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General contractor license requirements vary by state and often by city, so check project value thresholds, license types, exams and experience rules before bidding on work.

Many states require registration, a surety bond and proof of general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance often applies once a contractor has employees.

Confirm requirements with the local building department where you plan to work to help avoid fines or permit delays, and carry the right coverage before starting a job.

A general contractor license — also called a GC license or contractor’s license — is required in most states before you can legally bid on or perform construction work, though how you get a contractor’s license depends heavily on where you plan to work. This guide covers general contractor license requirements in all 50 states, including project thresholds, license types and the insurance many states require before you can get licensed.

You’ll also want the right general contractor insurance, which can help cover the requirements for getting licensed in some states and help protect your business once you start working with clients.

We also have state guides for other trades, including handypersons, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, landscapers, roofing, painters and plumbers.

The list below is in alphabetical order and includes links to more in-depth guides for each state.

Jump ahead to find the state where you plan to work:

States A-E

States F-J

States K-O

States P-T

States U-Z

Alabama general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

Alabama general contractor license requirements are set by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC) for commercial and public projects, and by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (AHBLB) for residential construction.

Commercial / public work: A license is required for projects worth $100,000 or more and for swimming pools over $5,000. Applicants must submit three references, financial statements from a certified accountant and pass both a trade and business and law exam. Check the ALBGC for current application fees.

Residential construction: A home builder license is required for residential projects costing more than $10,000. Applicants must pass two exams (trade and business/law). Check the HBLB for current licensing fees.

Required business insurance in Alabama:

Proof of general liability insurance is required for commercial contractor applications.

Workers’ compensation insurance may be required once you have five or more employees.

Residential builders aren’t required to show proof of insurance for licensing, though coverage is often needed for permits or contracts.

Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Alabama.

Alaska general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

General contractor licensing (called “registration” under Alaska law) is managed by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing (CBPL). Contractors must register before bidding or performing work.

Applicants must choose among these registration types:

General Contractor with Residential Endorsement. This is required when residential work exceeds 25% of structure value. This type of registration needs a 16-hour cold-climate course and a residential exam.

General Contractor without Residential Endorsement. Choose this for commercial work or residential remodels under 25% value. Note that no residential exam is required.

Handyman contractor If you plan to work projects valued at under $10,000.

Required business insurance in Alaska:

A surety bond of $25,000 is required for general contractors.

General liability insurance is also required, with minimum coverage limits (e.g. $20,000 property damage, $50,000 bodily injury, $100,000 multiple persons).

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if the business has employees (or if it’s structured as a corporation or LLC).

Arizona general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

General contractor licensing in Arizona is overseen by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC). A state license is required for nearly all construction, alteration or repair work unless the total project cost is under $1,000. If that’s the case, then no permit is required.

License types include:

General Residential Contractor (B-class) – for residential work.

General Commercial Contractor (B-class) – for commercial projects.

General Dual Contractor (KB-class) – covers both residential and commercial work.

Applicants must designate a qualifying party with at least four years of verifiable experience and who has passed both the trade and Arizona Statutes and Rules (SRE) exams. A surety bond is required, with the amount based on license type and annual volume.

Required business insurance in Arizona:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all businesses with employees.

General liability insurance is recommended, but not required, for licensure.

Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Arizona.

Arkansas general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

General contractor licensing in Arkansas is managed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. A license is required for residential projects over $2,000 and commercial work valued at $50,000 or more, including labor and materials.

License classifications include commercial, restricted commercial and residential builder or remodeler (limited and unlimited). Applicants must submit three references, provide financial statements and pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam. A $10,000 surety bond is required for most commercial licenses, and some classifications must show positive net worth.

Required business insurance in Arkansas:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees.

General liability insurance is recommended but not required for licensure; it may be needed for permits or client contracts.

Learn more about general contractor license and insurance requirements in Arkansas.

California general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

Getting a California general contractor license — what many applicants search for as a state of California contractors license — means going through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A license is required for projects over $1,000 unless the work doesn’t need a permit and no employees are involved. License types include:

Class A general engineering for specialized engineering projects.

Class B general building for projects involving two or more unrelated trades.

Class B-2 residential remodeling for improvements to an existing residential wood frame structure.

Class C specialty for particular trades; Class C contractors can’t be general contractors on multi-trade projects.

Applicants must document four years of verified experience, pass both a trade exam and a business and law exam, submit fingerprints and complete an asbestos open-book exam. Check the CSLB for current application and licensing fees.

Required business insurance in California:

A $25,000 contractor bond or cashier’s check is required for all active licenses.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with employees, but all licensed contractors must have workers’ compensation on file with the CSLB even if they don’t have any employees.

General liability insurance is recommended but not required for most license types.

Learn more about general contractor license requirements in California.

Colorado general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Colorado does not require a state general contractor license. Contractor licensing is handled locally by each city or county, so requirements vary by municipality.

