Select your state to see exact requirements, fees, exam details, and application steps.
General Contractor licensing requirements vary by state. Most states require a state-issued license — California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, Virginia, and Washington all mandate state-level general contractor licenses. Texas and New York regulate primarily at the county/city level. Application fees range from $75 (North Carolina) to $500 (Tennessee) — total initial costs including insurance and bonding typically run $1,000–$5,000. Exam requirements (California CSLB, Florida DBPR, Arizona ROC) are common in high-volume states. Select your state below for exact requirements, fees, and application steps.
By construction activity — license type, fees, and exam requirement at a glance.
| State | License Type | Application Fee | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | General Building Contractor License (Class B) | $330 | Yes |
| Texas | General Contractor License | $175 | Yes |
| Florida | Certified General Contractor License (CGC) | $249 | Yes |
| New York | Home Improvement Contractor License | $200 | No |
| Georgia | General Contractor License | $200 | Yes |
| North Carolina | General Contractor License | $100 | Yes |
| Tennessee | General Contractor License | $250 | Yes |
| Arizona | General Contractor License (B-1) | $150 | Yes |
| Virginia | Class A/B/C Contractor License | $270 | Yes |
| Washington | General Contractor Registration | $200 | No |
Select your state for complete requirements, step-by-step application guide, and reciprocity details.