Frequently Asked Questions
General Licensing Questions
FAQs for General Licensing Questions
Click HERE to access the Contractor Search, then choose “Search by Type of Contractor” and select either: Commercial, Residential, Mold Remediation or Home Improvement from the drop down of options. Additionally, you can search by contractor name; license number; city/town; parish; and qualifying party.
Yes, the LSLBC has enacted a rule as follows:
§123. Licensure and Exemption of Exam for Individuals with Military Training and Experience, Military Spouses and Dependents [Formerly §129]
A. The board shall issue a license or registration to an applicant who is a member of the military, including United States Department of Defense civilian employees who have been assigned to duty in Louisiana, or an applicant who is married to or is a dependent of a member of the military or a United States Department of Defense civilian employee, if the member or United States Department of Defense civilian receives military orders for a change of station to a military installation or assignment located in this state or if the member or United States Department of Defense civilian has established this state as his state of legal residence as reflected in the member’s or United States Department of Defense civilian’s military record if, upon application to the board, all of the following conditions are satisfied by the applicant:
1. holds a current and valid occupational license in another state in an occupation with a similar scope of practice, as determined by the board.
2. has held the occupational license in the other state for at least one year.
3. has passed any examinations, or met any education, training, or experience standards as required by the board in the other state.
4. is held in good standing by the board in the other state.
5. does not have a disqualifying criminal record as determined by the board under the laws of this state.
6. has not had an occupational license revoked by a board in another state because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant’s work in the occupation.
7. did not surrender an occupational license because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the person’s work in the occupation in another state.
8. does not have a complaint, allegation, or investigation pending before a board in another state which relates to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime. If there is an existing complaint, allegation or investigation pending, the board shall not issue or deny a license or registration until the complaint, allegation, or investigation is resolved, or the applicant otherwise satisfies the criteria for licensure in this state to the satisfaction of the board.
9. pays all applicable fees and meets all other requirements for licensure.
B. The board shall issue a license or registration to an applicant who is a member of the military, or an applicant who is married to or is a dependent of a member of the military or United States Department of Defense civilian employee who has been assigned duty in Louisiana, upon application based on work experience in another state if, upon application to the board, all of the following conditions are satisfied by the applicant:
1. worked in a state that does not use an occupational license or governmental certification to regulate a lawful occupation, but the board regulates this lawful occupation with a similar scope of practice.
2. worked for at least three years in the lawful occupation.
3. has not had an occupational license revoked by a board in another state because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant’s work in the occupation.
4. did not surrender an occupational license because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the person’s work in the occupation in another state.
5. does not have a complaint, allegation, or investigation pending before a board in another state which relates to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime. If there is an existing complaint, allegation, or investigation pending, the board shall not issue or deny a license or registration until the complaint, allegation, or investigation is resolved, or the applicant otherwise satisfies the criteria for licensure in this state to the satisfaction of the board.
6. pays all applicable fees and meets all other requirements for licensure.
C. The board shall issue a license or registration to an applicant who is a member of the military or United States Department of Defense civilian employee who has been assigned duty in Louisiana, or an applicant who is married to or is a dependent of a member of the military or a United States Department of Defense civilian employee based on holding a private certification and work experience in another state if, upon application to the board, all of the following conditions are satisfied by the applicant:
1. worked in a state that does not use an occupational license or government certification to regulate a lawful occupation, but that occupation is lawfully regulated by this board through a license or registration.
2. has worked for at least two years in the lawful occupation.
3. holds a current and valid private certification in the lawful occupation.
4. the private certification organization holds the applicant in good standing.
5. has not had an occupational license revoked by a board in another state because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant’s work in the occupation.
6. did not surrender an occupational license because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the person’s work in the occupation in another state.
7. does not have a complaint, allegation, or investigation pending before a board in another state which relates to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime. If there is an existing complaint, allegation or investigation pending, the board shall not issue or deny a license or registration until the complaint, allegation, or investigation is resolved or the applicant otherwise satisfies the criteria for licensure in this state to the satisfaction of the board.
