If you have ever contemplated becoming a general contractor, you first have to get a general contractors license. Let’s take a moment to outline a few of the basic things you will have to do in order to obtain a general contractors license. This will vary from state to state, but these are the general requirements. Just because you have a license in one state does not mean you have to right to practice your trade in another state so pay close attention to your own states guidelines and regulations.
Most every state is going to require that you take a written exam to be awarded a general contractors license. This test will most likely be about construction laws, business organization and the skills for the occupation. You may have to prove that you are financially ready to run your own business and also prove that you have on the job experience.
The basic requirements of obtaining a general contractors license are as follows: You must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated high school. You must be a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States. You must have two passport sized photos of yourself for identification. You should also provide documents of any other license you have. If you have any citations or liens out on you from previous construction jobs, you will need to provide this information. You must be prequalified to work on state projects and your corporation must be registered with the Secretary of State. You may be required to have a business license and you may be required to post a state license bond.
As mentioned before not all of these will be requirements in every state to obtain a general contractors license but many of these requirements are standard to each state. There may be more or fewer provisions depending on which state you decide to do business in. Remember that when you do receive your general contractors license, you will only be licensed in the state in which your received the license. If you ever move to another state you will have to apply all over again for your license. It’s a good idea to make sure you are planning to stay in the state you are in for a while before you decide to apply for a general contractor’s license.
It’s always a good idea to get letters of reference from people who you have done work for in the past and present it to the testing board. This will help them to see that you are a good worker and that your work is quality work that can be trusted.
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