/ BLOG

Louisiana general contractor license and insurance requirements

Jun 20, 2023 · 7 minutes to read

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:

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.

  1. Fill out the application
  2. Complete the exam
  3. 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.

Get a quote today.

This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your contractor license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.As with any insurance, coverage will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording.
The information contained on this guide is general only and should not be relied upon as advice. The number of quotes provided varies between products, occupations and other underwriting factors determined by the insurers.
© Copyright 2023 BizInsure LLC, 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BizInsure LLC; CA DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency LLC; NY DBA: BizInsure Services LLC; NH DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency; PA DBA: BizInsure Services LLC. 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300, Walnut Creek CA 94597. License #0H81929

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

So very easy. What a great service.
Cherice Williams is the best and very easy to talk to 😊
The process was easy to maneuver.
Good service
Jennifer was amazing, informative and guided me to exactly what was needed to cover my business. Highly recommend.
First of all the agent I spoke with was very kind and helpful. Her name is Andrea. I appreciate the easy and quick online application to purchase my insurance.
I worked with Amy on getting professional insurance and she was fantastic! Some of the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. She was diligent and supportive, but never pushy.
The process was smooth and everyone answered questions along the way as needed. Andrea’s follow-up was excellent. Thank you!
Jen was awesome
I have been with Bizinsure for many years and they are always up to date with the latest policy information and the most competitive rates!
My interaction with the agent was very pleasant and she answered my questions. She also responded very quickly when I had questions.
BizInsure understood exactly what I needed and provided an affordable quote. The process was easy and I'm glad I used their services!
Our company has been with BizInsure since 2020. we are very happy with the service they provide.
Just started but the process was easy. Agent was kind and the price was great.I will see how the service is going forward, but starting was very easy and inexpensive.
Customer service was great! I got the help I needed!
Super A rated and affordable coverage.
Dina and Ashleih were so helpful! They made our package work for us. Grateful for the quick service.
I want to thank you for making my insurance search so simple and efficient. I also appreciated the easy communication options, which helped me make the right purchase decision. I'm really grateful for your company's support!.
Jenifer S. was the agent that I worked withi to secure general liability insurance. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and worked diligently to ensure that.my coverage needs were met and for a great price. I would definitely recommend her to others as she was a pleasure to work with.
The agent was very knowledgeable and was very quick in handling my request.
Good customer service
Fast friendly professional service
Jennifer was fabulous. Quick & easy quote for GL/PL coverage and saved me money over previous policy. My wife referred me - she's always right!!
Representative was very kind, helpful, and educated me well. I especially appreciate their professionalism and patience.
Been with this company for about 4 years. They have provided me with excellent coverage, user-friendly technology and very low rate. As an accountant, they are my first choice for my small business clients.
Absolutely the easiest, absolutely the fastest, the best I can tell the lowest cost. For many businesses, Insurance is a dirty word, because it's complicated and we're actually so busy minding our business that when complicated insurance issues get in the way, it slows us down. But not with these guys. Biz Insure LLC has figured it out and thank goodness they have...
Thanks, you for your service
I want to say thank you for all the hard work the agent put in with me. She was glad to hear from me. Very pleasant to deal with and solved my needs
Thank you for your professionalism and patience and helpfulness with my insurance needs for my new business. Thank you, Amy Raley as well for all of your help - you are sincerely appreciated and you are an asset to BizInsure LLC!
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Agent was precise and clear with explanation. Getting a quote was fast and easy. Thank you
Easy to renew Policy
BizInsures insurance is easy and affordable. Employees are well courteous and professional.
js_loader
Google Rating
4.7
Based on 368 reviews
×
js_loader





    This will close in 0 seconds