Licensing Stack

General Contractor License Requirements
by State — 2026 Guide

Select your state to see exact requirements, fees, exam details, and application steps.

Quick Answer

General Contractor licensing requirements vary by state. Most states require a state-issued license, though some states regulate at the county or city level. Fees, exam requirements, and experience minimums differ significantly — select your state below for exact details.

Quick Reference: Top 10 States

By construction activity — license type, fees, and exam requirement at a glance.

StateLicense TypeApplication FeeExam Required
California State License $100–$500 No
Texas State License $100–$500 No
Florida State License $100–$500 No
New York County/City Only $100–$500 No
Georgia State License $100–$500 No
North Carolina State License $100–$500 No
Tennessee State License $100–$500 No
Arizona State License $100–$500 No
Virginia State License $100–$500 No
Washington State License $100–$500 No

All 50 States — General Contractor Licensing

Select your state for complete requirements, step-by-step application guide, and reciprocity details.

State License Required
County/City Only
No State License
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Alabama
License Required
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Alaska
No State License
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Arizona
License Required
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Arkansas
License Required
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California
License Required
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Colorado
No State License
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Connecticut
License Required
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Delaware
License Required
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Florida
License Required
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Georgia
License Required
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Hawaii
License Required
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Idaho
License Required
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Illinois
No State License
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Indiana
No State License
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Iowa
No State License
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Kansas
No State License
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Kentucky
License Required
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Louisiana
License Required
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Maine
License Required
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Maryland
License Required
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Massachusetts
License Required
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Michigan
License Required
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Minnesota
License Required
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Mississippi
License Required
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Missouri
No State License
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Montana
License Required
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Nebraska
License Required
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Nevada
License Required
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New Hampshire
License Required
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New Jersey
License Required
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New Mexico
License Required
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New York
County/City Only
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North Carolina
License Required
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North Dakota
No State License
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Ohio
License Required
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Oklahoma
License Required
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Oregon
License Required
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Pennsylvania
No State License
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Rhode Island
License Required
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South Carolina
License Required
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South Dakota
No State License
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Tennessee
License Required
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Texas
License Required
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Utah
License Required
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Vermont
No State License
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Virginia
License Required
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Washington
License Required
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West Virginia
License Required
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Wisconsin
No State License
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Wyoming
No State License

Ask About General Contractor Licensing

Get instant answers about requirements, fees, reciprocity, and application steps.

Disclaimer: Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official state licensing board before applying. This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice.