Official-source guides

Contractor license guides by state

These pages are built only from official state board and agency sources. The first pilot focuses on high-value contractor searches where rules differ by trade and state.

Use the official links before applying. HomeAnswer summarizes the workflow, but licensing boards control the current rules, forms, fees, and exceptions.
AL State electrical contractor license

Alabama electrical contractor license guide

Alabama electrical contractor licensing is handled by the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors. The official board pages cover electrical contractor and journeyman forms, testing information, fees, continuing education, reciprocity, renewal, and license search.

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AL State commercial general contractor license

Alabama general contractor license guide

Alabama general contractor licensing is handled by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The official law page describes the commercial/public general contractor threshold, while the application pages cover prime and subcontractor forms, exams, reciprocity, and license lookup.

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AL State residential home builder license

Alabama home builder license guide

Alabama residential home builder licensing is handled by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. The board separates unlimited, limited, and roofers application packages, and its FAQ distinguishes residential home building from Alabama general contractor licensing.

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AL State HVAC and refrigeration contractor certification

Alabama HVAC contractor license guide

Alabama HVAC and refrigeration contractor certification is handled by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. The official pages separate heating and air conditioning contractors, refrigeration contractors, examination, active/inactive status, bonds, forms, reciprocity, and license lookup.

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AL State plumbing and gas fitting certification

Alabama plumbing license guide

Alabama plumbing and gas fitting certification is handled by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. The official pages explain apprentice, journeyman, master, medical gas, company registration, principal master, exam, forms, and lookup paths.

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AZ State electrical contractor license classification

Arizona electrical contractor license guide

Arizona electrical contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors through electrical license classifications. Contractors should confirm whether the commercial, residential, or dual electrical path fits the work before applying.

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AZ State general and dual contractor license classifications

Arizona contractor license guide

Arizona contractor licensing runs through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The ROC separates commercial, residential, and dual license classifications, so contractors should pick the classification that matches the work before applying or advertising.

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AZ State air conditioning and refrigeration contractor classification

Arizona HVAC contractor license guide

Arizona HVAC licensing is handled through Arizona Registrar of Contractors air conditioning and refrigeration classifications. Public users often say HVAC, but contractors should verify the exact ROC air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or comfort-heating scope.

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AZ State plumbing contractor license classification

Arizona plumbing contractor license guide

Arizona plumbing contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors through plumbing classifications. Contractors should verify the commercial, residential, or dual plumbing path before selling plumbing jobs.

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AZ State roofing contractor license classification

Arizona roofing contractor license guide

Arizona roofing contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors through roofing classifications. Contractors should confirm commercial, residential, or dual roofing scope before bidding roof work.

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CA C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry contractor classification

California cabinet and finish carpentry contractor license guide

California cabinet, millwork, and finish carpentry contractors use CSLB's C-6 classification. This guide connects cabinets, trim, doors, nonbearing partitions, and millwork installation to official CSLB sources.

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CA C-8 Concrete contractor classification

California concrete contractor license guide

California concrete contractors use CSLB's C-8 Concrete Contractor classification. This page ties the official C-8 scope to CSLB's application, experience, and license-checking materials.

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CA C-21 Building Moving/Demolition contractor classification

California demolition contractor license guide

California demolition contractors use CSLB's C-21 Building Moving/Demolition Contractor classification. This page connects structure moving, structure removal, demolition, foundations, and retained-structure exclusions to official CSLB sources.

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CA C-9 Drywall contractor classification

California drywall contractor license guide

California drywall contractors use CSLB's C-9 Drywall Contractor classification. This guide maps wallboard layout, installation, taping, texture, and finish work to official CSLB materials.

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CA C-10 Electrical contractor classification

California electrician license guide

California electrical contracting is licensed through CSLB under the C-10 Electrical Contractor classification. This guide maps the C-10 scope to CSLB's general application and experience rules.

