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How to get a general contractor license in Mississippi

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Mississippi State Board of Contractors licenses general contractors in Mississippi. A license is required for residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, new residential construction over $50,000, and commercial jobs over $50,000.

Who licenses general contractor work in Mississippi

CredentialState license
BoardMississippi State Board of Contractors official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededA license is required for residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, new residential construction over $50,000, and commercial jobs over $50,000. source
License typesBuilding Construction (commercial major), Heavy Construction (commercial major), Highway, Street and Bridge Construction (commercial major), Municipal and Public Works (commercial major), Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, Residential Construction Manager, Limited Specialty Services

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Mississippi State Board of Contractors for a credential such as Building Construction (commercial major), Heavy Construction (commercial major) or Highway, Street and Bridge Construction (commercial major).
    Board page
  2. Yes: every applicant takes the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, plus a trade exam for Building Construction, Residential Builder or Residential Remodeler (NASCLA General Building exam accepted for commercial Building Construction); exams are given by PSI. Some specialty classes need no trade exam. source
  3. Carry general liability insurance required: commercial licenses need at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate; residential licenses need proof of coverage with no set minimum. source
  4. Pay the commercial application fee, one classification (covers commercial building licenses for jobs of $50,000 or more): $400. source
  5. Licenses are valid for one year and renew annually. source

General contractor requirements in Mississippi

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked January 1, 2016
ExamYes: every applicant takes the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, plus a trade exam for Building Construction, Residential Builder or Residential Remodeler (NASCLA General Building exam accepted for commercial Building Construction); exams are given by PSI. Some specialty classes need no trade exam. source (checked October 6, 2026)
ExperienceNo fixed minimum years of experience found on an official source; the application asks for detailed projects in the classification sought, and the board weighs experience along with exam results.
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance required: commercial licenses need at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate; residential licenses need proof of coverage with no set minimum. source (checked October 6, 2026)
RenewalLicenses are valid for one year and renew annually. source (checked October 6, 2026)
ReciprocityReciprocity waives only the trade exam, under agreements with listed states that vary by classification; the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam and all other application steps still apply. source (checked October 6, 2026)
Fees
  • $400 (Commercial application fee, one classification (covers commercial building licenses for jobs of $50,000 or more)). source
  • $50 (Residential application fee (covers residential building licenses)). source
  • $400 (Commercial license renewal fee, each year). source
  • $100 (Residential license renewal fee, each year). source
  • $50 (Commercial license late renewal fee). source
  • $10 (Residential license late renewal fee). source
  • $100 (Each additional classification added to a commercial license). source
  • $50 (Request for waiver of exam). source
  • $25 (Reciprocity or verification of license). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in Mississippi, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Mississippi

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Mississippi?
Mississippi State Board of Contractors licenses general contractors in Mississippi. A license is required for residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, new residential construction over $50,000, and commercial jobs over $50,000.
How do I check a general contractor license in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors keeps the record for general contractors in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi?
$400 (Commercial application fee, one classification (covers commercial building licenses for jobs of $50,000 or more)). $50 (Residential application fee (covers residential building licenses)). $400 (Commercial license renewal fee, each year). $100 (Residential license renewal fee, each year). $50 (Commercial license late renewal fee). $10 (Residential license late renewal fee). $100 (Each additional classification added to a commercial license). $50 (Request for waiver of exam). $25 (Reciprocity or verification of license).
How often does a general contractor license renew in Mississippi?
Licenses are valid for one year and renew annually.

Other trades in Mississippi

General contractor license in other states

Sources

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.