Contractor License Renewal Deadlines by State

If you're a licensed contractor operating in multiple states — or even just trying to keep track of renewals in your home state — the landscape can be confusing. Every state has different renewal periods, different fees, and different continuing education requirements.

Missing a renewal doesn't just mean a fine. In most states, performing contractor work without a valid license is a criminal offense. Here's what you need to know about contractor license renewal by state.

General Contractor License Renewal Overview

Most states license general contractors at the state level, though some delegate this to counties or cities. Renewal periods typically range from one to three years, and most require proof of insurance and bonding at renewal time.

Annual Renewal States

These states require contractor license renewal every year:

• Alabama — General contractors renew annually with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
• Alaska — Annual renewal through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Georgia — Annual renewal with the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
• Louisiana — Annual renewal; license year runs January 1 through December 31
• Mississippi — Annual renewal with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors
• South Carolina — Annual renewal; licenses expire June 30

Biennial (2-Year) Renewal States

Many states use a two-year renewal cycle, often tied to your birthday or a fixed expiration date:

• Arizona — 2-year renewal; Registrar of Contractors sends renewal notices 90 days out
• California — 2-year renewal; CSLB licenses expire on your license anniversary date
• Colorado — Renewal every 2 years; Electrical Board, Plumbing Board, etc. are separate agencies
• Florida — 2-year renewal cycle; CILB and ECLB licenses expire August 31 in odd years
• Nevada — Biennial renewal with the Nevada State Contractors Board
• Oregon — 2-year renewal; CCB licenses expire 2 years after initial issue date
• Texas — HVAC, electrical, and plumbing licenses are 2-year renewals; no statewide GC license
• Virginia — 2-year renewal for Class A and B contractor licenses
• Washington — 2-year renewal cycle for contractor registration

States Without Statewide GC Licensing

These states don't issue statewide general contractor licenses — licensing is done at the local level:

• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New York (except for certain trades)
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Wisconsin

In these states, you may need a separate license in every county or city where you operate — significantly increasing your tracking burden.

Electrical Contractor License Renewal

Electrician and electrical contractor licenses are almost always separate from general contractor licenses and are issued by a different state agency.

• California — C-10 Electrical license through CSLB; 2-year renewal
• Florida — Electrical Contractor license through the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board; 2-year cycle, expires August 31 in odd years
• New York — Master Electrician license issued by NYC; 3-year renewal in NYC; varies by municipality elsewhere
• Texas — Electrical license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR); 2-year renewal; 4 hours of continuing education required
• Illinois — No statewide electrical license; licensing is by municipality (Chicago, for example, has its own exam and renewal)

Plumbing License Renewal

• California — C-36 Plumbing license through CSLB; 2-year renewal
• Florida — Certified or Registered Plumbing Contractor; 2-year renewal through CILB
• Texas — Master Plumber license through TDLR; 2-year renewal; 24 hours of CE required per cycle
• New York — Master Plumber license issued by NYC; 3-year renewal in NYC; some upstate counties issue their own licenses

HVAC License Renewal

• Florida — Air Conditioning Contractor license through CILB; 2-year renewal
• Texas — HVAC Contractor license through TDLR; 2-year renewal; 8 hours of CE required
• California — C-20 HVAC license through CSLB; 2-year renewal
• Georgia — Low Voltage, HVAC, and plumbing contractor licenses; annual renewal

Continuing Education Requirements

Many states require a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours as a condition of renewal. Common requirements:

• Florida: 14 hours of CE per renewal cycle (for most contractor categories)
• Texas: Varies by license type, typically 8–24 hours per 2-year cycle
• California: No CE required for most CSLB licenses (just proof of insurance and fees)
• Arizona: 6 hours of CE required for renewal

Important: CE hours must typically be completed before submitting your renewal application, not after. Plan CE well in advance.

The Challenge of Multi-State Contractors

If you work across state lines, you may hold 5, 10, or even 20+ licenses with different expiration dates, fees, and CE requirements. Managing this in your head — or in a spreadsheet — is a recipe for a lapsed license.

The only reliable approach is an automated system that knows every license's expiration date and sends you reminders well in advance. You should be getting your first alert 60–90 days before expiration — not 7 days before.

Key Takeaways

• Renewal periods range from 1–3 years depending on state and license type
• Some states issue licenses by municipality, not statewide — double your tracking burden
• CE requirements must be completed before renewal, not after
• Start your renewal process at least 60 days before expiration
• Automated reminders are the only reliable way to stay current across multiple licenses