How do I check a general contractor license in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors keeps the record for general contractors in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?

$250 (Initial contractor license application fee). $200 (Contractor license renewal fee). $53 (Exam fee paid to Prov, per exam (Business and Law and any trade exam are separate exams)). $20 (Late renewal penalty per month, up to 12 month).

How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Tennessee?

The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested.

How often does a general contractor license renew in Tennessee?

Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read).

How to get a general contractor license in Tennessee

Edited by John Voll. Last verified October 6, 2026.

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses general contractors in Tennessee. Contractor license required for projects of $25,000 or more.

Who licenses general contractor work in Tennessee

Credential	State license
Board	Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors official statement
Official lookup	Search general contractor licenses
When a license is needed	Contractor license required for projects of $25,000 or more. source
License types	BC-A (Residential), BC-B (Commercial), BC-C (Industrial), Home Improvement

How to get licensed

Apply to Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for a credential such as BC-A (Residential), BC-B (Commercial) or BC-C (Industrial).
Board page
Business and Law exam plus a trade exam for the BC-A residential, BC-B commercial or BC-C industrial classification. source
The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested. source
Post a optional surety bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit, accepted since July 1, 2026 as an alternative to a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement. source
Carry general liability insurance of at least $100,000 for a monetary limit up to $500,000 ($500,000 coverage for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000 and $1,000,000 above that), plus workers compensation unless exempt. source
Pay the initial contractor license application fee: $250. source
Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read). source

General contractor requirements in Tennessee

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam	Business and Law exam plus a trade exam for the BC-A residential, BC-B commercial or BC-C industrial classification. source
Experience	The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested. source
Bond	Optional surety bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit, accepted since July 1, 2026 as an alternative to a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement. source
Insurance	General liability insurance of at least $100,000 for a monetary limit up to $500,000 ($500,000 coverage for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000 and $1,000,000 above that), plus workers compensation unless exempt. source
Renewal	2 years (Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read)). source
Reciprocity	No license reciprocity: an out-of-state license cannot be used in Tennessee, but a trade exam waiver is available for building licenses held in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina (commercial) or West Virginia, and the NASCLA commercial exam is accepted. source
Fees	$250 (Initial contractor license application fee). source $200 (Contractor license renewal fee). source $53 (Exam fee paid to Prov, per exam (Business and Law and any trade exam are separate exams)). source $20 (Late renewal penalty per month, up to 12 month). source

Hiring a general contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Tennessee

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Tennessee?: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses general contractors in Tennessee. Contractor license required for projects of $25,000 or more.
How do I check a general contractor license in Tennessee?: The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors keeps the record for general contractors in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?: $250 (Initial contractor license application fee). $200 (Contractor license renewal fee). $53 (Exam fee paid to Prov, per exam (Business and Law and any trade exam are separate exams)). $20 (Late renewal penalty per month, up to 12 month).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Tennessee?: The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Tennessee?: Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read).

Other trades in Tennessee

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.