Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Kentucky
Contractor, KY
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Kentucky?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Kentucky
What Are the Requirements of a Kentucky Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
Kentucky Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Kentucky Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Kentucky?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Kentucky?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these people to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Kentucky employs 1,280 managers and 14,140 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Kentucky, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is slightly lower at 7%, and there is no projected growth rate listed for managers. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started as a registered contractor in the state of Kentucky.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Kentucky?
The state of Kentucky does not issue state-level licensing for general contractors. However, some cities enforce their own regulations for general contractors. It’s essential to check with the local jurisdiction where you plan to work to ensure compliance with their specific licensing or registration requirements.
In Lexington, contractors must register their business with the city. In Louisville-Jefferson County, contractors are required to obtain a license from the Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations. Bowling Green in Warren County requires contractors to obtain a General Contractor license from the Contractor Licensing Board.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
The process to become a licensed contractor varies depending on the locality.
To register in Lexington, you need a certificate of occupancy for your place of business, an occupational business license, and general liability and workers’ compensation insurance (if you have employees). The process is spelled out on the city website.
In Louisville, applicants need general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees, and an occupational license number from the Revenue Commission of Jefferson County. The city offers a guide online that walks you through the application process.
To become a general contractor in Bowling Green, applicants need a business license for both the city and for Warren County, general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence, and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees, or an affidavit of exemption otherwise. The city website spells out the licensing process.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Kentucky
Kentucky does not issue statewide contractor licenses, but certain municipalities, such as Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green, have established their own licensing or registration processes. Contractors must verify the specific requirements for the areas they intend to serve to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Lexington simply requires a contractor registration.
In Louisville, there are two license classifications:
A: For multiple permitted projects in a calendar year
B: For just one building permit project in a calendar year
Once the classification is chosen, there are a few different license types:
Building A-R (Residential)
Building A-RC (Residential and Commercial)
Building A-C (Commercial)
Building B – Residential
Building B – Commercial
The Bowling Green-Warren County Contractors License Board requires a General Contractor license.
Getting a general contractor license
Follow these steps to register as a contractor in Lexington:
OBTAIN CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: Contractors must register their place of business with the Building Inspection department. A home office certificate of occupancy costs $10, while a certificate of occupancy for an existing commercial building costs $25.
PROCURE OCCUPATIONAL BUSINESS LICENSE: A business license from the Department of Revenue is required. This incurs a $100 fee.
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: General liability insurance is required for all contractors, and workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees. The certificate holder should be listed as Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), Division of Building Inspection, 200 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507. Fax proof of insurance to the Division of Building Inspection at (859) 258-3780 or email it to jconnor@lexingtonky.gov.
Follow these steps to become a licensed contractor in Louisville:
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance are required if you have employees. If you don’t have employees, you need to sign an affidavit of exemption.
GET A BUSINESS LICENSE: You need an occupational license from the Office of Revenue Commission.
FILL OUT APPLICATION: Apply for a contractor’s license using the city’s online business portal. The license fee for Type A licenses is $125, and $50 for Type B.
Follow these steps to become a general contractor in Bowling Green:
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: General liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence is required for all contractors, and workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees. The certificate holder should be listed as Contractors Licensing Board, PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102.
PROCURE OCCUPATIONAL BUSINESS LICENSE: You are required to obtain a Bowling Green occupational license from the Bowling Green Finance department. This incurs a $50 fee.
FILL OUT APPLICATION: Fill out the contractor license application form and return it to 1141 State Street, Suite 200, PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102-1268, along with a $250 application fee. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Contractors Licensing Board.
Getting a specialty contractor license
For those interested in specific trade licenses, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guides to getting an electrician, plumber, or HVAC license in Kentucky to understand the full scope of requirements and opportunities.
What Are the Requirements of a Kentucky Contractor License?
Since there is no statewide license for contractors in Kentucky, contractors must look to the local licensing requirements.
A business license is required for a contracting business in Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green.
Lexington and Bowling Green require a certificate of insurance for general liability. Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green require proof of workers’ compensation insurance if the contractor has employees.
All cities listed have a license or registration fee.
Specialty licenses have stricter requirements. For example, to be eligible to obtain a journeyman electrical contractor license, you'll need six years of work experience in the electrical trade industry or four years of electrical work experience and 576 hours of classroom training. The Kentucky licensing board requires you to have your journeyman license for a minimum of two years before you become eligible to earn a master electrician license.
Before becoming a journeyman plumbing contractor, you must have at least two consecutive years experience as an apprentice plumber or complete a department-approved course that includes content on the practice of plumbing or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and at least one year of experience as an apprentice plumber.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. Since there are no experience requirements for the licensure/registration in Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green, it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and become registered or licensed.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Kentucky?
The costs associated with licensing depends on the localities in which you intend to operate.
In Lexington, contractors must register their place of business with the Building Inspection department. A home office certificate of occupancy costs $10, while a certificate of occupancy for an existing commercial building costs $25. There’s also a $100 business license fee.
Louisville requires a $125 license fee for Type A licenses, and $50 for Type B licensees.
In Bowling Green, you need a $50 business license and a $250 general contractor license.
It’s important to consider other potential expenses beyond license fees, including the cost of obtaining required insurance policies (general liability and workers’ compensation) and any business setup costs. These fees collectively contribute to ensuring contractors meet local and state standards for safety, competence, and professionalism.
Contractors should budget for both upfront and recurring expenses, such as annual license renewals or insurance premiums, to maintain compliance and keep their businesses running smoothly.
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Kentucky Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While Kentucky does not mandate specific educational requirements for contractor registration, the state offers numerous pathways for professional development and skill enhancement in the construction industry. The absence of mandatory coursework provides flexibility for aspiring contractors to pursue their careers through various educational and experiential routes.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are higher education options throughout the Bluegrass State that offer these types of programs. They include:
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships represent a dynamic alternative to traditional academic paths, offering practical, on-the-job learning experiences. Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program. The Kentucky Career Center’s Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services is the state’s approving agency for the Registered Apprenticeship Program. You can browse registered apprenticeship opportunities on their website.
Does Kentucky Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since there is no state-level general contractor license requirement, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. This also means there’s a low barrier to entry for out-of-state contractors, who only have to meet and comply with local requirements.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Kentucky?
Yes, local licenses must be renewed. The Lexington business license must be renewed annually for $100. Louisville contractor licenses must be renewed annually for $125. Bowling Green general contractor licenses must be renewed annually for $250.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Kentucky?
Since there’s no state license, penalties are up to each jurisdiction. Lexington imposes a penalty fee up to $500 and up to 12 months imprisonment for violating licensing regulations. In Louisville, offenders can receive a $500 penalty fee, with each subsequent day counting as an additional offense, and up to 12 months imprisonment.
There is a notice on the Bowling Green license application that states, “No person shall undertake any work as a general contractor or as a specialty contractor without first obtaining a license from the Contractor’s Licensing Board. The Board is also authorized to bring necessary legal action, including cease and desist orders, against unlicensed contractors in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
In addition to any other penalties provided in this Ordinance, any person found violating this Ordinance may be fined in an amount not to exceed $500. In addition, no contract for the performance of any act for which a license is required by this Ordinance shall be enforceable by the general contractor or specialty contractor unless the contractor was properly licensed at the time the work was performed.”
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
In Louisville, Building A-R, Building A-RC, and Building B – Residential licensing, contractors must complete six continuing education units (CEUs) per year from the list of approved online classes. While Bowling Green and Lexington don’t require continuing education for license or registration renewal, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option is the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) which provides continuing education courses.
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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