8. pays all applicable fees and meets all other requirements for licensure.
D. The education, training, or experience requirements for an occupational license issued by the board will be determined by the presentation from the applicant of satisfactory evidence that the applicant received comparable education, training or experience as a member of the United States armed forces or any national guard or other reserve component.
E. The applicant will be required to complete the business and law course.
F. Upon receipt of all required and complete documents, the board will provide the applicant with a written decision regarding the application for an occupational license within 30 calendar days after receiving an application.
G. 1. The applicant may appeal any of the following decisions made by the board, in a court of general jurisdiction:
a. denial of a license.
b. determination of the classification.
c. determination of the similarity of the scope or practice of the occupational license issued.
H. A person who obtains a license or registration pursuant to this rule is subject to all laws regulating the occupation in this state and the jurisdiction of this board.
I. The term “military” means the armed forces of the United States, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the reserve components thereof, the National Guard of any state, the Military Reserves of any state, or the naval militia of any state.
J. The term dependent means:
1. a resident spouse or resident unmarried child under the age of 21 years;
2. a child who is a student under the age of 24 years and who is financially dependent upon the parent; or
3. a child of any age who is disabled and dependent upon the parent.
K. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any applicant receiving a dishonorable discharge or a military spouse whose spouse received a dishonorable discharge.
L. This Section preempts laws by township, municipal, county and other governments in the state which regulate occupational licenses and government certification.
There are no continuing education requirements for commercial, mold, or home improvement contractors/registrants.
There are continuing education requirements for residential construction contractors. A residential construction contractor is required to complete a minimum of six (6) hours of continuing education annually by a board-approved provider (click HERE to view providers). The contractor will maintain their education certificate for a five-year period and provide copies to this office, if requested. If the residential construction also holds a valid, current commercial license in one or more of the major classifications of 1) Building Construction; 2) Highway, Street and Bridge Construction; 3) Heavy Construction; 4) or Municipal and Public Works Construction, the six-hour requirement is considered to have been met.
Subcontractors who perform labor only and do not bid on or manage projects may be required to hold a contractor’s license or a home improvement registration with our board. Licensure requirement is determined by the type of project and the total project amount. (Total project value = the law requires that the cost of labor and materials be combined to assess the total project amount, no matter who supplies the materials.)
Subcontract labor only MUST be in contract with a licensed contractor. They may not contract with an owner.
For commercial projects, if the total project amount exceeds $50,000, a contractor’s license is required. For home improvement projects, if the total project amount exceeds $7,500 but not exceeding $50,000, a home improvement registration is required.
NOTE: There are no licensing requirements for labor only subcontractors performing work on new residential construction projects.
For labor only subcontractors on commercial projects, LSLBC has a specialty classification called Labor Only. There is no trade exam required for this specialty classification.
To obtain a commercial license with the Furnishing Labor Only classification, the subcontractor must:
- Complete the online Commercial license application, found by clicking HERE
- Upload the necessary documents and pay the fees
- Complete the online Business and Law course (required for all license applicants)
If you are performing plumbing work valued at $10,000 or more including labor and materials, the law requires that you also hold a commercial plumbing license with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
A Commercial license does not allow you to build a single residential home. A Residential license with the Residential Construction classification is required for new home construction.
Anyone licensed by the Board must bid, contract, and perform work in their name as it appears on official records. LSLBC does not recognize DBA’s, Assumed Names or Fictitious Names as legal business entities and it will not appear on official records, including the license.
Registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office does not qualify you to perform construction work in Louisiana. Being registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office only gives your company the authority to operate a business in Louisiana and also generally for state sales tax purposes.