For example, in Denver, contractors must obtain a local license through the Denver Community Planning & Development Office. Applicants need a supervisor certificate, must pass an International Code Council (ICC) exam and meet local experience and financial standards.

Because rules differ, always check with the local building department where you plan to work before starting any project.

Required business insurance in Colorado:

Many Colorado cities require proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

Some municipalities also require a bond or registration fee before issuing a license.

Learn more about Colorado general contractor license requirements.

Connecticut general contractor license requirements

License required: No (for general commercial work)

Connecticut does not issue a statewide general contractor license. However, contractors performing residential work must register with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

The state has two main registrations:

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) for repair, remodeling or improvement work on existing homes.

New Home Construction Contractor (NHCC) for building new single-family homes or major residential construction.

Applicants must also provide business details and pay registration fees set by the DCP.

Required business insurance in Connecticut:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all businesses with one or more employees.

General liability insurance is mandatory for residential contractor registration and strongly recommended for all contractors.

Learn more about Connecticut general contractor license requirements.

Delaware general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

Delaware does not issue a separate state general contractor trade license, but contractors must obtain a business license through the Delaware Division of Revenue before performing any work. This serves as the state’s contractor license requirement.

Check the Delaware Division of Revenue for current business license fees. The license must be secured before starting or bidding on projects, and out-of-state contractors may also need to post a surety bond.

Required business insurance in Delaware:

General liability insurance is required as part of the contractor registration process.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with employees.

Florida general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

A Florida general contractor license is regulated by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

There are two state of Florida contractor license types:

A certified license allows contractors to work anywhere in Florida.

A registered license limits work to specific cities or counties where you hold local competency.

Applicants must show four years of relevant experience (or a mix of education and experience). They must also meet financial responsibility requirements and pass three state exams — Business & Finance, Contract Administration and Project Management — before applying for a license. Fingerprints and a background check are also required.

Most local contractor licenses in Florida have been phased out, centralizing licensing under the state. Contractors should confirm their status with DBPR.

Required business insurance in Florida:

General liability insurance is required for all licensed contractors.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees.

Learn more about Florida general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Georgia general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

A Georgia general contractor license (also called a GA contractors license) is required for projects valued over $2,500. It’s issued by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.

Georgia offers four license types:

General Contractor (Unlimited).

General Contractor – Limited Tier for projects up to $500,000.

Residential Basic Contractor for one- and two-family residences and townhomes.

Residential Light Commercial Contractor for small commercial and multi-family home work projects.

Applicants must meet specific education or experience requirements. You can qualify with a four-year degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or project management; equivalent college coursework and experience totaling at least four years; or four years of construction experience, including at least two working under a licensed general contractor.

Required business insurance in Georgia:

General liability insurance is required for all licensees.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have three or more employees.

Residential applicants may provide a $25,000 surety bond instead of a minimum net-worth statement.

Learn more about Georgia general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Hawaii general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

General contractors in Hawaii must be licensed by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Contractors License Board for any commercial, residential or public works project valued at more than $1,000 or requiring a building permit. Licenses are issued under two main classifications: General Engineering (A) and General Building (B).

Applicants must have four years of supervisory experience within the past ten years. They must also pass both a trade exam and a business and law exam, and they must meet financial and character requirements. A minimum $5,000 surety bond may be required, and all licenses must be renewed biennially.

Required business insurance in Hawaii:

General liability insurance with at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees.

Learn more about Hawaii general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Idaho general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (registration, not full licensing)

Idaho requires contractors performing work valued over $2,000 (for labor and materials) to register with the Idaho Contractors Board, part of the Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL).

To register, applicants must submit business and owner information, proof of general liability insurance or equivalent coverage and either provide workers’ compensation insurance or a statement of exemption.

Required business insurance in Idaho:

General liability insurance with at least $300,000 single-limit coverage.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees. If your business does not have employees, you can submit an exemption statement.

Learn more about general contractor license requirements in Idaho.

Illinois general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Illinois does not issue a statewide general contractor license — there’s no single Illinois general contractor license that covers the whole state. Instead, licensing is handled by local jurisdictions, such as the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.

In Chicago, what contractors often call a Chicago G.C. license is required for most construction, alteration, repair or demolition work. Applicants must submit a statement of financial solvency, proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees.

You’ll also need to verify your business structure, provide ownership details and pay the corresponding license fee. Check the City of Chicago Department of Buildings for current class fees, which vary by license class.

Required business insurance in Illinois:

General liability insurance with limits set by the city or county where you plan to work (Chicago requires $1 million–$5 million in coverage).

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with employees.

Learn more about general contractor license and insurance requirements in Illinois.

Indiana general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Indiana does not require a state general contractor license. Contractor licensing and requirements are handled at the local city or county level, so rules vary depending on where you plan to work.