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CA C-13 Fencing contractor classification

California fencing contractor license guide

California fencing contractors use CSLB's C-13 Fencing Contractor classification. This guide maps the official scope to CSLB's application, experience, and license-checking resources.

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CA C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering contractor classification

California flooring contractor license guide

California flooring contractors use CSLB's C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors classification. This page separates C-15 floor covering work from ceramic tile and other adjacent trades.

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CA State contractor license classification

California contractor license guide

California contractor licensing is centralized through CSLB. This pilot page covers the general application rules and shows how classifications map to common home-service trades.

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CA C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning classification

California HVAC license guide

California HVAC contracting is handled by CSLB under the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning classification. This guide ties the C-20 scope to CSLB's application and experience rules.

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CA C-27 Landscaping contractor classification

California landscaping license guide

California landscaping contractors use CSLB's C-27 Landscaping Contractor classification. This guide ties the official classification scope to CSLB's general application, experience, and license-checking resources.

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CA C-7 Low Voltage Systems contractor classification

California low voltage contractor license guide

California low voltage contractors use CSLB's C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor classification. This guide maps security cameras, sound, communication, controls, and similar low-voltage work to official CSLB source materials.

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CA C-29 Masonry contractor classification

California masonry contractor license guide

California masonry contractors use CSLB's C-29 Masonry Contractor classification. This guide maps masonry walls, veneers, paving, and related work to CSLB's official source materials.

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CA C-33 Painting and Decorating contractor classification

California painting contractor license guide

California painting and decorating contractors use CSLB's C-33 classification. This page connects paint, coatings, surface prep, staining, wallcovering, and related decorating work to official CSLB sources.

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CA C-36 Plumbing contractor classification

California plumbing license guide

California plumbing contracting is licensed through CSLB under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification. This page explains the official classification and the general CSLB experience path.

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CA C-39 Roofing contractor classification

California roofing license guide

California roofing contractors use CSLB's C-39 Roofing Contractor classification. This guide maps the official C-39 scope to CSLB's general contractor application requirements.

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CA C-53 Swimming Pool contractor classification

California swimming pool contractor license guide

California swimming pool contractors use CSLB's C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor classification. This page maps the official scope to CSLB's application and qualifying-experience materials.

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CA C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile contractor classification

California tile contractor license guide

California tile contractors use CSLB's C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor classification. This page separates tile work from flooring, masonry veneer, and structural partition tile.

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CA C-49 Tree and Palm contractor classification

California tree and palm contractor license guide

California created the C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification for tree and palm work. This page uses CSLB's official classification and application sources to keep tree-service contractors pointed at the right state materials.

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CA C-55 Water Conditioning contractor classification

California water conditioning contractor license guide

California water conditioning contractors use CSLB's C-55 Water Conditioning Contractor classification. This guide maps the official classification scope to CSLB's broader application and experience requirements.

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CA C-57 Well Drilling contractor classification

California well drilling contractor license guide

California well drilling contractors use CSLB's C-57 Well Drilling Contractor classification. This page connects the official C-57 scope to CSLB application, experience, and license-checking resources.

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FL Certified electrical contractor license

Florida electrical contractor license guide

Florida electrical contractor licensing is handled by DBPR and the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board. This guide focuses on the certified electrical contractor path and separates it from local registered licensing.

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FL State certified or registered general contractor license

Florida general contractor license guide

Florida general contractor licensing is handled through DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board. DBPR separates certified contractors, who can work statewide, from registered contractors, who may contract only in the jurisdictions where their registration applies.

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FL Certified Class A air conditioning contractor license

Florida HVAC license guide

Florida HVAC licensing usually appears in DBPR/CILB as air-conditioning contractor licensing. This guide focuses on the certified Class A air conditioning contractor path and the certified-vs-registered model.

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FL Certified plumbing contractor license

Florida plumbing license guide

Florida plumbing contractors use DBPR/CILB construction licensing paths. This guide focuses on the Certified Plumbing Contractor individual application and the statewide certified contractor model.

