State-by-State General Contractor License Requirements (Overview)

Below is a summary of general contractor license requirements by state. Always check with your state’s licensing board or local jurisdiction for the most current info.

State	State License Required?	Exam Required?	Notes
California	✅ Yes (CSLB – Class B)	✅ Yes (Law & Trade)	Requires 4 years experience, bond, insurance
Florida	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Separate Residential/Building/General license types
Texas	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Local licenses required in cities like Houston, Austin
New York	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	NYC requires license; others vary by county
Arizona	✅ Yes (ROC)	✅ Yes	Residential & commercial license types available
Georgia	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Must pass Business & Law exam and submit financials
Illinois	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Local licensing varies; Chicago has its own system
North Carolina	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Must qualify based on project size (Limited/Intermediate/Unlimited)
Virginia	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Class A/B/C based on project size and experience
Colorado	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	License required in Denver and other municipalities
Nevada	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Financial statements, bonding, and experience required
Oregon	✅ Yes (CCB)	✅ Yes	Requires 16 hours of training before exam
Washington	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Must register as a contractor and carry insurance
Tennessee	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Based on job value; includes monetary limits
Utah	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Pre-license education and exams required
Mississippi	✅ Yes (over $50,000)	✅ Yes	License needed for larger projects only
Pennsylvania	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Home improvement contractors must register
Ohio	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Local requirements apply (e.g., Cleveland, Cincinnati)
South Carolina	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Must show experience and pass both exams
New Jersey	❌ No (statewide)	❌ No	Home improvement contractors must register

✅ = Required at the state level
❌ = Licensing handled locally or not required

Pro Tip: Local Requirements May Still Apply

Even in states without a statewide license requirement (like Texas or New York), local governments often require registration, bonding, or proof of insurance. Always check with your city or county building department before starting work.