Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Missouri
Contractor, MO
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Missouri?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Missouri
What Are the Requirements of a Missouri Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
Missouri Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Missouri Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Missouri?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Missouri?
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). Missouri employs 3,130 managers and 17,160 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Missouri, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers and managers is 8%. 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 Missouri.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Missouri?
As with electrical contractors and plumbing contractors, general contractors are not required to have a license in the state of Missouri. However, all businesses are required to register with the Secretary of State. In addition, 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.
For example, the City of St. Louis requires all contractors and subcontractors to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License. In Kansas City, residential contractors need to be licensed through the Kansas City Planning and Development Department.
Failing to meet local licensing or registration requirements can result in fines, project delays, or even being prohibited from working in certain areas. Adhering to these rules not only ensures you’re operating legally, but also enhances your credibility with clients and protects the integrity of your business.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
The process to become a licensed contractor varies depending on the locality.
In St. Louis, applicants need a state sales tax identification number, a statement of clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office, an occupancy permit from the Building Division of the Department of Public Safety, and proof of workers’ compensation coverage. The application process is spelled out on the state website.
Kansas City applicants are required to obtain a KCMO business license. Every contractor must employ a full-time, qualified supervisor to oversee trades work. General liability coverage with a minimum aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence is required. In addition, Residential Building Contractors must pass an exam. Kansas City offers a licensing guide on its website.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Missouri
Missouri does not issue statewide contractor licenses, but certain municipalities, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, 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.
St. Louis requires all contractors to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License. In Kansas City, contractors need a Residential Building Contractor license.
Getting a general contractor license
To register with the Missouri Secretary of State, visit the website, create a log-in, and follow the prompts. The business registration fee depends on the contracting business structure:
Sole proprietors and general partnerships only need to register their business name with the Secretary of State’s Office as a Fictitious Name Registration, which costs $7. You can omit this if you’re operating under your legal name.
Limited liability partnership: $55 for two partners, $80 for three partners, $105 for four or more partners
Limited liability company: $105
Follow these steps to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License in St. Louis:
PROCURE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE: Obtain workers’ compensation insurance or fill out an exemption affidavit if you have no employees and are not an LLC.
OBTAIN A STATE SALES TAX NUMBER: Register with the State of Missouri for a State Sales Tax Number online or via mail at Missouri Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 3300, Jefferson City, MO 65105.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Complete the Graduated Business license application and return it to the License Collector’s office in Room 104 of City Hall at 1200 Market Street. A license tax is due based on the number of employees:
0-2: $200
3-5: $325
6-10: $675
The license fees increase up to 500 employees, and are available on the application.
OBTAIN A STATEMENT OF CLEARANCE: Obtain a clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office at room 410 in City Hall.
GET OCCUPANCY PERMIT: Visit the Department of Public Safety in room 425 at City Hall for an occupancy permit.
The licensing process to obtain a Residential Building Contractor license in Kansas City includes the following steps:
PASS EXAM: Pass the Residential Building Contractor exam through the International Code Council (ICC). It incurs a $115 exam fee.
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Applicants are required to obtain general liability insurance coverage with a minimum aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence that lists City of Kansas City, Missouri, as additional insured.
APPLY ONLINE: Set up an account on Compass KC. Select the Apply button and choose the desired license type. Fill out the application form, which will require uploading a Certificate of Qualification, exam results, and two notarized reference letters.
PAY APPLICATION FEE: Once the application is approved, an invoice will be created in your Compass KC account for the $55 application fee.
For those interested in specific trade licenses, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guides to getting an electrician, plumber, or HVAC license in Missouri to understand the full scope of requirements and opportunities.
What Are the Requirements of a Missouri Contractor License?
Since there is no statewide license for contractors in Missouri, contractors must look to the local level for financial, age, and insurance requirements.
All contractors are required to register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
The St. Louis Graduated Business License requires a state sales tax identification number, a statement of clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office, an occupancy permit from the Building Division of the Department of Public Safety, and proof of workers’ compensation coverage. Applicants also need to pay an application fee.
In Kansas City, contractors are required to be 21 years of age or older and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. They also need to pass an exam, obtain general liability insurance, and pay an application fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. Since there are no experience requirements for the St. Louis Graduated Business License or the Kansas City Residential Building Contractor license , it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and become registered or licensed.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Being efficient in the contracting world, no matter where you are in your licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one contracting software gives workers and business owners in residential field service, commercial contracting, or new construction the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it effectively.
ServiceTitan features:
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Missouri?
The Secretary of State registration fee, required for all contractors, can be as low as $7 for a sole proprietor or partnership registering a business name to $105 for a limited liability company.
Additional fees depend on the localities in which a contractor plans to operate.
The St. Louis Graduated Business License tax depends on the number of employees:
0-2: $200
3-5: $325
6-10: $675
The prices increase up to 500 employees, and are available on the application.
For a Residential Building Contractor license in Kansas City, you need to pay $155 for the exam and $55 for the license.
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Missouri Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While Missouri 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 Show Me 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. Apprenticeship Missouri maintains a database of registered apprenticeships in the state, which include:
Does Missouri 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 Missouri?
Yes, local licenses must be renewed. The St. Louis Graduated Business License must be renewed annually. The renewal cost depends on the number of full-time employees within the company. For one to two employees, the renewal cost is $200.
The Kansas City Residential Building Contractor License must be renewed every four years for $181.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Missouri?
Since there’s no state license, penalties are up to each jurisdiction. In Kansas City, violating the Zoning and Development Code can lead to stop work orders, denial of further work permits, and penalty fees. The first violation in a 12-month period can incur a fee up to $200, with each day counting as an additional offense.
According to St. Louis Municipal Code on Licensing, violating license requirements is punishable by a fine between $100 to $500 or imprisonment in the City Workhouse for up to 90 days, or both. In addition, offenders must pay a penalty of $100 for every 10 days that goes by without obtaining the proper license.
Beyond the direct legal penalties, unlicensed contractors risk damage to their reputation, loss of client trust, and potential civil lawsuits if their work fails to meet safety or quality standards. Additionally, contractors operating without the required insurance coverage could be held personally liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage, which can result in significant financial losses.
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
Though Kansas City and St. Louis do not 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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
