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How to get a Commercial license in Louisiana

Louisiana licenses general contractors statewide through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).1 For the Commercial license you need 1 clock hour2 of education, a passing score on the Louisiana Business and Law3 and a criminal background check4. You renew every year5.

Last checked · 21 official sources

Who issues it

Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)

Training and experience

Training: 1 clock hour2

Exam

Louisiana Business and Law3

Renewal

Every year5

From another state

Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses64 Details

On this page
  1. Louisiana general contractor licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Commercial license
  4. Requirements for a Commercial license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Home Improvement registration
  7. Mold Remediation license
  8. Residential license
  9. Electrical
  10. City and county rules
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Rule changes since January 2024
  14. Common questions
  15. General contractor licenses in other states

Louisiana general contractor licenses

Louisiana issues 5 general contractor credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExam
Commercial licenseCommercial projects of $50,000 or more; holder picks classifications such as Building Construction (major classification 1).1Training 1 clock hour2Yes7
Home Improvement registration––No8
Mold Remediation licenseMold remediation projects of $7,500 or more.1Training 1 clock hour2Yes7
Residential licenseNew homes and residential work above the home-improvement limit, in structures up to three floors.4Training 1 clock hour2Yes7
Electrical (Major Classification 5) — LSLBC commercial contractor license classificationElectrical wiring, cabling, fixtures, appliances and equipment for the supply of electricity to any structure or project above $10,000, including low-voltage work that penetrates walls/ceilings/floors and hooking up photovoltaic systems of $10,000 or more.8Training 1 clock hour2Yes7

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Louisiana general contractor licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 5)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required4
A conviction is not an automatic denial; convictions tied to fitness as a contractor, handling money or false swearing may disqualify.9
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply9
Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen or legal resident.4
Social Security number
SSN and date of birth for each person on the application.7
Business requirements
Must designate a qualifying party for each classification and for Business and Law; replace within 60 days of departure.4
Business requirements
Corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships must be active and in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State.7
Also required
Financial statement current within 12 months, prepared and signed by an accountant, bookkeeper or CPA.4
Also required
One-time waiver of initial licensing fees for applicants receiving listed public assistance or earning under 200% of federal poverty guidelines.10

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Name and/or Structure Change Fee$10011LSLBC–
Pay by credit card$211–Card payment on PDF forms: $2.00 plus 2.5%
Pay by electronic checking$211–Electronic check on PDF forms: $2.00 plus $1.00

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Gather entity details, SSNs and Secretary of State details, and have the financial statement prepared.12
  2. Complete the online application, upload documents and pay fees.7
  3. Each qualifying party completes the online Qualifying Party Verification.3
  4. Meet all requirements within one year of submitting; license issues once all are met.12
Temporary or provisional license
No temporary license exists.5

Renewal

When it expires
Expires on the anniversary of original issue; renewable from 60 days before expiry.13
If it expires
15 days after expiry to renew without penalty.13
Not renewable more than one year after expiry; a new application is required, with no trade-exam retake for the same qualifier and classifications.14

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Military members and U.S. Department of Defense civilian employees assigned to Louisiana, and their spouses and dependents, may be licensed on an out-of-state license held at least one year in good standing, or on at least three years of work in a state that does not license the occupation.4

2. Every license level except Home Improvement registration

Requirements

Education or training
1 clock hour2
Louisiana Business and Law online course for the qualifying party.2
Exam
Louisiana Business and Law3
Given by: LSLBC online portal3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Classification Fee (per classification per year)$952LSLBCAdding a classification to an existing license; the form does not state this as the initial-application amount
Processing Fee (per Classification)$402LSLBCAdding a classification to an existing license
Exam Research/Waiver Fee$1502LSLBCWhen no trade exam is needed because of reciprocity, a previously passed exam or other reasons

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, LSLBC online portal3, when you schedule.

Renewal

Late renewal
Additional fee of one hundred dollars per year: $10013 (every renewal, per year, unless the contractor opts out; funds construction programs)

3. Every license level except Home Improvement registration and Mold Remediation license

Requirements

Also required
Net worth of $50,000 or more, or an irrevocable letter of credit.15

How to apply

  1. Complete Business and Law in the portal; schedule any trade exam with PSI after the eligibility letter.3

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
LSLBC accepts a passed, equivalent trade exam from any state; no state list; all other licensing requirements still apply.6
Conditions
Earlier reciprocal agreements are void.6
The other state board completes the Reciprocity Request form.16
Fee
$1502

4. Every license level except Commercial license and Electrical (Major Classification 5) — LSLBC commercial contractor license classification

Requirements

Insurance
Workers' compensation certificate required, sent by the insurance agent with continuous coverage.7

How to apply

  1. Have your insurance agent email the insurance certificates to LSLBC.12

5. Commercial license and Electrical (Major Classification 5) — LSLBC commercial contractor license classification

Requirements

Insurance
No insurance certificates are required of commercial applicants.12

Renewal

How often
Every year5

6. Home Improvement registration and Mold Remediation license

Requirements

Also required
Net worth of $25,000 or more, or an irrevocable letter of credit.15

