51 jurisdictions, mapped.
License classifications
Most states classify: A (general engineering), B (general building), C (specialty). Subspecialty codes for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.
Exam + bond + RME
Strict states: qualifying-party exam + surety bond ($5K-$25K+) + responsible managing employee (RME) with X years experience.
Multi-state reciprocity
Some states have reciprocity agreements (DE-VA, OH-KY, etc.). Most do not. Often need separate licensing per state of work.
City + county add-ons
State license is often the floor. Many cities + counties require their own contractor registration + bond on top.
Renewal tracking
Most state contractor licenses renew every 1-2 years. CE credits often required. Bond renewals separate.
Federal contractor pathway
SAM.gov + GSA Schedule + 8(a) for federal projects. Separate from state licensing. We handle both tracks.
A clean handoff, in 4 steps.
Identify states of work
Where will you bid + work? Each state of physical work needs its own license.
Pick classification
General contractor (A or B) vs specialty (C). Subspecialty (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) often needs separate license per trade.
Qualify + bond
Qualifying party meets experience requirements. Surety bond posted ($5K-$25K depending on state + tier).
Maintain + renew
CE credits earned. Renewals tracked. Multi-state portfolio managed in BOS.
One-time, or part of your BOS.
- Application drafted + filed
- Exam scheduling assistance
- Surety bond placement
- RME registration
- Filed receipts to vault
- Multi-state portfolio view
- Renewal autofile per state
- Bond renewal coordination
- CE credit tracking
- Reciprocity opportunities flagged
- BosAI for licensing questions
Common questions.
Do contractor license requirements vary by state?
Yes, significantly: each state, and often each locality, sets its own contractor licensing, from the trades covered to the exams, bonds, insurance, and experience required, so a license in one state rarely transfers to another. We flag your state's requirements so a contracting business is licensed correctly where it works. See business licenses.
What types of contractor licenses exist?
States commonly license general contractors and specialty trades, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and others, often by classification and project size, so the license you need depends on your trade and the work you do. We flag which classification fits your work so you hold the right license, not a mismatched one.
Do I need a license in every state I work in?
Generally yes: because licensing is state and local, working across state lines usually means meeting each jurisdiction's requirements separately, and some states also require you to register your entity to do business there. We flag the multi-state requirements so crossing lines does not leave you unlicensed.
What do contractor licenses usually require?
Commonly a combination of experience, a trade and sometimes business-and-law exam, a surety bond, liability insurance, and a fee, with specifics varying by state and classification. We flag your state's particular requirements so you can assemble what the licensing board needs rather than discovering a gap mid-application.
Does my business entity affect contractor licensing?
It can: many states license the business as well as the qualifying individual, and the entity's name and standing must align with the license, so forming and maintaining a proper entity supports licensing. We flag how your entity and license connect so they are consistent on the state record.
What is a qualifying individual?
Many states require a licensed, experienced person, the qualifier, to stand behind the business's license, tying the company's license to that individual's credentials. We flag whether your state uses a qualifier so your contracting business meets the requirement rather than assuming the entity alone can hold the license.
What happens if I contract without a license?
Working unlicensed where a license is required can bring fines, void contracts, block your ability to collect payment, and expose you to penalties, so it is a serious risk in regulated trades. We flag your state's rules so a contracting business is properly licensed before it takes on work that requires one.
Do contractor licenses need renewal?
Yes: contractor licenses typically renew on a set cycle, often with continuing education, bond, and insurance upkeep, so staying licensed is ongoing, not one-time. We flag your renewal requirements and calendar them alongside your entity compliance so your license does not lapse between projects.
Can File.Business help my contracting business?
We form and maintain the entity, provide registered agent service, and flag the state and local contractor licensing, bond, and insurance requirements that apply to your trade and locations, so your contracting business is built on a proper structure with its licensing path laid out. See business licenses.