All individuals or businesses who wish to engage in construction work in Utah must secure a Utah Contractor’s License. To do this, at least 1 individual must be selected to act as the license qualifier, which requires that person to pass the necessary license exams.
To get a Utah General Contractor’s License, you will need to complete an application, pass the necessary exams, register your business, secure insurance and a Utah Contractor’s Bond, and complete other required documents/processes.
The exact steps to get a Utah Contractor’s License are listed below. For questions or other information by phone, call 801-530-6628. For questions or other information online, visit the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional License Utah Contractor License page.
How to get a Utah Contractors License
Step #1: Determine what kind of classification you/your business falls into
- General Building Contractors License (B100) – allows you to work on a building structure of any kind (remodeling, repairing, building, etc) but does not allow for plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work.
- Residential and Small Commercial Contractors License (R100) – allows you to do work on residential properties (single or multi-family home that has 4 units or less) and/or work on small commercial properties (anything that is 3 stories or less w/ less than 20k sq. ft.)
- General Engineering Contractors License (E100) – allows you to perform work such as water supply, drainage, inland waterway, irrigation, hydropower, sewer, flood control, etc but does not allow you to work on residential or commercial properties.
Step #2: Make sure you meet the initial requirements
- 18 years old
- In the last 10 years, you have accumulated at least 2 years of full-time related work experience
Step #3: Be your own qualifier or locate someone to be your qualifier
The qualifier is the person who demonstrates the knowledge and experience necessary to get the license. This includes taking the license exam.
- Details on qualifier requirements can be found on the Pre-Application Checklist.
- Details on the license exam.
Step #4: Complete business requirements
- Register entity with Utah Division of Corporations (only for Corporations, LLC, LLP, and Partnerships)
- Register the DBA with the Utah Division of Corporations (only if you use a DBA – Doing Business As)
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS
- Obtain a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission
- Secure court documents (only if you have been convicted of a crime, etc)
Step #5: Complete financial requirements
- Secure liability insurance from an insurance agent. Coverage must be for at least $100,000 per accident and $300,000 aggregate.
- Secure workers compensation insurance if you have employees
- Secure a Utah Contractor’s Bond from a licensed surety bond provider.
About the Utah Contractor Bond
Not all individuals will be required to get a bond. You most likely will need a bond if you answer YES to the financial responsibility questions in the license application. Verify with the Construction Services Commission if you are required to provide a bond. Bond amounts are as follows:
- General Building Contractors License (B100) – $50,000 bond
- Residential and Small Commercial Contractors License (R100) – $25,000 bond
- General Engineering Contractors License (E100) – $50,000 bond
- Other Utah Contractors Bond – $25,000 bond
Free Utah Contractor License Bond Quotes
Step #6: Pay fees
For most applicants, the fee is $405 total ($210 for the first classification of licensure and $195 for the initial assessment).
You must pay any outstanding citations or residence lien recovery fund payouts before you can be granted a license. If you have any of these outstanding items, be sure to take care of these before applying for your license.
Step #7: Submit
Submit all the above items with a completed Utah Contractor’s License Application to the following address:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Before submitting your license application, double-check you have all the requirements by completing the Pre-Application Checklist.
The General Contractors License Guide website says the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional License can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to process your application.
Questions?
For questions or other information by phone, call 801-530-6628.
For questions or other information online, visit the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional License Utah Contractor License page.
License Expiration and Renewal
General Contractor Licenses in Utah expire on November 30th of odd-numbered years (for example 2021, 2023, 2025, etc).
To renew your license, you will need to complete a Renewal Application, pay a renewal fee, and renew your Utah Contractor License Bond. You can renew your Contractor License Bond with the surety company that you originally purchased your bond from. You also might be required to complete a set amount of continuing education hours.
For more information on renewing your Utah General Contractor License, contact the Utah DOPL at 801-530-6628.
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