-03 | Not in our verified record |
| Alaska | Certificate of registration as a contractor (residential and commercial) | Listed, some classes or applicants | Listed | Nonrefundable application fee for initial registration or residential contractor endorsement: $100 per application fee page | 2026-10-03 | Listed, some classes or applicants |
| Arizona | Contractor's license (residential and commercial) | Listed, where required | Listed | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Arkansas | Commercial license; residential builders license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | Residential builders new application filing fee, non-refundable: $100 per application fee page | 2025-01-01 | Not in our verified record |
| California | Contractor license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed | Original application (exam or waiver for one classification): $450 per application fee page | 2026-10-03 | Not in our verified record |
| Colorado | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Connecticut | Certificate of registration (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Delaware | Business license (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| District of Columbia | Basic business license (no exam) | No | Listed, some classes or applicants | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Florida | Certificate or registration (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Listed | |
| Georgia | Residential or Commercial General Contractor license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Listed, some classes or applicants | |
| Hawaii | Contractor license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed, where required | Application fee: $50 per application fee page | 2018-07-09 | Not in our verified record |
| Idaho | Contractor registration (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | Application or initial registration (individual or business): $120 per application fee page | 2026-07-01 | Not in our verified record |
| Illinois | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Indiana | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Iowa | Contractor registration (no exam) | No | Listed, some classes or applicants | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Louisiana | License (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Listed, some classes or applicants | |
| Maine | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Maryland | Home improvement license (residential) | Listed | Not in our verified record | Application processing fee: $22.50 per application fee page | 2024-08-01 | Not in our verified record |
| Massachusetts | Home improvement contractor registration; construction supervisor license (residential and commercial) | Listed, some classes or applicants | Not in our verified record | CSL application fee: $23 per application fee page | 2025-12-22 | Listed, some classes or applicants |
| Michigan | Residential builder license; residential maintenance and alteration contractor license (residential) | Listed | Not in our verified record | Application for residential builders or maintenance and alteration contractors license: $195 per application fee page | 2026-04-17 | Listed |
| Minnesota | Building contractor license; residential remodeler license (residential) | Listed | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Listed | |
| Mississippi | Certificate of responsibility; residential license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | Commercial application: $400 per application fee page | 2016-01-01 | Listed, where required |
| Montana | Construction contractor license (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | Application fee: $70 per application fee page | 2026-05-19 | Not in our verified record |
| Nebraska | Contractor registration (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Nevada | Contractor's license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed | Application fee: $300 per application fee page | 2026-10-04 | Not in our verified record |
| New Hampshire | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| New Jersey | Registration (no exam) | No | Listed, where required | Initial application: $110 per application fee page | 2025-03-03 | Not in our verified record |
| New Mexico | Contractor's license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed | License application fee, submitted to PSI with the company's license application: $36 per application fee page | 2026-08-18 | Listed, where required |
| North Carolina | General contractor license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed, as one option | Application, limited license: $75 per application fee page | 2020-09-01 | Listed, some classes or applicants |
| North Dakota | Contractor license (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Ohio | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Oklahoma | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Oregon | CCB license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Pennsylvania | Home improvement contractor registration (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| South Carolina | General contractor's license; residential builder's license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed, as one option | Residential builder license application fee: $135 per application fee page | 2026-04-15 | Listed, where required |
| Tennessee | Contractor’s license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Listed, some classes or applicants | Contractor initial application, reinstatement or ownership change: $250 per application fee page | 2026-10-04 | Listed, some classes or applicants |
| Texas | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license | |
| Vermont | Registration (no exam) | No | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Virginia | Contractor's license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | Recovery Fund assessment with each initial license application: $25 per application fee page | 2025-09-24 | Not in our verified record |
| Washington | Certificate of registration (no exam) | No | Listed | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| West Virginia | Contractor license (residential and commercial) | Listed | Not in our verified record | No fee in figures marked per application; see state page | Not in our verified record | |
| Wisconsin | Dwelling Contractor certification (residential) | Listed, some classes or applicants | Listed, as one option | Dwelling Contractor certification, application fee: $15 per application fee page | 2026-05-09 | Listed |
| Wyoming | No state general contractor license | No state GC license | No state GC license | No state GC license fee | No state GC license |
- Kansas: Not yet verified
- Kentucky: Not yet verified
- Missouri: Not yet verified
- New York: Not yet verified
- Rhode Island: Not yet verified
- South Dakota: Not yet verified
- Utah: Not yet verified
One application fee (first listed): the first fee, in the state's own fee list, marked per application; other application fees, including larger ones, are on the state page. It prints with the date of its fee page. The full table, with each state's agency, exam, bond amount and every fee, is the contractor license requirements by state hub.
CC BY 4.0: free to reuse with a link back. The CSV carries the 44 published rows of this table, cell for cell.
How the counts are made
Counts by credential follow the work each credential covers as its source states it, except that a registration or license with no exam or qualification test listed is counted on its own whatever work it covers: residential and commercial work, residential work only, commercial work only, a registration or license with no exam or qualification test listed, or no state general contractor license. A state in the last group issues no general contractor license at the state level, and that is all the count says about it.
The exam and bond counts read the requirements listed for each state credential. A bond counted here is one the row lists for the credential or for one of its classes, activities or applicant groups; in some rows it is one option among others, such as insurance or a financial statement. Its conditions and amount, where the source prints one, are on the state page and in contractor license bond amounts by state, and how contractor license bonds work is a guide of its own. The continuing education count reads the state's term and renewal facts. The 7 rows marked not yet verified carry nothing about that state's law, and every count, the table and the CSV leave them out. Deadlines for liens, a different topic, are in lien deadlines by state.
Recent changes are only those that a state's own statute, rule or licensing agency page describes, and each one is quoted above with its source and date.