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How to get a general contractor license in Nevada

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Nevada State Contractors Board licenses general contractors in Nevada. Repair or maintenance work under $1,000 including labor and materials is exempt, unless it needs a building permit, is trade work such as plumbing, electrical or HVAC, or is part of a larger project of $500 or more.

Who licenses general contractor work in Nevada

CredentialState license
BoardNevada State Contractors Board official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededRepair or maintenance work under $1,000 including labor and materials is exempt, unless it needs a building permit, is trade work such as plumbing, electrical or HVAC, or is part of a larger project of $500 or more. source
License typesA General Engineering, B General Building, B-2 Residential and Small Commercial, B-7 Residential Remodeling, AB General Building and General Engineering, C-3 Carpentry, Maintenance and Minor Repairs

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Nevada State Contractors Board for a credential such as A General Engineering, B General Building or B-2 Residential and Small Commercial.
    Board page
  2. Qualifier must pass the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the the requested classification trade exam, given by PSI, unless a waiver applies. source
  3. Experience: at least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee or contractor in the requested classification, within the last 15 year. source
  4. Post a license bond set by the Board at approval, from $1,000 to $500,000 depending on license type, monetary limit and finance. source
  5. Carry proof of workers' compensation (industrial insurance) coverage, or a signed exemption affidavit if exempt; no general liability minimum found on an official source. source
  6. Pay the application fee, nonrefundable: $300. source
  7. License expires 2 years after issue and is renewed every 2 years. source

General contractor requirements in Nevada

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamQualifier must pass the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the the requested classification trade exam, given by PSI, unless a waiver applie. source
ExperienceAt least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee or contractor in the requested classification, within the last 15 year. source
BondLicense bond set by the Board at approval, from $1,000 to $500,000 depending on license type, monetary limit and finance. source
InsuranceProof of workers' compensation (industrial insurance) coverage, or a signed exemption affidavit if exempt; no general liability minimum found on an official source. source
RenewalLicense expires 2 years after issue and is renewed every 2 year. source
ReciprocityLicensure by endorsement: the trade exam and experience certificates can be waived for a qualifier actively licensed 4 years in a state Nevada rates substantially equivalent for the classification requested (the equivalency chart covers AL, AZ, CA, CT, FL, HI, LA, NM, NC, SC, TN, WV). source
Fees
  • $300 (Application fee, nonrefundable). source
  • $600 (License fee, paid after approval, covers 2 year). source
  • $600 (Renewal fee, every 2 year). source
  • $150 (Late renewal fee for an active license). source
  • $200 (Residential Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors with a monetary limit up to $1,000,000, every 2 year). source
  • $200 (Administrative fee every 2 years if a cash deposit is posted instead of a surety bond). source
  • Exam fees are paid to PSI; amount not found on an official source.

Hiring a general contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Nevada

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Nevada?
Nevada State Contractors Board licenses general contractors in Nevada. Repair or maintenance work under $1,000 including labor and materials is exempt, unless it needs a building permit, is trade work such as plumbing, electrical or HVAC, or is part of a larger project of $500 or more.
How do I check a general contractor license in Nevada?
The Nevada State Contractors Board keeps the record for general contractors in Nevada. 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 Nevada?
$300 (Application fee, nonrefundable). $600 (License fee, paid after approval, covers 2 year). $600 (Renewal fee, every 2 year). $150 (Late renewal fee for an active license). $200 (Residential Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors with a monetary limit up to $1,000,000, every 2 year). $200 (Administrative fee every 2 years if a cash deposit is posted instead of a surety bond).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Nevada?
At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee or contractor in the requested classification, within the last 15 year.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Nevada?
License expires 2 years after issue and is renewed every 2 years.

Other trades in Nevada

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.