How to get a general contractor license in Louisiana
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors licenses general contractors in Louisiana. Commercial license required for commercial projects of $50,000 or more including labor and materials; a residential license is required above $50,000.
Who licenses general contractor work in Louisiana
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors official statement |
| Official lookup | Search general contractor licenses |
| When a license is needed | Commercial license required for commercial projects of $50,000 or more including labor and materials; a residential license is required above $50,000. source |
| License types | Commercial License (Building Construction, classification 1), Residential License (Residential Construction, classification 9), Home Improvement Registration, Mold Remediation License |
How to get licensed
- Apply to Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for a credential such as Commercial License (Building Construction, classification 1), Residential License (Residential Construction, classification 9) or Home Improvement Registration.
- Trade exam for the classification (for example Building Construction or Residential Construction) plus the Business and Law requirement. source
- Carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 plus workers' compensation for residential, home improvement and mold remediation contractor. source
- Pay the license fee, which state law caps at no more than $100: $100. source
- License renews on the issue anniversary for a one, two or three year term chosen by the licensee. source
General contractor requirements in Louisiana
| Exam | Trade exam for the classification (for example Building Construction or Residential Construction) plus the Business and Law requirement. source |
|---|---|
| Experience | No experience requirement found on an official source. |
| Bond | Not found on an official source. |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $500,000 plus workers' compensation for residential, home improvement and mold remediation contractor. source |
| Renewal | License renews on the issue anniversary for a one, two or three year term chosen by the licensee. source |
| Reciprocity | Louisiana accepts a trade exam passed in another state without waivers or grandfathering; all other licensing requirements still apply (board letter of October 23, 2024). source |
| Fees |
|
Hiring a general contractor?
See every official lookup in Louisiana, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a general contractor license in Louisiana?
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors licenses general contractors in Louisiana. Commercial license required for commercial projects of $50,000 or more including labor and materials; a residential license is required above $50,000.
- How do I check a general contractor license in Louisiana?
- The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors keeps the record for general contractors in Louisiana. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a general contractor license cost in Louisiana?
- License fee, which state law caps at no more than $100. Classification fee of $95 per classification per year. Processing fee of $40 per classification. Business and Law exam fee of $150, charged for the Business and Law requirement. Exam research or waiver fee of $150 when no trade exam is required, for example by reciprocity. Examination fee, which state law caps at no more than $50 (the board's form charges $150 for Business and Law). Renewal fee, which state law caps at no more than $100. Extra surcharge for contractors not domiciled in Louisiana, up to a statutory maximum of $400. Home improvement registration fee, which state law caps at no more than $50.
- How often does a general contractor license renew in Louisiana?
- License renews on the issue anniversary for a one, two or three year term chosen by the licensee.
Other trades in Louisiana
- Electrical license in Louisiana
- Plumbing license in Louisiana
- HVAC license in Louisiana
- Roofing license in Louisiana
- All Louisiana trades
General contractor license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://lslbc.gov/
- https://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/Public/DetailedSearch/Advanced
- https://lslbc.gov/types-of-licenses/
- https://lslbc.gov/exams-classifications/
- https://lslbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/blue_book_08012026_final.pdf
- https://lslbc.gov/renew-your-license/
- https://lslbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2024-Reciprocity-Change.pdf
- https://lslbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Adding-a-Classification-to-an-Existing-License-1.pdf
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.