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How to get a general contractor license in Rhode Island

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board registers general contractors in Rhode Island. Registration is not a competency license. Registration is not required for a single contract under $500 in labor and materials, but anyone advertising as a contractor must register.

Who licenses general contractor work in Rhode Island

CredentialState registration (no competency license)
BoardRhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses

We could not load this lookup when we checked, so confirm the link on the board site.

When a license is neededRegistration is not required for a single contract under $500 in labor and materials, but anyone advertising as a contractor must register. source
License typesGeneral Contractor Registration

How to get licensed

  1. Register with Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board as a General Contractor Registration.
    Board page
  2. Carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 combined single limit, plus workers' compensation if the contractor has employee. source
  3. Pay the registration fee (new or renewal) of $150: $150. source
  4. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, with a 2.5-hour continuing education course for residential contractors. source

General contractor requirements in Rhode Island

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamNo state exam found; first-time applicants must complete a state-approved 5-hour pre-registration course unless working only on commercial structures.
ExperienceNot found on an official source.
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance of at least $500,000 combined single limit, plus workers' compensation if the contractor has employee. source
RenewalRegistration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, with a 2.5-hour continuing education course for residential contractor. source
ReciprocityNo reciprocity: out-of-state contractors must register in Rhode Island. source
Fees
  • Registration fee (new or renewal) of $150. source
  • Late fee of $50 for renewing an expired registration. source

Hiring a general contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Rhode Island

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board registers general contractors in Rhode Island. Registration is not a competency license. Registration is not required for a single contract under $500 in labor and materials, but anyone advertising as a contractor must register.
How do I check a general contractor license in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board keeps the record for general contractors in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island?
Registration fee (new or renewal) of $150. Late fee of $50 for renewing an expired registration.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Rhode Island?
Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, with a 2.5-hour continuing education course for residential contractors.

Other trades in Rhode Island

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.