At a Glance: Missouri Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Missouri Division of Professional Registration + Local |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | No state GC license; trade licenses required |
| Application Fee | $50–$200 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Cost | $60–$100 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade |
| Insurance Required | Required locally |
| License Renewal | Annual or biennial |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Missouri Contractor License
- For electrical/plumbing, apply to state Division of Professional Registration
- For GC work, check St. Louis, Kansas City, or your city for local requirements
- Pass applicable trade exam
- Obtain business license and insurance
- Register with municipality
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI
Cost: $60–$100
Topics covered: Missouri Code, 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 locally
Beyond what Missouri 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
Missouri has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Missouri licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Missouri
Missouri has no state general contractor license. Electrical and plumbing are state-licensed. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have their own contractor licensing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Missouri?Yes. In Missouri, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at No state GC license; trade licenses required. The licensing is managed by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration + Local. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
-
How much does a Missouri contractor license cost?The application fee for a Missouri contractor license is $50–$200. An exam fee of $60–$100 is also required for the PSI exam. Renewal is Annual or biennial.
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Is an exam required for a Missouri contractor license?Yes. Missouri requires passing the PSI exam (cost: $60–$100) covering Missouri Code and Trade knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Missouri contractor license?Missouri requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: Required locally. 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 Missouri?Getting a Missouri contractor license typically involves 5 steps: obtaining required experience (Varies by trade), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration + Local. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Missouri Division of Professional Registration + Local — 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 Missouri Division of Professional Registration + Local. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.