Louisiana has more than 27,000 general contractor licensees. You’ll find many opportunities to join them if you have a Louisiana general contractor’s license.
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors is the agency responsible for approving licenses. Continue reading to find out what you should know before applying, including:
- Types of General Contractor Licenses in Louisiana
- How to obtain a general contractor license
- Louisiana general contractor license requirements
- General contractor renewals
- Louisiana general contractor reciprocity
- Insurance for general contractors’ license
Louisiana General Contractor License Types
In Louisiana, there are several types of general contractor licenses. The type of work you intend to do determines what license you’ll need.
Commercial License: This license is needed for all commercial projects worth $50,000 or more. It also applies to projects that involve hazardous materials and any plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or electrical projects exceeding $10,000.
Residential License: This is required for all residential construction projects worth $75,000 or over.
Residential special license: This is required for subcontractors who are undertaking residential projects that exceed $7,500.
Mold Remediation License: This license is required for all mold remediation projects that are worth more than $7,500.
Home Improvement Registration: This is required if you are planning to undertake home improvement or repair projects worth between $7,500 and $75,000, but do not have a commercial or residential license. If your project costs more than $75,000 you’ll need a residential permit.
How to obtain a Louisiana general contractor’s license
There are three steps to the application process once you have decided which license you require.
- Fill out the application
- Complete the exam
- Approval from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
It may seem simple, but there are some things you should consider when you begin the application process.
First, ensure that you have the required information ready in your application package.
Prepare for your test. Contractor applicants must take the Louisiana Business and Law Exam online. You will need to visit one of the 11 Testing Centers in Louisiana to take any other tests required.
You can then send the completed application to the board. Every month, the board meets to review applications.
Common challenges to obtaining a license
You can fill out the majority of your general contractor application online but you cannot submit it online. You must notarize some documents before you submit them to the board. You’ll also need to take your required trade exam in person at a pre-approved testing center throughout the state.
What are the requirements for a general contractor license in Louisiana?
You’ll have to meet these requirements to get your general contractor license:
Select your classification
On your application, you can select the type of work that you wish to do from 10 options including electrical work, mechanical work, plumbing work, or specialty classifications.
Prepare financial statements
Present to the board your notarized financial reports for the last 12 months, which prove that you have at least $10,000. You can also provide a letter of credit, a contractor license bond in Louisiana, or other security of the same amount.
Select your legal representative
Choose the party that will be your legal representative. It does not mean you have to hire an attorney. You can represent yourself. You can also list your business partner, spouse, or any other person who qualifies to represent you.
Pass the exam and be vetted by the board
The board will require you to be vetted and pass an examination. Your experience and records can be used by them to determine whether you are allowed to engage in contracting activities.
Get insured
You will need to show proof of General Liability Insurance and a certificate for active Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
Pay fees
Fees will vary depending on your classification (commercial or residential contractor). Exam costs and processing charges are also included. Costs range from $400 to $1,000.
Pass all exams
Pass all the exams required for your license, including the law and business exams.
You can submit your application for approval to the board before you take all required exams.
How much time is required to general contractor’s license?
The process for in-state applicants takes approximately four weeks from start to finish. Louisiana requires a 60-day wait for those living out of state who want to obtain a license as a general contractor. This period begins when the board receives your application.
General contractor renewals
You must renew your license every year once you receive it. The board suggests that you prepare your renewal at least thirty days before expiration. If you submit your application 15 days after the expiration date, there will be an additional fee.
Louisiana general contractor reciprocity
Contractors from out-of-state can get credit for Louisiana-approved classifications, without having to take the Louisiana trade exam. They are also exempted from the 60-day wait period. Contractors must meet the following:
- The Board of the reciprocal State has not sanctioned you for violating their contractor licensing laws in the last three years.
- All other licensing requirements must be met by the LSLBC.
Before the board can issue a license, applicants from out-of-state must complete the course in business and law.
Louisiana has agreements with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, North, Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah
Louisiana General Contractors Insurance Requirements
You will be required to obtain insurance for your business in Louisiana as part of the licensing procedure. The following types of insurance are available.
General Liability Insurance
General Liability Insurance must be purchased by all Louisiana licensed general contractors. This insurance can cover the costs of non-employees who are injured on a job or damage to other people’s property.
Home improvement contractors and mold contractors both need to be covered with a minimum of 100,000 dollars.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
To comply with Louisiana law, residential, mold, and home improvements contractors are required to submit certificates of coverage for Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Insurance. It ensures that employees are covered in the event of an accident or illness on the job.
Commercial Auto Insurance for General Contractors
Commercial auto insurance is another type of insurance that many Louisiana general contractors need to consider.
This insurance type covers all vehicles you use for your business. This insurance can also protect your business if your employees are involved in an accident or injured while driving.
Commercial Property Insurance
Louisiana Commercial Property Insurance protects you against vandalism and damage if you own or rent property for your contracting company.
How BizInsure helps Louisiana general contractors
You can quickly obtain the protection you need for your business with BizInsure. We have helped thousands of general contracting companies just like yours find tailored insurance to meet licensing requirements.
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