Louisiana Contractor License Guide

The contractor licensing process in Louisiana is handled by the State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). The requirements that you need to comply with are determined by the type of license you are applying for.

All application forms are accessible via LSLBC’s Contractor Forms page.

• Commercial and Residential License Applications found here.
• Home Improvement Registration Application found here.

Applicants for Commercial or Residential License are required to take the following steps:

Note: If you cannot cover the $10,000 required, you can furnish a bond or letter of credit to the board plus (if applicable) the amount of your negative net worth.

• Depending on if you are applying as a limited liability company, partnership, or corporation, you are required to include a copy of relevant documentation in the Business Section of the application packet.
• Select at least one classification. Classifications, descriptions, and further information can be found here.
• Designate a qualifying party to take the exams or hold the classifications. The application form for qualifying parties must be signed, notarized and included in the license application packet.
  • Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found here.
• Provide a notarized financial statement. You are required to verify that you have a net worth of at least $10,000.

If you are applying for a Residential License you will also need to:

• Provide General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Certificate. The proof of general liability insurance must be in the amount of $100,000 and should be mailed by the insurance agent to [email protected].

For Home Improvement Registration you will need to:

Note: The insurance certificate(s) should be directly emailed by the insurance agent to [email protected].

• Complete the registration application form.
• Provide a General Liability Certificate in the amount of $100,000 and proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

Contractor Insurance

There are several types of insurance coverages that are recommended for contractors, but the recommended coverage will vary based on your operation.

If you’d like to learn more about all of the insurance coverages available to you, please read our contractor insurance guide.

All Commercial and Residential License applicants must provide a financial statement that verifies a net worth of at least $10,000 before submitting the license application.

Applicants without the required net worth can file with the Board a Louisiana contractor license bond in the amount of the net worth requirement plus the amount of the applicant’s negative net worth (if any). Note that the LSLBC must be listed as an obligee.

Many cities and parishes in Louisiana require local licenses and surety bonds as well. Please contact your local authorities to confirm requirements.

How to fill out your application

• Complete, save and print out your application.

Additional instructions

• Do not leave blank spaces. If a question from the application packet is not applicable indicate that with ‘NA’.
• If the writing space is not sufficient you are allowed to attach separate sheet(s).
• Get your Commercial or Residential application notarized prior to submitting it.

Licensing and Application Fees

All applicable fees must be included and send with the application.

Applicants for Commercial and Residential Licenses will find a fee schedule in the application packet including the price per classification, examination, and additional fees. Alternatively, you can calculate the total amount you will have to pay using LSLBC’s fee worksheet.

The Home Improvement Registration requires applicants to submit $75 check or money order made payable to Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

Mailing Address

Please send your completed application and supporting documents to:

STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Commercial and Residential License applicants are required to have at least one qualifying party who has passed the Business and Law exam.

After your application has been processed and the qualifier has been approved, a letter with exam registration information will be send to the qualifying party. This process takes 1-2 months.

The Business and Law exam is an online, open-book exam that you can take from your home or business computer.

Some classifications also require passing an additional Trade exam (please refer to the Exams/Classifications page for more information). The Trade exam must be taken at one of the testing centers. For more information and test center locations visit LSLBC’s Exams page.