Contractor License Checklist — Free Printable

Contractor License Application Checklist

ContractorBondInfo.info — Informational resource — Not professional advice — Always verify with your state licensing board

Section 1 — Surety Bond

Determine required bond amount

Use Bond Lookup Tool or call your licensing board

Your required amount

Confirm exact bond type name

e.g. "Contractor License Bond," "Contractor Registration Bond"

Bond type name

Check if state-specific bond form is required

Some states require their own form, not a generic surety bond

Form name/number if applicable

Confirm if notarization is required

Some states require notarized bond forms before submission

Yes / No

Purchase bond from an admitted surety

Verify the surety is licensed in your state before paying

Surety company name

Verify bond effective date precedes license date

The bond must be active before your license is issued

Bond effective date

Attach Power of Attorney to bond certificate

Never separate the bond from its POA before submitting

Confirmed

Calendar bond renewal date (45 days early)

A lapsed bond suspends your license automatically in most states

Renewal reminder date

Section 2 — General Liability Insurance

Confirm minimum GL coverage required by your state

Commonly $100K–$1M per occurrence; varies by state and trade

Required minimum coverage

Obtain Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Request from your insurance agent; check if board must be named

COI expiration date

Confirm if licensing board must be named as certificate holder

Some boards require the COI to name them specifically

Yes / No

Section 3 — Workers' Compensation

Determine if workers' comp is required

Required in nearly all states if you have employees; sole proprietors may be exempt

Required? Exempt?

Obtain WC certificate or sign non-employment affidavit

Most states require one or the other even for sole proprietors

WC provider / affidavit form

Section 4 — License Application

Download the correct application form

From your state licensing board's official website only

Form name

Confirm application fee and payment method

Fees vary by state, license class, and business structure

Fee amount $

Verify exam requirements

Many states require passing a trade or business law exam

Exam name / date

Check background check / fingerprint requirements

Some states require fingerprinting or criminal history review

Required? Yes / No

Gather all supporting documents

May include: trade experience verification, financial statements, ID, photos

Docs required

Note your license renewal cycle

Most contractor licenses renew every 1–2 years

Renews every __ year(s)

Section 5 — After Submission

Track application status with the licensing board

Processing: days to weeks depending on the state

Expected processing time

Verify bond is recorded on your license file

Call the board to confirm — submission does not mean recording

Confirmed date

Add license number to all contracts, invoices, and advertising

Required in most states; omission is a separate licensing violation

Your license number

Calendar all renewal dates with reminders

Bond, insurance, and license renewals — set alerts 45 days early

Key renewal dates

Click checkboxes to mark complete • Fields are editable • Print via browser to save as PDF

Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for reviewing your state licensing board's specific requirements. Requirements change and vary. Always verify with your state licensing board. ContractorBondInfo is not a licensed bond seller, insurance agent, or legal advisor.

Before You Apply for Your Contractor License

Contractor License Application Checklist

Resources Referenced in This Checklist

Bond Lookup Tool

Reading Your Bond Form

Bond vs. Insurance

Renewal & Cancellation