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Contractor License in Louisiana

State license

Louisiana licenses contractors at the state level through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). A license or registration is required once a project's total value (labor plus materials) crosses set thresholds, which differ for commercial, residential, home improvement, and mold remediation work.

Quick facts

When a license is neededCommercial $50,000+ (major/specialty); $10,000+ for electrical/mechanical/plumbing; residential construction $75,000+; home improvement registration $7,500 to $75,000; mold remediation $1+.
ExamYes. Applicants must pass classification-specific exam(s) plus a business and law course/exam (military exemptions possible).
InsuranceResidential, home improvement, and mold applicants must file general liability (minimum $100,000) and workers' compensation proof; commercial applicants are exempt from the board insurance filing.
FeesStatutory fees include roughly $100 license fee; exam fee ~$120 per exam/classification; $50 home improvement registration fee where applicable.
Main agencyLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Official sitehttps://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Louisiana board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Louisiana

  1. Determine which license or registration applies based on your project type and value thresholds.
  2. For commercial/residential licenses, register to take and pass the required trade exam and the business and law exam.
  3. Establish the required net worth ($50,000 for commercial/residential; $25,000 for home improvement/mold).
  4. File proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance where required (residential, home improvement, mold).
  5. Submit the online application with documentation and fees through the LSLBC ARLS portal; processing typically takes about four to eight weeks.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a Louisiana state contractor license?

When a project's total value crosses the threshold: $50,000+ commercial, $75,000+ residential, or $7,500+ for home improvement registration.

What is the home improvement registration threshold?

Home improvement work valued roughly between $7,500 and $75,000 requires a home improvement registration rather than a full license.

Is an exam required in Louisiana?

Yes. Applicants must pass classification-specific exams and a business and law requirement.

What net worth do I need?

$50,000 for commercial and residential licenses; $25,000 for home improvement and mold remediation registrations.

Do commercial applicants file insurance with the board?

No. Commercial applicants are exempt from the board insurance filing; residential, home improvement, and mold applicants must file GL and workers' comp proof.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Louisiana licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.