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FL State certified or registered pool contractor license

Florida pool contractor license guide

Florida pool contractor licensing is handled through DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board. DBPR publishes certified pool/spa contractor application paths, including commercial pool, residential pool, and pool servicing options, plus the license search and checklist details.

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FL Certified or registered contractor license

Florida roofing license guide

Florida construction licensing uses a certified-vs-registered model. Roofing contractors should verify the DBPR/CILB path that matches whether they want statewide authority or only local-jurisdiction authority.

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GA State electrical contractor license

Georgia electrical contractor license guide

Georgia electrical contractor licensing is handled by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors through the Secretary of State. The official sources distinguish contractor licensing from individual electrician licensing and publish restricted, non-restricted, renewal, and reinstatement paths.

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GA State commercial general contractor license

Georgia general contractor license guide

Georgia commercial general contractor licensing is handled through the Georgia Secretary of State and the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. This guide separates individual, qualifying-agent, limited-tier, renewal, reciprocity, and company paths before a contractor applies or advertises bigger projects.

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GA State conditioned air contractor license

Georgia HVAC license guide

Georgia uses the official term conditioned air contractor for the HVAC licensing path handled by the Secretary of State. The board publishes restricted Class I, non-restricted Class II, business registration, renewal, course, and exam information.

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GA State low voltage contractor license

Georgia low voltage contractor license guide

Georgia low voltage contractor licensing is handled by the Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors through the Secretary of State. The official sources list alarm, general, telecommunications, unrestricted, reciprocity, renewal, and reinstatement paths.

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GA State journeyman and master plumber license

Georgia plumbing license guide

Georgia plumbing licensing is handled by the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers through the Secretary of State. The official sources distinguish journeyman, Class I master, Class II master, medical gas, renewal, and business-operation rules.

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GA State residential contractor license

Georgia residential contractor license guide

Georgia residential contractor licensing is handled by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors through the Secretary of State. Official sources include the board page, residential contractor how-to guide, forms, fee schedule, GOALS portal, and licensee search.

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IL State plumber license and plumbing contractor registration

Illinois plumbing license guide

Illinois plumbing licensing is handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This guide separates the individual plumber license path from plumbing contractor registration and points to the official IDPH forms.

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IL Limited or unlimited roofing contractor license

Illinois roofing license guide

Illinois roofing contractor licensing is handled by IDFPR. This guide focuses on the qualifying party requirement, limited-vs-unlimited license split, and application materials contractors should verify before selling roofing work.

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MD State home improvement contractor license

Maryland home improvement contractor license guide

Maryland home improvement contractors are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. This guide points contractors to the official MHIC licensing, application, fees, insurance, and lookup pages.

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MA State construction supervisor license

Massachusetts construction supervisor license guide

Massachusetts construction supervisor licensing is handled through official Mass.gov and OPSI resources. The state publishes construction supervisor license types, application resources, requirement guidance, renewal information, and license verification links.

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MA State home improvement contractor registration

Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration guide

Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is handled through the state's HIC program and Contractor Hub. The official resources cover registration, renewal, contractor search, and consumer-facing registration checks.

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MI State maintenance and alteration contractor license by craft

Michigan maintenance and alteration contractor license guide

Michigan's maintenance and alteration contractor license is craft-specific. LARA lists the trades or crafts for which a maintenance and alteration contractor may qualify, including carpentry, concrete, excavation, insulation, masonry, siding, roofing, gutters, tile and marble, swimming pools, and basement waterproofing.

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MI State residential builder license

Michigan residential builder license guide

Michigan residential builder licensing is handled through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Bureau of Construction Codes. Official LARA resources provide residential builder licensing, online application/renewal, license verification, complaint, and forms/publication routes.

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NJ Electrical contractor license and electrical business permit

New Jersey electrical contractor license guide

New Jersey electrical contractors are regulated by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. This guide separates the individual electrical contractor license path from journeyman registration, apprentice/wireman paths, and the electrical business permit.