A Louisiana state contractor’s license/registration is required if you contract, bid, or perform work where to total project value including labor and materials exceeds the minimum threshold to hold a commercial license, residential license, mold remediation license, or an home improvement registration in the state of Louisiana. For information about each license or registration and the minimum threshold amounts, please see our Types of Licenses page found at: https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/types-of-licenses/
An occupational license is NOT a contractor’s license. An occupational license only gives you or your company the authority to operate a business in that city/parish and it’s generally for local sales tax purposes.
A Louisiana state contractor’s license/registration is required if you contract, bid, or perform work where to total project value including labor and materials exceeds the minimum threshold to hold a commercial license, residential license, mold remediation license, or an home improvement registration in the state of Louisiana. Information about each license or registration, the minimum threshold amounts, and the requirements for licensure please see our License Types and Information page at: https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractors/.
Louisiana State Contractors’ licensing law allows an owner to build their primary residence without a license. You must live in this home. You cannot build a home to rent or sell without a license. Louisiana State Contractors’ licensing law also allows an owner to build structures adjacent to their primary residence without a license, such as a shed. Visit your local permit office to obtain permits and a homeowner exemption form.
If you wish to build a home/dwelling on property you own that will not be used as your primary residence a licensed general contractor and any subcontractors on the project must be licensed.
LSLBC Statute R.S. 37:2161 defines construction management as:
A. (1) Any person who performs, attempts to perform, or submits a price, bid or offer to perform work in construction management whose scope of authority and responsibility include supervision, oversight, direction, or in any manner assumes charge for the construction services provided to an owner by a contractor or contractors, in which the value of the construction project is:
(a) In excess of fifty thousand dollars for a commercial construction project, shall possess a license from the board in the major classification applicable to the type of work being performed on the construction project.
(b) In excess of seventy-five thousand dollars for a residential construction project, shall possess a license from the board in the classification of residential construction.
(c) in excess of seven thousand five hundred dollars for a home improvement project, shall possess a license from the board in the classification of home improvement construction.
(2) An architect or engineer ensuring compliance with the plans and specifications for the construction project on behalf of the owner, or construction manager whose scope of authority and responsibilities do not include any of the tasks provided for in this Subsection and does not subcontract actual construction work, is not required to obtain a contractor’s license.
(3) An employee of the owner who supervises the construction or ensures compliance with the plans and specifications on behalf of the owner but does not bid or perform construction work for which a license is required does not have to be licensed.
Anyone performing a scope of work described in No. 1 that does not require a license., or anyone whose work fits into the categories included in Nos. 2 or 3 above is not required to obtain a license.
If you are just furnishing material or equipment, you are considered a manufacturer or supplier, and no license is required. Under normal circumstances, a supplier can ship the product to a jobsite with no further involvement on the project. However, if you bid to furnish and install, even if you plan to hire a licensed contractor to do the installation for you, your firm is required to hold a license.
A subcontractor who wishes to bid or perform commercial work where the total cost of the project including labor and materials for the following must be licensed with this Board:
- $50,000 or more for major and specialty classifications
- $10,000 or more for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing
- $1 or more for hazardous
A subcontractor who wishes to bid or perform residential work where the total cost of the project including labor and materials for the following must be licensed with this Board:
- $7,500 or more for home improvement projects
- $7,500 or more for residential swimming pools
LSLBC Statute R.S. 37:2162 regarding Joint Ventures: When two or more persons bid, contract, or perform construction work as a joint venture on any project for which a contractor’s license is required, the joint venture is required to be properly licensed by the board at the time of bid, contract, and performance of work in the classification for which the joint venture will perform work. This requirement applies to but is not limited to a corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, general partnership and any other entity operating as a joint venture on a project for which a contractor’s license is required from this board. This licensing requirement is required before persons or contractors are permitted to bid, contract, or perform work on a project for which a license is required regardless of whether they intended to operate as a joint venture.
There are no provisions in the Louisiana Contractor’s License Law to allow for a “temporary” license
A contractor’s license or registration is required before you can bid, contract, or perform work. Click HERE for additional information about each type of license/registration.
