At a Glance: Idaho Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Idaho Division of Building Safety |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | No state GC license; public works require registration |
| Application Fee | $100–$400 for trade licenses |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI / ICC |
| Exam Cost | $65–$120 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade |
| Insurance Required | Required per trade |
| License Renewal | Annual |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Idaho Contractor License
- Determine if your work requires state trade license (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- For general contracting, obtain local business license
- Pass applicable trade exam
- Register with Division of Building Safety
- Obtain required insurance per trade
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI / ICC
Cost: $65–$120
Topics covered: Idaho codes, Trade knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Required per trade
Beyond what Idaho requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Idaho has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Idaho licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Idaho
Idaho has no state general contractor license — work directly with local permit offices. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades do require state licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Idaho?Yes. In Idaho, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at No state GC license; public works require registration. The licensing is managed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
-
How much does a Idaho contractor license cost?The application fee for a Idaho contractor license is $100–$400 for trade licenses. An exam fee of $65–$120 is also required for the PSI / ICC exam. Renewal is Annual.
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Is an exam required for a Idaho contractor license?Yes. Idaho requires passing the PSI / ICC exam (cost: $65–$120) covering Idaho codes and Trade knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Idaho contractor license?Idaho requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: Required per trade. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in Idaho?Getting a Idaho contractor license typically involves 5 steps: obtaining required experience (Varies by trade), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Idaho Division of Building Safety — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.