Contractor applicants usually must register locally, submit proof of general liability insurance and carry workers’ compensation insurance. Some cities, like Indianapolis, also require a surety bond and specific insurance minimums (e.g. $500,000 per occurrence).

Required business insurance in Indiana:

General liability insurance. How much you’ll need is set by the local jurisdiction of your business, ad it’s often higher in major cities.

Workers’ compensation insurance. This is usually required if you have employees, buy your business may be eligible for a waiver where allowed.

Learn more about Indiana general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Iowa general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Iowa does not require general contractors to hold a trade license, but contractors with $2,000 or more in annual construction work must register with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL).

To register, you need to provide a valid unemployment insurance account number and attach proof of your workers’ compensation insurance (if you have employees). Check DIAL for the current registration fee or fee-exemption eligibility.

Out-of-state contractors must also file a $25,000 surety bond as part of registration.

Required business insurance in Iowa:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees (or appropriate self-insured status).

General liability insurance is recommended but not required for most license types.

Kansas general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Kansas does not require a state contractor license. Local governments — cities and counties — may impose contractor licensing or registration requirements, depending on where you work. For example, local jurisdictions like Johnson County maintain contractor licensing programs.

Required business insurance in Kansas:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for non-agricultural employers whose gross annual payroll exceeds $20,000.

General liability insurance requirements depend on the local jurisdiction and may be mandated by city or county licensing rules.

Kentucky general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Kentucky does not mandate a statewide general contractor license. Instead, contractor licensing and regulation are handled at the local city or county level. Local jurisdictions may require contractors to register, obtain liability insurance or post a bond before being allowed to bid or permit projects.

Required business insurance in Kentucky:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees, unless authorized to self-insure or exempt.

General liability insurance requirements depend on the local jurisdiction and may be mandated by city or county licensing rules.

Learn more about Kentucky general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Louisiana general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

A Louisiana contractor license is issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). A commercial license is required for projects costing $50,000 or more (or $10,000 for plumbing, electrical or mechanical work).

Residential licenses are required for residential construction or home improvements that cost $50,000 or more. Projects between $7,500 and $50,000 require a home improvement registration (unless you already hold a residential or commercial license).

Applicants must designate a qualifying party, submit financial statements, pass trade and business and law exams (if applicable) and maintain good standing with the Secretary of State.

Required business insurance in Louisiana:

General liability insurance. Contractors need at least $100,000 in coverage (for residential and home improvement projects) and $50,000 for mold remediation work.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for residential, home improvement and mold remediation licensees.

Learn more about Louisiana general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Maine general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (locally or registration)

Maine does not issue a state general contractor license. Contractor registration and permitting are handled locally by cities or counties, so requirements may vary.

State law requires a written contract for any home construction or improvement project valued at more than $3,000. The contract must outline the scope of work, total cost and completion timeline.

Required business insurance in Maine:

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers with one or more employees.

General liability insurance is not required statewide, but it may be needed to meet local compliance or client requirements.

Maryland general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

In Maryland, general contractors must hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license for residential remodeling or repair work. The MHIC operates under the Maryland Department of Labor. Contractors who build new homes must instead register with the Home Builder Registration Unit through the Office of the Attorney General.

Applicants must show two years of experience in home improvement or related construction, pass a business and law exam and provide proof of financial solvency or a bond. Proof of insurance is required for the application and for license renewal.

Commercial general contractors are licensed locally through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the work is performed.

Required business insurance in Maryland:

General liability insurance of at least $50,000 in coverage.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with employees.

Learn more about Maryland general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Massachusetts general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

In Massachusetts, contractors performing home improvement work on existing one- to four-unit, owner-occupied residences must register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. For larger structural projects, additions or framing, contractors must also hold a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) issued by the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

CSL applicants must show three years of experience in construction or design within the past ten years (education may partially substitute) and they will need to pass a state licensing exam.

Required business insurance in Massachusetts:

General liability insurance is required for both HIC registration and CSL licensure.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.

Learn more about Massachusetts general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Michigan general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes

General contractors in Michigan must hold either a Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration (M&A) Contractor license, and they’re both issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). A license is required for any residential or mixed-use project valued at $600 or more.

Applicants must complete a 60-hour prelicensure education course approved by LARA, and they must pass a state exam covering both trade knowledge and business and law. Commercial contractors are regulated locally. They should verify local licensing and permit requirements with the city or county where they operate.

Required business insurance in Michigan:

General liability insurance is required for licensed contractors.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with employees, unless exempt under state law.

Learn more about Michigan general contractor license and insurance requirements.

Minnesota general contractor license requirements

License required: Yes (for residential work)

Applicants must designate a qualifying person, pass a state exam and provide proof of financial responsibility, including business insurance.

Required business insurance in Minnesota:

License required: Yes