Licenses/Registrations are issued once all requirements are met by the applicant.
The license belongs to the licensee, as: a corporate license belongs to the corporation; a partnership license belongs to the partnership; a limited liability company license belongs to the limited liability company, etc.; and an individual license belongs to the individual, regardless of the status of the qualifying party of the entity.
Application Questions
FAQs for Applications
All applications for Mold Remediation, Commercial, Home Improvement and Residential are available at https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbc-online-application/
Please click HERE to view the Online Application Instructions to see what information and documents are needed before starting an online application.
Home Improvement applicants – Please click HERE to view the Next Steps in the Application Process for home improvement applicants.
Commercial, Residential and/or Mold Remediation applicants – Please click HERE to view the Next Steps in the Application Process.
The board requires home improvement, residential, and mold remediation applicants to submit proof of insurance coverage before a license or registration can be issued. You must maintain continuous insurance coverage while holding an active license or registration. You must provide current insurance certificates to the board upon renewal of the license. Failure to submit these documents can cause a delay in the application or renewal process.
| Coverage Required: |
General Liability and Workers’ Compensation.*absolutely no exceptions to the WC requirement |
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| Coverage Amount: |
Proof by certificate of current general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 and no coverage amount required for worker’s compensation |
| Insured: | Must have the correct name of the company or individual applying for the license/registration on the certificate. |
| Certificate Holder: | LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 |
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Verbiage required for Description of Operations of Certificate (exact wording needed):
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For Residential Construction: “The Commercial General Liability Policy represented on this certificate of insurance provides general liability coverage for residential home contracting operations subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.” For Residential Swimming Pools: “The Commercial General Liability Policy represented on this certificate of insurance provides general liability coverage for residential swimming pool contracting operations subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.” |
| Effective/Expiration dates and limits of coverage must be shown on the certificate. | |
| The insurance agent MUST email the certificate of insurance to: insurance@lslbc.gov. | |
The board requires home improvement, residential, and mold remediation applicants to submit proof of insurance coverage before a license or registration can be issued. You must maintain continuous insurance coverage while holding an active license or registration. You must provide current insurance certificates to the board upon renewal of the license. Failure to submit these documents can cause a delay in the application or renewal process.
| Coverage Required: |
General Liability and Workers’ Compensation. |
| Coverage Amount: |
Proof by certificate of current general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $50,000 and no coverage amount required for worker’s compensation |
| Insured: |
Must have the correct name of the company or individual applying for the license/registration on the certificate. |
| Certificate Holder: | LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 |
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Verbiage required for Description of Operations of Certificate (exact wording needed): |
“The Commercial General Liability Policy represented on this certificate of insurance provides general liability coverage for mold remediation contracting operations subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.” |
| Effective/Expiration dates and limits of coverage must be shown on the certificate. | |
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The insurance agent MUST email the certificate of insurance to: insurance@lslbc.gov. |
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The board requires home improvement, residential, and mold remediation applicants to submit proof of insurance coverage before a license or registration can be issued. You must maintain continuous insurance coverage while holding an active license or registration. You must provide current insurance certificates to the board upon renewal of the license. Failure to submit these documents can cause a delay in the application or renewal process.
| Coverage Required: | General Liability and Workers’ Compensation *absolutely no exceptions to the WC requirement |
| Coverage Amount: |
Proof by certificate of current general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 and no minimum coverage amount required for worker’s compensation |
| Insured: | Must have the correct name of the company or individual applying for the license/registration on the certificate. |
| Certificate Holder: | LSLBC, 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 |
|
Verbiage required for Description of Operations of Certificate (exact wording needed):
|
“The Commercial General Liability Policy represented on this certificate of insurance provides general liability coverage for home improvement contracting operations subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.” |
| Effective/Expiration dates and limits of coverage must be shown on the certificate. | |
| The insurance agent MUST email the certificate of insurance to: insurance@lslbc.gov | |
“Qualifying party” means a natural person designated by the contractor to represent the contractor for the purpose of complying with the provisions in the Contractors Licensing Law and Rules and Regulations including without limitation meeting the requirements for the initial license and/or any continuation thereof. A qualifying party is the person who holds the exam scores, and is not the owner of the license unless he/she is a sole proprietor.
