Contractor licensing rule changes
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Each quote below was read on the official source on the date shown with it.
Changes to contractor license fees, exams, job-size thresholds and renewal rules. Every entry quotes the official state source word for word and gives the date the change takes effect. We list only changes we could confirm on that source.
Effective · Nebraska
Nebraska contractor registration fee rises to $40
The annual contractor registration fee with the Nebraska Department of Labor increases to $40.
“Contractor Registration annual fee increases to $40.00 effective August 1, 2026.”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Virginia
Virginia adds a technology fee to Board for Contractors fees
Certain Virginia Board for Contractors fees now include a separate technology fee of $7.25 per year, in place through June 30, 2030.
“Effective July 1, 2026, certain fees include a separate Technology Fee of $7.25 per year, pursuant to 2026’s House Bill 30. This fee will remain in place through June 30, 2030”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Alabama
Alabama electrical reciprocity fee set at $315
The Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors fee for reciprocal licensing is $315.
“Effective February 14, 2026 the Fee for Reciprocal Licensing is $315.00.”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Alabama
Alabama master plumber applicants must also pass a business law exam
Master level exam applicants with the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board must also pass an additional business law exam to get master certification.
“EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, MASTER LEVEL EXAMINATION APPLICANTS WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO ALSO PASS AN ADDITIONAL BUSINESS LAW EXAM TO OBTAIN MASTER CERTIFICATION.”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Montana
Montana replaces contractor registration with a license
All construction contractors in Montana must be licensed with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Contractors with an active Montana registration on December 31, 2025 were converted to the new license.
“Effective January 1, 2026 All construction contractors in the state of Montana are required to be licensed with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Construction Contractors that had an active Montana registration as of December 31, 2025, have been converted to the new license.”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Idaho
Idaho contractor registration moves to biennial renewal
The Idaho Contractors Board began transitioning to biennial registration. Its Board News page explains how each renewal cycle is affected.
“As of October 14, 2025, this Board has begun transitioning to biennial registration. Click the Board News link to learn how your renewal cycle will be affected”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Oregon
Oregon CCB application fee rises from $325 to $400
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board initial application fee is $400 for applications received from July 1, 2025, up from $325.
“CCB Initial Application (s): $325 (if received by 6/30/2025) $400 (beginning 7/1/2025)”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · California
California minor work exemption rises from $500 to $1,000
Work without a California contractor license is allowed only on jobs under $1,000, up from $500, and only when the work needs no permit and the unlicensed person employs no one on the project.
“Starting January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2622 (Carrillo, Chapter 240, Statutes of 2024) increases the minor work license exemption from $500 to $1,000, but there is a catch: the work cannot require a permit, and the unlicensed person cannot employ anyone for the project.”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
Effective · Florida
Florida raises recovery fund payouts for homeowners
For contracts signed on or after July 1, 2024, Florida's recovery fund for homeowners pays up to $100,000 per Division I claim and up to $30,000 per Division II claim.
“Beginning January 1, 2025, for Division I and Division II contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2024, payment from the recovery fund is subject to a $100,000 maximum payment for each Division I claim and a $30,000 maximum payment for each Division II claim”
Official source, quote checked October 7, 2026.
How we track changes
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