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General contractors are experts at construction, but building a successful business requires a different set of tools. And one of the most important is a contractor’s license.

A contractor’s license is a permit given by a state or local government that allows you to work as a contractor. It shows that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a contractor’s license. We’ll cover the different types of licenses, the requirements in each state, and the steps you need to take to apply. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to becoming a licensed contractor and building a successful business.

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How To Become a General Contractor

General contractors are responsible for coordinating construction projects from start to finish. This includes everything from hiring subcontractors to managing budgets. They work with clients to plan out a project, get all the necessary permits, and make sure everything stays on schedule and within budget. They also ensure that the project meets all building codes and safety standards.

Some of the jobs a general contractor might handle include:

  • Building new homes or commercial buildings
  • Remodeling existing structures
  • Installing new plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems
  • Managing a team of subcontractors, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers

If you’re thinking about becoming a general contractor, there are a few basic steps you’ll need to follow. First, you’ll typically need to have some experience in the construction industry. Many contractors start out as apprentices or laborers and work their way up. 

You may also need to get licensed in your state. This typically involves passing an exam and meeting experience and education requirements.

Once you’ve got your license, you’ll need to get insurance and bonding to protect yourself and your clients. 

You’ll also need to start networking and marketing your business to potential customers. This might involve setting up a website and attending industry events. You might also decide to reach out to local real estate agents and property managers so they can refer you to their customers.

Becoming a general contractor is a challenging but rewarding career path. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can build a successful business and make a real difference in your community.

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When Do You Need a General Contractor License?

Different states have different rules for contractor licenses. Some states require a license for all types of contracting work. Other states only require a license for certain jobs, like plumbing or electrical work. And a few states don’t require a license at all.

The rules can differ for different types of jobs. For example, you might need a license to work on commercial buildings but not on residential homes. You might also need a special license to work on public projects, like schools or government buildings. Plus, some states only require a license if you’ll be working on projects above a certain minimum cost.

Even if your state doesn’t require a license, it’s still a good idea to get one. A license shows your customers that you have the skills and knowledge to do the job right. It can also help you get insurance and a contractor bond to protect you and your clients.

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Do All States Require You To Be a Licensed Contractor?

While most states require general contractors to have a license, there are exceptions. In these states, you may be able to work as a contractor without getting a state license.

However, even if your state doesn’t require a license, there may still be local government licensing requirements. And your state might have important registration requirements even if full licensing isn’t mandatory.

These states don’t require a state license for general contractors:

  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

And these states only require licenses under specific terms:

  • Connecticut. If you work on residential properties, you’ll need to register as a home improvement contractor with the Department of Consumer Protection.
  • Iowa. If you earn at least $2,000 a year doing construction work, you must register with the Iowa Division of Labor.
  • Maine. For home improvement or construction jobs worth more than $3,000, you must provide a written contract.
  • Minnesota. A residential building contractor or remodeler needs a license, but a general commercial contractor doesn’t.
  • Nebraska. If you do any work that is considered construction, alterations, renovations, additions, installations, or repairs, you’ll need to register with the Department of Labor.
  • Rhode Island. There’s no licensing requirement, but there’s a comprehensive registration process.

Keep in mind that just because you don’t need a license, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to follow other rules and regulations. You’ll still have to get the proper permits for your projects, follow building codes, and make sure you have the right insurance and bonding.

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Overall Contractor’s License Requirements

House in construction

While the exact contractor license requirements vary from state to state, there are some elements most places have in common.

In most states, you’ll need to:

  • Have Experience. Before you can apply for a license, you typically need to have worked in construction for a few years.
  • Pass Exams. Many states will have you take one or more tests to prove you know your stuff. You may be tested on construction skills, business knowledge, and legal regulations.
  • Show Financial Stability. You may need to provide financial statements or proof of a surety bond to show that you and your business are financially stable.
  • Get Insurance. Most states will want you to have general liability insurance. You’ll also need workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. This protects you and your clients in case of accidents or damage.

Some states have extra requirements, such as:

  • Specific Education. A few states want you to have taken certain courses or have a particular degree in addition to your work experience.
  • Background Check. Some places will do a background check to make sure you don’t have any serious crimes or legal issues in your past.
  • Continuing Education. After you get your license, you might need to take a few hours of classes each year to keep it. This helps you stay up-to-date on new skills and safety rules.

Some states have different license classifications depending on the complexity and other factors of the projects you plan to take on. If you live in a state with license classifications, you’ll need to do your due diligence to make sure you’re applying for the right one. For example, the process for getting a contractor’s license in California varies depending on how specialized the work is. 

Remember, these are just the general trends. It’s always a good idea to check with your state licensing board to find out exactly what they require before you start the licensing process.

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4 Pro Tips on How To Get a Contractor’s License Without Experience

General contractor working

Getting a contractor’s license can be tough if you don’t have much professional experience in construction yet. But there are still ways to make it happen. Here are a few tips to help you get your license, even if you’re just starting out:

  • Partner Up. One option is to team up with a responsible managing officer (RMO) or responsible managing employee (RME). These are experienced contractors who can let you use their license for a job. They’ll be responsible for the legal aspects, and you’ll get to work on bigger projects and gain experience.
  • Start a Business. Another option is to start a company with a licensed contractor. You can use their license number to get big jobs while you work on getting your own license. Plus, you’ll also get the experience you need to become licensed yourself.
  • Get Grandfathered In. Some states allow retiring contractors to pass their licenses on after retirement. You’ll still have to pass the state licensing board exam, but you won’t need as much experience.
  • Consider Moving (Temporarily). Consider moving to a state with less strict rules. You can gain experience there, then come back to your home state once you have enough under your belt to get licensed. Be sure to carefully research the requirements in both states so you know what you’re getting into and how long you’d need to relocate for.

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