At a Glance: Louisiana Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | $50,000 for commercial; $75,000 for residential new construction |
| Application Fee | $150–$500 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $100–$155 |
| Experience Required | 5 years experience (commercial); 3 years (residential) |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual; $150–$500 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Louisiana Contractor License
- Choose license type: commercial vs residential
- Document required experience years
- Pass Business & Law and trade exams via PSI
- Obtain insurance and post surety bond if required
- Submit application to LSLBC
- License issued in 4–8 weeks
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $100–$155
Topics covered: Business & Law, 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
General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Louisiana 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
Louisiana has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- Florida
- Mississippi
- Alabama
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Louisiana licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Louisiana
Louisiana has strict enforcement. The LSLBC investigates unlicensed contractor complaints. Home improvement work under the threshold still requires business registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a contractor license in Louisiana?Yes. In Louisiana, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at $50,000 for commercial; $75,000 for residential new construction. The licensing is managed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Louisiana contractor license cost?The application fee for a Louisiana contractor license is $150–$500. An exam fee of $100–$155 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Annual; $150–$500.
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Is an exam required for a Louisiana contractor license?Yes. Louisiana requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $100–$155) covering Business & Law and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Louisiana contractor license?Louisiana requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($100,000+); Workers' Comp required. 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 Louisiana?Getting a Louisiana contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (5 years experience (commercial); 3 years (residential)), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) — 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 Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.