How to Get a Louisiana Contractor License

The August 2026 law compilation defines a contractor by project value. A commercial license is needed for commercial work of $50,000 or more, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing work needs one above $10,000. Asbestos, hazardous waste, lead-based paint and underground storage tank work needs a license from the first dollar. New residential construction needs a residential license at $50,000 or more, while improvements or repairs to an existing home, and mold remediation, are covered from $7,500. The Nov 2023 compilation and the board's FAQ quote of the construction management statute still show $75,000 for residential work, so check which figure applies to your contract date.

Residential swimming pool work over $7,500 needs the Residential Swimming Pools classification, or a subcontractor who holds it. Owners who build their own primary residence, or structures beside it such as a shed, are exempt; the FAQ is clear that you cannot build a home to rent or sell without a license. A parish or city occupational license is not a contractor license, and registering with the Secretary of State does not authorize construction work either.

R.S. 37:2156.1 lists the major classifications: building construction; highway, street and bridge construction; heavy construction; municipal and public works construction; electrical; mechanical; plumbing; hazardous materials; residential construction; mold remediation; and home improvement. The board adds subclassifications and specialties by rule, and a major classification lets you bid most of the subclassification work under it.

The exams and classifications page marks each one Trade Exam, Credential or No Trade Exam. Building Construction, Residential Construction, Mechanical and Electrical all require a PSI trade exam. Labor Only, Limited Specialty, Telecommunications Low Voltage and Home Improvement have none. Plumbing is a credential classification that relies on a master plumber license from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana; that board's site says Act 908 of 2026 moves plumbing licensing authority to LSLBC, fully in effect January 1, 2027. A mechanical contractor doing plumbing work over $10,000 must hold that master plumber license too.

Louisiana has no business and law exam for contractors. It has a Business and Law course instead, and the board's FAQ calls the online course required for all license applicants. The law requires every applicant to designate a qualifying party for each classification and for the Louisiana business and law requirement, and the licensing checklist says the qualifying party completes the course. The FAQ adds that an exam or administrative fee applies to each classification and to Business and Law.

The requirement is not waived for reciprocity or military applicants. R.S. 37:2153 lets the board waive the trade exam for someone licensed in a comparable classification elsewhere, but says the business law requirement shall not be waived. ContractorPrepHQ does not offer this course; complete it through the LSLBC application process. The board also promotes a six-week Business and Law Seminar run by the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute, but nothing on the board's pages says that seminar is the licensing course, so ask LSLBC before relying on it.

The qualifying party holds the exam scores for the company. It may be a sole proprietor, a partner, an LLC member or manager, a stockholder, officer or incorporator, or a full-time W-2 employee working an average of 30 hours a week. There is no limit on how many a company may list. If a qualifying party leaves, notify the board within 30 days and qualify a replacement within 60. The law exempts from the residential exam anyone who holds a building construction license issued by the board.

R.S. 37:2156.1 requires a financial statement current within 12 months showing net worth of at least $50,000 for commercial and residential licenses and their classifications, or $25,000 for home improvement, mold remediation and labor only. An irrevocable letter of credit can make up a shortfall. The applicant, every principal and each qualifying party must pass a background investigation covering financial and criminal history.

Commercial applicants do not file insurance certificates with the board. Residential, home improvement and mold remediation applicants must show general liability and workers' compensation coverage and keep it continuous, with the insurance agent emailing certificates to LSLBC at application and renewal.

The amounts depend on which board document you read. The licensing checklist and FAQ list $100,000 of general liability for residential and home improvement, and $50,000 for mold. The August 2026 law compilation's text of R.S. 37:2156.1 says $500,000, or the same amount through a liability trust fund, for residential, mold remediation and home improvement applicants. Ask the board which minimum it applies before you buy a policy.

Applications are filed online. Corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships must be active and in good standing with the Secretary of State. You upload the financial statement, formation documents, any credential a classification requires, and a reciprocity form if you are asking for one. After approval, PSI emails the qualifying party an eligibility letter to schedule each trade exam.

The license is issued only when every requirement is met, including passing exams and completing Business and Law. Louisiana has no temporary license, and you may not bid or start work while the application is pending. Out-of-state applicants may face an added investigation surcharge of up to $400, and the law caps the basic license fee at $100.

A first license is valid for one year. After that you choose a one-, two- or three-year renewal term, except that licenses tied to insurance or credentials cannot renew for multiple years. Licenses expire on the anniversary of issue, with a 15-day grace period before a delinquent fee of up to $50. You must keep a qualifying party for Business and Law and for each classification the whole time.

Residential construction contractors must complete at least six hours of continuing education each year from a board-approved provider and keep certificates for five years, unless they also hold a commercial license in building; highway, street and bridge; heavy; or municipal and public works construction. Commercial, mold and home improvement licensees have no continuing education requirement. Statewide mechanical, plumbing and electrical licensees are also shielded from local examination procedures and may work in any parish after paying local fees.