At a Glance: Utah Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | All contractors must be licensed |
| Application Fee | $150–$500 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $75–$130 |
| Experience Required | 2 years minimum |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($300,000); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual; $150–$400 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Utah Contractor License
- Choose license type (B100, E100, or specialty)
- Document 2 years experience
- Pass Utah Business & Law and trade exams via PSI
- Obtain insurance and workers' comp
- Apply through DOPL online portal
- License issued in 4–6 weeks
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $75–$130
Topics covered: Utah 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 ($300,000); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Utah 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
Utah has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Utah licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Utah
Utah requires all contractors to be licensed. The R151 license covers both residential and small commercial work under specific thresholds — good for smaller contractors starting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a contractor license in Utah?Yes. In Utah, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at All contractors must be licensed. The licensing is managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Utah contractor license cost?The application fee for a Utah contractor license is $150–$500. An exam fee of $75–$130 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Annual; $150–$400.
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Is an exam required for a Utah contractor license?Yes. Utah requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $75–$130) covering Utah 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 Utah contractor license?Utah requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($300,000); 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 Utah?Getting a Utah contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (2 years minimum), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) — 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 Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.