A qualifying party must meet one of the eligibility requirements and documentation must be provided to verify the eligibility of the qualifying party.
The following are the eligibility requirements to be a Qualifying Party:
| Sole Proprietor (Individual): No additional documentation required. | ||
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| Spouse of Sole Proprietor (Individual): Provide a copy of your marriage license. | ||
| Partner: Provide a copy of the partnership agreement in which you are listed as a partner. | ||
| Any Member or Manager of LLC: Provide a copy of the original Articles of Organization and Initial Report identifying you as a member or manager of the company. If these documents do not identify you as a member or manager, you must also submit a copy of the Operating Agreement which identifies you as a member or manager of the company. | ||
| Any Incorporator, Stockholder or Officer: Provide a copy of the original Articles of Incorporation in which your name is listed as an incorporator, stockholder or officer of the company. If these documents do not identify you as a incorporator, stockholder or officer, you must also submit a copy of the company’s By-Laws or Meeting Minutes which identify you as an incorporator, stockholder or officer of the company. | ||
| Employee: You must be a full-time employee of the company and the qualifier/employee will be required to sign a legal affidavit, along with their employer, stating that they meet this requirement. A full-time employee as defined by the IRS is an employee who on average works 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month and receives a W2 annually from the company. | ||
No limit is set on the number of qualifying parties a company may have.
An owner of a company may be allowed to be the qualifying party for any company that he/she owns.
An employee may be allowed to be the qualifying party for the licensed company and related entities.
LSLBC now has an interactive Contractor Portal for all qualifying parties. Qualifying Parties will now use this portal to register for the exam. The Qualifying Party will be emailed an Exam Approval Notice after the qualifying party has been approved for the exams. The approval notice will contain the link to their portal, User ID and Password.
An exam/administrative fee is required for each classification and for Business and Law.
If you are applying as an LLC, Corporation or Limited Partnership, you must register your company with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Licensed Contractors General Questions
FAQs for Licensed Contractors
Only those who hold a commercial license with the classification of “Building Construction” are exempt from a Home Improvement Registration. The value of the project, to include labor and materials, cannot exceed $50,000.
Dewatering is the removal of water or water damaged building materials and does not require a license. The removal of structural items is not considered to be dewatering. The replacement or installation of new materials may require a license based on the total project value.
Information about each license or registration, the minimum threshold amounts, and the requirements for licensure please see our License Types and Information page at: https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractors/.
LSLBC now has an interactive Contractor Portal for all qualifying parties. Qualifying Parties will now use this portal to make changes to their address, phone number, fax number, email address or website address. The following link is to the LSLBC Contractor Portal:
LSLBC now has an interactive Contractor Portal for all licensed/registered contractors. Contractors will now use this portal to make changes to their address, phone number, fax number, email address or website address. The following link is to the LSLBC Contractor Portal:
https://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov
Click HERE for information on how to verify your license.
- Submit the completed form called “Adding a Qualifying Party to an Existing License” and the completed, initialed, signed and notarized form called “Application for Qualifying Party”. Click HERE to download the forms.
- Submit required fees (as listed on the Adding a Qualifying Party form)
After we process the required documents and fees, we will send the testing information by email to the new qualifying party if an exam is required.
The following must be submitted to add a classification to the license:
- Submit the completed form called “Adding a Classification to an Existing License”. Click HERE to download the form.
- Submit required fees (as listed on the Adding a Classification form)
*If the qualifying party representing the additional classification(s), isn’t currently listed on the license as a qualifying party the following must also be submitted:
- Submit a completed, initial, signed and notarized “Application for Qualifying Party”. Click HERE to download the form.
