General Contractor License Requirements by State
Only about half of the states license general contractors statewide; the rest rely on business registration or local city and county licensing. Where licensing exists, it typically pairs construction experience and financial statements with a state contractor exam. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.
Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.
National exam basics
No national contractor license. About half of states license contractors statewide; the rest leave it to counties and cities.
General Contractor License requirements by state
FAQ
Do I need a license to be a general contractor?
Only in about half of the states. California, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, and the Carolinas require state licenses, while states like Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, and Iowa do not license general contractors at the state level.
What are typical license requirements?
Licensing states usually require several years of construction experience, passage of a state exam, proof of financial responsibility, and often a qualifying individual with a construction background.
Does licensing cover all trades?
Not always: Texas licenses contractors by trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) rather than as general contractors, and some states only register home improvement contractors.
Can I work in another state with my license?
Reciprocity is limited. Most states honor out-of-state experience but require their own exam; a few have formal reciprocity agreements with neighboring states.