License classifications
- Contractor Registration (single statewide registration; no separate trade classes at the state level)
How to get licensed in Nebraska
- Confirm you are a contractor or subcontractor working on property other than your own (which requires registration).
- Create an online user profile at the Nebraska Department of Labor Contractor Registration site.
- Enter business and personal details, services offered, employee information, and any officers, members, or subcontractors.
- Upload a current Workers' Compensation Certificate (ACORD 25) if you have employees, listing the Department of Labor as certificate holder.
- Pay the registration fee ($25, rising to $40 on August 1, 2026).
- Keep your workers' comp certificate current to remain on the active list.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Nebraska contractor exam?
No. The Contractor Registration Act requires registration only. There is no competency test and no state surety bond.
Who has to register?
Any contractor or subcontractor, including general contractors, who performs or arranges construction work on real property other than their own must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
How much does it cost?
The registration fee is $25, increasing to $40 effective August 1, 2026.
Do I need workers' compensation insurance?
If you have one or more employees, yes. You must submit a current ACORD 25 certificate naming the Department of Labor as certificate holder, and keep it current.
What happens if I do not register?
Penalties can reach up to $500 for a first citation and up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent citation.