After we process the required documents and fees, we will send the testing information by email to the qualifying party if an exam is required for the classification being added. The request to add a classification to your license will then be submitted to the Board for approval at the next available board meeting.
Note: Residential classifications can only be added to the residential license. The mold remediation classification can only be listed on the mold remediation license.
In accordance with LA. R.S. 37:2156.1(D)(1), when the qualifying party terminates employment with the licensee, the licensee must notify the board, in writing, within 30 days of the disassociation and another party must qualify within 60 days of the disassociation.
If your firm has undergone a qualifying party change, the following must be submitted prior to updating the license:
- Submit the completed form called “Disassociation of a Qualifying Party” notifying the board of the disassociation of the qualifying party and the replacement qualifying party to be added. Click HERE to download the form.
- Submit the completed, initialed, signed and notarized form called “Application for Qualifying Party”. Click HERE to download the form.
- Submit required fees (as listed on the Disassociation of a Qualifying Party form)
After we process the required documents and fees, we will send the testing information by email to the new qualifying party if an exam is required.
Structure change could be a change in ownership, a merger, a conversion, a change in FEIN or a change in “State of Incorporation”
Commercial, Residential and Mold Remediation name and/or structure change fee is $100.
Home Improvement Registration name and/or structure change fee is $40.
The following must be submitted prior to updating the license/registration:
- Download and complete the form called “Name and/or Structure Change Form”. Click HERE to download the form.
- The information provided on the form must match the current records of the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
- Review the form and submit any additional required documents as listed on the form.
- If paying by credit card or E-check, email form, documents and payment info to Licensing@lslbc.gov.
- If paying by check or money order, please mail form, documents and payment to our office.
Once processed by staff, the licensee will be notified by email if any additional information or documents are needed or if not, when the Name or Structure change process is complete. For questions about the name or structure change process, please Contact Us.
Commercial, Residential and Mold Remediation name and/or structure change fee is $100.
Home Improvement Registration name and/or structure change fee is $40.
The following must be submitted prior to updating the officers for the Corporation:
- Download and complete the form called “Name and/or Structure Change Form”. Click HERE to download the form.
- The information provided on the form must match the current records of the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
- Review the form and submit any additional required documents as listed on the form.
- If paying by credit card or E-check, email form, documents and payment info to Licensing@lslbc.gov.
- If paying by check or money order, please mail form, documents and payment to our office.
Once processed by staff, the licensee will be notified by email if any additional information or documents are needed or if not, when the Officer change process is complete. For questions about the Officer change process, please Contact Us.
You cannot transfer a license from an individual to a company or from one company to another.
LSLBC now has an interactive Contractor Portal for all licensed/registered contractors. Contractors will now use this portal to print a copy(ies) of their license and/or registration. The following link is to the LSLBC Contractor Portal:
Once the license/registration is issued the initial license certificate will be valid for one year, then you may renew your license for a one, two, or three year period.
- A Renewal notice will be emailed or mailed to the address on record approximately 60 days prior to the expiration and again at 15 days prior to expiration.
- For Residential, Mold Remediation and Home Improvement: you must provide proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage upon renewal of the license.
- Insurance certificate(s) should be emailed directly from the insurance agent to insurance@lacontractor.org.
- Note: Failure to submit these documents can delay the renewal of the license.
- For Residential, Mold Remediation and Home Improvement: you must maintain continuous insurance coverage while holding an active license with this board.
- You must maintain a current address with this Board.
- You must maintain a Qualifying Party for all classifications listed on your license.
- If you are a residential building contractor, you are required to complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education annually by a board approved provider.
- The contractor will maintain their education certificates for a five-year period and provide copies to this office if requested.
- Click HERE for exceptions to the continuing education requirement.
Last updated: May 20, 2022
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