Kansas has no state general contractor license
Kansas does not issue a state license for general contractors.1 Cities and counties set their own rules; this page lists what Wichita (and unincorporated Sedgwick County) - MABCD, Overland Park, Kansas City (Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City), Olathe, Topeka and Lawrence require, and others.
On this page
Is there a Kansas general contractor license?
No. Kansas does not license general contractors at the state level.1
- There is no state license, but roofing is regulated by the state: anyone acting as a roofing contractor in Kansas needs an Attorney General roofing registration certificate (Kansas Roofing Registration Act).2
- A general contractor is exempt from roofing registration when, among other conditions, roofing is no more than 50% of the total project cost (or the roofing is subcontracted to a registered roofer), the contractor meets local requirements, and does no door-to-door sales.3
- Roofing registrants must be at least 18 and file a liability insurance certificate of at least $500,000.4
The official wording“In addition to the general requirements for starting a business in Kansas, cities and counties set licensing requirements for construction or contracting businesses.”1
Kansas Business Center (Kansas.gov), Guides
City and county licenses
Kansas leaves general contractor licensing to cities and counties. Johnson County, MABCD (Wichita/Sedgwick County) and Topeka all ask for ICC Kansas exams. Kansas law defines three tiers: general (unlimited), building (up to three stories) and residential (one- and two-family). Under K.S.A. 12-1557, passing a state-designated standard exam (75% minimum) is valid proof of competency in any other Kansas city or county that licenses contractors, with no further exam. Licenses based on other exams generally stay within the issuing city or county.1
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita (and unincorporated Sedgwick County) - MABCD | General contractors working in Wichita, unincorporated Sedgwick County and smaller MABCD cities need an MABCD contractor license (Class A, B, C or D). The qualified person must pass a Kansas Standard ICC exam with 75% or better.5 | Official page5 |
| Overland Park | Overland Park is listed as a participating jurisdiction in the Johnson County contractor licensing program (Class A, B or C; see the Johnson County entry). The Kansas Business Center says a county permit may be required for cities in Johnson County.1 | Official page6 |
| Kansas City (Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City) | General contractors and subcontractors working in Wyandotte County need a city occupational tax (business) license; trade masters (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) need a master license with Building Inspection. No separate general contractor competency license was found.7 | Official page7 |
| Olathe | Olathe is listed as a participating jurisdiction in the Johnson County contractor licensing program (Class A, B or C; see the Johnson County entry). The Kansas Business Center says a county permit may be required for cities in Johnson County.1 | Official page6 |
| Topeka | Topeka licenses general contractors in three classes: Class A (unlimited stories), Class B (up to 3 stories) and Class C (residential only). A license must be in place before pulling permits. The Qualifying Party works for the company full time and qualifies with a passing exam or accepted coursework.8 | Official page8 |
| Lawrence | Anyone doing work in Lawrence that needs a building permit must hold a city Contractor License (six classes). Experience: Class A needs 6 years of Class A work, or a valid Class B license and 10 years as a licensed Class B contractor; Class B needs 4 years of Class B work, or a valid Class C license and 6 years as a licensed Class C contractor; Class C needs 2 years of Class C work, or a valid Class D license and 4 years as a licensed Class D contractor. Competency can be shown by a Certificate of Competency, a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or construction science, or an equivalent license from a jurisdiction with a reciprocity agreement.9 | Official page9 |
| Johnson County (unincorporated and participating cities) | Johnson County Contractor Licensing issues 11 contractor license types, including Class A General, Class B Building and Class C Residential, for unincorporated Johnson County and participating cities.10 | Official page10 |
Other rules for general contractors in Kansas
- Business requirements
- Local licensers commonly ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State (Johnson County, MABCD).5
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- K.S.A. 12-1556 (standard examinations for general, building and residential contractors)
- K.S.A. 12-1557 (local licensure, 75% pass mark, statewide validity of certificate)
- K.S.A. 12-1558 (alternative local exams; reciprocal agreements)
- K.S.A. 12-1540 (definitions incl. general, building, residential contractor)
- K.S.A. 50-6,121 to 50-6,138 (Kansas Roofing Registration Act)
General contractor licenses in other states
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Construction and Contracting Starter KitKansas Business Center (Kansas.gov)Checked November 5, 2026
- K.S.A. 50-6,123 Registration certificate required; penaltiesKansas Office of Revisor of StatutesChecked November 5, 2026
- K.S.A. 50-6,122 DefinitionsKansas Office of Revisor of StatutesChecked November 5, 2026
- K.S.A. 50-6,125 Registration application requirementsKansas Office of Revisor of StatutesChecked November 5, 2026
- MABCD Contractor LicensingSedgwick County - Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD)Checked November 7, 2026
- Application for New License: Information/Instructions/ChecklistJohnson County, Kansas - Contractor LicensingDated January 8, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
- Trade Licensing & Prometric TestingUnified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KansasChecked November 5, 2026
- General Contractors InformationCity of Topeka, Development ServicesChecked November 5, 2026
- Ordinance No. 9634 - Chapter 5, Article 15 Licensing of ContractorsCity of Lawrence, KansasChecked November 5, 2026
- Contractor LicensingJohnson County, Kansas - Contractor LicensingChecked November 5, 2026