Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Contractor License With a Surety Bond
If you want to work professionally in the construction industry, obtaining your contractor license is an important milestone. Not only is it a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, but it can also increase your earning potential and instill trust with prospective clients.
While the specific steps to get licensed can vary from state to state, the general process follows a similar path. Below, we’ll walk you through the nine steps to obtain your contractor license and explain why surety bonds are an essential part of the process.
#1 Review Your State’s Licensing Requirements
The first step to obtaining your contractor license is determining your state’s licensing requirements. You can find these requirements, as well as application forms and fees, on your state's contractor licensing board website.
Certain counties or cities may also have additional requirements. For example, New York City has its own licensing system for contractors that is separate from the rest of the state.
Once you understand your jurisdiction’s requirements, you can enjoy a smoother path to licensure and prevent avoidable rejections and delays.
#2 Clarify Your Preferred License Type
Next, you’ll need to determine what type of contractor license you want to pursue. Some common types include:
- General contractor license – This license enables you to oversee large residential and commercial construction projects.
- Subcontractor licenses– This license allows you to work under a general contractor and specialize in a certain area of construction.
- Specialty contractor license – These licenses permit you to perform specialized work, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or other trade-specific services.
Beyond these basic subtypes, some states classify their contractor licenses according to their scope of work. For example, California, Nevada, and several other states use the following classifications:
- Class A license – This license is often reserved for contractors who are qualified to work on projects with unlimited sizes or contract values, such as large-scale commercial construction projects.
- Class B license – This license allows you to work on mid-sized projects with some contract value or project scope restrictions, such as moderate residential or commercial work.
- Class C license – This license enables you to work on smaller or low-value projects, such as small home repairs.
By taking the time to understand the different types and classifications of contractor licenses in your state, you can choose the one that best aligns with your professional ambitions.
#3 Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements
No matter what type of contractor license you’re pursuing, you typically need to meet a few basic requirements. For instance, most states require you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Many states also require you to acquire two to five years of verifiable experience in your trade, whether that’s carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing. You may also need to undergo trade-specific education, an apprenticeship program, or training under a licensed contractor.
After determining your work history requirements, you can document it using:
- Letters from past employers
- Tax returns for construction-related income
- Affidavits from past clients
#4 Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education
Once you’ve acquired the necessary work experience, you can take a pre-licensing course to prepare you for your responsibilities as a licensed contractor. Your state's licensing board may feature a list of accredited course providers on its website.
These courses can teach you about:
- State laws
- Building codes
- OSHA safety standards
- Financial management
- Contract law
Even if pre-licensing education isn’t required in your state, completing a course can help you pass your licensing exam on the first try and set you up for success in your contracting business.
#5 Take Your State’s Contractor Licensing Exam
After completing the required coursework, you can register to take your licensing exam with your state’s licensing board. Exam fees typically range from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
On the day of the exam, make sure to arrive at your testing center early and bring a valid government-issued ID. You can also bring reference materials if your state allows for an open-book exam.
You usually need a score of 70% or higher to pass, though some states are more lenient than others. If you fail your exam the first time around, don’t worry. You can take it again after a brief waiting period.
#6 Purchase General Liability Insurance
Once you pass your exam, the next step is purchasing general liability insurance. These policies protect you and your clients from financial losses related to property damage, accidents, and injuries that take place during projects.
The amount of coverage you need depends on your state’s requirements, the size of your business, and the type of work you perform. For example, California contractors must carry at least $1,000,000 of general liability coverage per occurrence and $2,000,000 in total aggregate coverage.
After determining your required coverage limit, you can purchase a policy from a local insurance agent, broker, or online marketplace and submit your Certificate of Insurance (COI) to your state’s licensing board.
#7 Purchase Your Surety Bond
Along with general liability insurance, most states require contractors to purchase a contractor license surety bond. These types of surety bonds are designed to ensure that you’ll comply with state laws and regulations. If you violate the terms of your bond, you risk losing your license and becoming held liable for the bond amount.
Contractor surety bond amounts can range from $1,000 to over $100,000. Fortunately, you’ll only need to pay a percentage of your bond amount upfront—typically 1% to 10%. This upfront fee is known as the premium.
The following factors can influence your bond premium rate:
- Credit score
- Financial statements
- Contracting experience and track record
- Trade type
Learn More: The Essential Role of Surety Bonds in Keeping Your Contracting Business Compliant
#8 Submit Your Contractor License Application
After getting bonded, you’re finally ready to submit your contractor license application. You’ll need to provide copies of your insurance policy, surety bond certificate, exam results, and experience verifications at this time. You’ll also need to include a check for the application fee, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars.
It can take a few weeks for your state’s licensing board to process your application. Processing times may be longer if your state licensing board requires a background check, since you’ll need to go to a designated fingerprinting location to submit your fingerprints.
If you have any criminal convictions on your record, you may still qualify for your contractor license. It depends on the nature of the offense and how much time has passed since the conviction.
#9 Receive Your License and Keep It Up to Date
Once your application is approved, congratulations! Getting licensed is an exciting accomplishment. As a licensed contractor, you can finally start bidding on contracts, taking on projects, and growing your business.
Just keep in mind that you may need to renew your license periodically, along with your surety bond and general liability insurance policy. Thus, it’s a good idea to mark your calendar with all relevant renewal deadlines.
Purchase Your Contract License Surety Bond With BOSS Bonds
As you can see, obtaining your contractor license is a fairly straightforward process. If you already have enough experience in your trade and work with expedient insurance and surety bond providers, it may only take a few months from start to finish.
If you’re eager to get your professional contract career underway, BOSS Bonds can help. Our expert team can match you with the right contractor license surety bond for your state, along with many project-specific bonds that you may need later on in your career, including:
With our competitive rates and exceptional customer service, you can enjoy a stress-free bonding experience.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our surety bond experts today.
Sources:
New York State. Division of Building Standards and Codes Frequently Asked Questions.
https://dos.ny.gov/division-building-standards-and-codes-frequently-asked-questions
Procore. Contractor License Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Licensing in Every State.
https://www.procore.com/library/contractors-license-guide-all-states#arizona
California.gov. Contract Insurance Requirements.
Construction Business Owner. Your Guide to State-by-State Bond Thresholds.
https://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/insurance/your-guide-state-state-bond-thresholds
Construction Executive. A General Contractor's Guide to State Surety Bond Thresholds.
https://www.constructionexec.com/article/a-general-contractors-guide-to-state-surety-bond-thresholds
