How do I check a general contractor license in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) keeps the record for general contractors in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?

$25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) credential fee). $15 (Dwelling Contractor (business) application fee). $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) credential fee). $15 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) application fee). $25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) renewal fee, each year). $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier renewal fee, every 2 years, with 12 hours of continuing education).

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

No experience requirement found; the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier must complete at least 12 hours in an approved dwelling construction course within one year before applying.

How often does a general contractor license renew in Wisconsin?

Dwelling Contractor (business) credential renews every year from the date of issuance; the Qualifier renews every 2 years.

How to get a general contractor license in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) licenses general contractors in Wisconsin.

Who licenses general contractor work in Wisconsin

Credential	State license
Board	Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) official statement
Official lookup	Search general contractor licenses
License types	Dwelling Contractor (DC), Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ), Dwelling Contractor Restricted

How to get licensed

Apply to DSPS as a Dwelling Contractor (DC) or Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) or Dwelling Contractor Restricted.
Board page
No DSPS licensing exam is listed for the Dwelling Contractor or Qualifier; the Qualifier course of 12 hours includes one or more tests. source
Experience: no experience requirement found; the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier must complete at least 12 hours in an approved dwelling construction course within one year before applying. source
Post a surety bond of at least $25,000 for an unrestricted Dwelling Contractor credential, or general liability insurance instead; a bond of $5,000 to under $25,000 gets a restricted credential. source
Carry general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence, as an alternative to the bond; workers compensation also required where state law requires it. source
Pay the dwelling Contractor (business) credential fee: $25. source
Dwelling Contractor (business) credential renews every year from the date of issuance; the Qualifier renews every 2 years. source

General contractor requirements in Wisconsin

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam	No DSPS licensing exam is listed for the Dwelling Contractor or Qualifier; the Qualifier course of 12 hours includes one or more test. source
Experience	No experience requirement found; the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier must complete at least 12 hours in an approved dwelling construction course within one year before applying. source
Bond	Surety bond of at least $25,000 for an unrestricted Dwelling Contractor credential, or general liability insurance instead; a bond of $5,000 to under $25,000 gets a restricted credential. source
Insurance	General liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence, as an alternative to the bond; workers compensation also required where state law requires it. source
Renewal	1 years (Dwelling Contractor (business) credential renews every year from the date of issuance; the Qualifier renews every 2 year). source
Reciprocity	Not found on an official source.
Fees	$25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) credential fee). source $15 (Dwelling Contractor (business) application fee). source $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) credential fee). source $15 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) application fee). source $25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) renewal fee, each year). source $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier renewal fee, every 2 years, with 12 hours of continuing education). source

Hiring a general contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Wisconsin

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Wisconsin?: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) licenses general contractors in Wisconsin.
How do I check a general contractor license in Wisconsin?: The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) keeps the record for general contractors in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?: $25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) credential fee). $15 (Dwelling Contractor (business) application fee). $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) credential fee). $15 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (person) application fee). $25 (Dwelling Contractor (business) renewal fee, each year). $30 (Dwelling Contractor Qualifier renewal fee, every 2 years, with 12 hours of continuing education).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Wisconsin?: No experience requirement found; the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier must complete at least 12 hours in an approved dwelling construction course within one year before applying.
How often does a general contractor license renew in Wisconsin?: Dwelling Contractor (business) credential renews every year from the date of issuance; the Qualifier renews every 2 years.

Other trades in Wisconsin

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.