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NJ Home improvement contractor registration

New Jersey home improvement contractor registration guide

New Jersey uses home improvement contractor registration language for many residential remodeling and repair businesses. This page uses official Division of Consumer Affairs sources and keeps trade-board licenses separate.

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NJ Licensed Master HVACR contractor

New Jersey HVACR contractor license guide

New Jersey licenses Master HVACR contractors through the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. This guide maps the official board FAQ and application resources into a contractor-friendly path.

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NJ Licensed master plumber and bona-fide representative model

New Jersey master plumber license guide

New Jersey plumbing is regulated by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. This guide focuses on the licensed master plumber path, journeyman registration, and the bona-fide representative requirement for plumbing contractor businesses.

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NC State electrical contracting license

North Carolina electrical contractor license guide

North Carolina electrical contractor licensing is handled by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. The board provides licensing, examination, continuing education, forms, and public lookup resources.

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NC State general contractor license

North Carolina general contractor license guide

North Carolina general contractor licensing is handled by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The board provides applicant, consumer, continuing education, and license lookup resources.

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NC State heating contractor license

North Carolina HVAC contractor license guide

North Carolina HVAC and heating contractor licensing is handled by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. The board provides online application, renewal, forms, education, and public license search resources.

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NC State plumbing contractor license

North Carolina plumbing contractor license guide

North Carolina plumbing contractor licensing is handled by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. The board provides online application, renewal, complaint, forms, education, and public license search resources.

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OH State commercial specialty contractor license

Ohio electrical contractor license guide

Ohio electrical contractor licensing for commercial specialty contractors is handled by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. OCILB resources point contractors to licensing, exam application, verification, and eLicense lookup tools.

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OH State commercial specialty contractor license

Ohio HVAC contractor license guide

Ohio HVAC contractor licensing for commercial specialty contractors is handled by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. OCILB resources point contractors to licensing, exam application, verification, and eLicense lookup tools.

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OH State commercial specialty contractor license

Ohio plumbing contractor license guide

Ohio plumbing contractor licensing for commercial specialty contractors is handled by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. OCILB resources point contractors to licensing, exam application, verification, and eLicense lookup tools.

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OR State CCB residential general contractor license

Oregon residential general contractor license guide

Oregon residential general contractor licensing is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. The official sources describe CCB license application resources, residential general contractor scope, Responsible Managing Individual requirements, bond and insurance requirements, renewal, and license search.

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PA State home improvement contractor registration

Pennsylvania home improvement contractor registration guide

Pennsylvania does not use one statewide general contractor license for most construction contractors, but most home improvement contractors must register with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General under HICPA.

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TN State contractor license

Tennessee contractor license guide

Tennessee contractor licensing is handled by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The board regulates contractors, home improvement contractors, limited licensed electricians, and limited licensed plumbers.

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TX State electrical license

Texas electrician license guide

Texas electrician licensing is handled by TDLR. This guide separates the individual license path from the electrical contractor business path so contractors can find the right official page faster.

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TX Air Conditioning and Refrigeration contractor license

Texas HVAC license guide

Texas calls this the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. Use the TDLR ACR pages to confirm contractor licensing, class A/B limits, endorsements, exams, insurance, and renewal rules.

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TX State plumbing license

Texas plumbing license guide

Texas plumbing work is regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Use this page as a contractor-friendly map to the official TSBPE pages for apprentice, journeyman, master, and endorsement requirements.

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VA State contractor license with class and specialty designations

Virginia contractor license guide

Virginia contractor licensing is handled by DPOR's Board for Contractors. Contractors should confirm the proper license class, specialty designation, pre-license education, application, and local requirements before bidding or advertising work.

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WA State contractor registration

Washington contractor registration guide

Washington contractor registration is handled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. L&I says construction contractors must be registered, bonded, and insured, with general and specialty contractor classifications.

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