Who needs a Commercial license

Commercial projects of $50,000 or more; holder picks classifications such as Building Construction (major classification 1).1

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • $50,000 or more on commercial projects.4
  • A commercial license does not cover building a single home.5

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Asbestos, hazardous waste, lead and underground tanks from $1.1
  • Owners acting on their own personal residence, up to one residence per year.4
  • Employees of a licensee.4
  • Work on a project totally owned by the federal government.4

Requirements for a Commercial license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Exam
Building Construction (classification 1)8
Given by: PSI Services LLC17
When you can take it: After LSLBC approves the qualifying party and PSI sends an eligibility letter.17
Retakes: Must wait 30 days after a failed exam; no-show forfeits the fee.4
Exam waived: Exam from another state with no waiver or grandfathering may be accepted; NASCLA Building credits only Building Construction and/or Residential Construction.2

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Louisiana Commercial license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Home Improvement registration

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam: none8
Not required8

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No trade exam applies to this credential, so exam reciprocity does not reduce it; other requirements still apply in full.8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Mold Remediation license

Mold remediation projects of $7,500 or more.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 24 clock hours4
Mold remediation and basic mold assessment training for the qualifying party.1
Who may teach it: Board-approved training.8

How to apply

  1. Upload the mold training certificate, then complete Business and Law in the portal. The board lists this classification as a credential, not a trade exam.3

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Residential license

New homes and residential work above the home-improvement limit, in structures up to three floors.4

Requirements

Exam
Residential Construction (classification 9)8
Given by: PSI Services LLC17
When you can take it: After LSLBC approves the qualifying party and PSI sends an eligibility letter.17
Retakes: Must wait 30 days after a failed exam; no-show forfeits the fee.4
Exam waived: Exam from another state with no waiver or grandfathering may be accepted; NASCLA Building credits only Building Construction and/or Residential Construction.2
Also required
Building Construction license holders are exempt from the residential trade exam.4

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 6 hours each renewal period18
Approved courses
Board-approved provider.18
Exemptions
Exempt when also holding a current commercial license in a listed major classification.18

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical

Electrical wiring, cabling, fixtures, appliances and equipment for the supply of electricity to any structure or project above $10,000, including low-voltage work that penetrates walls/ceilings/floors and hooking up photovoltaic systems of $10,000 or more.8

Requirements

Exam
Electrical (Major Classification 5) trade exam8
Given by: PSI Services LLC17
When you can take it: After LSLBC approves the qualifying party and PSI sends an eligibility letter.17
Retakes: Must wait 30 days after a failed exam; no-show forfeits the fee.4
Exam waived: A passing NASCLA Electrical exam transcript (sent by NASCLA) gives credit for the Electrical exam; passed equivalent exams from other states may be accepted for reciprocity.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Electrical (Major Classification 5) — LSLBC commercial contractor license classificationParishes and cities may license electricians for competency (e.g. New Orleans and Shreveport), but an LSLBC-licensed electrical contractor and its employees are excluded from local examination and certification and can work in any jurisdiction after paying local fees.4

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
New OrleansCity Electrical License renewed annually: Class E Electrician Trainee ($30), Class D Journeyman ($60; ICC F17 National Standard Journeyman exam; must work for a Class A contractor), Class A Master Electrical Contractor ($125; ICC F49 or LSLBC statewide license plus $500,000 liability insurance).19Official page20
ShreveportCity contractor's registration required for electrical work; journeyman and master electrical registration is by examination (ICC or LSLBC); contractors on jobs over $10,000 need the state license.21Official page21

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a general contractor in Louisiana, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Louisiana is on the Louisiana license lookup page.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • August 1, 2026: Act 757 of 2026 raised minimum liability coverage from $100,000 to $500,000 for residential, mold remediation and home improvement applicants.15
  • August 5, 2025: Trade exams moved to PSI.17
  • August 1, 2025: Act 422 of 2025 set net worth at $50,000 for most licenses and $25,000 for home improvement, mold remediation and labor-only.15
  • October 23, 2024: Exam reciprocity replaced state-by-state agreements.6

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Commercial license in Louisiana?

The rules set 1 clock hour2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my general contractor license to Louisiana?

LSLBC publishes this route for the Commercial license: exam waiver6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Commercial license in Louisiana?

Every year5.

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.

  1. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated January 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated August 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  6. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated October 23, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  7. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  8. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  9. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  10. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  11. lslbc.louisiana.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated July 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. lslbc.louisiana.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated November 21, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  13. legis.la.govLouisiana State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  14. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  15. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated November 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsDated September 9, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  17. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  18. lslbc.govLouisiana State Licensing Board for ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Class "E" Electrician Trainee LicenseCity of New Orleans Department of Safety & PermitsDated July 29, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  20. Class D Journeyman Electrical LicenseCity of New Orleans Department of Safety & PermitsDated July 29, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Contractor's RegistrationCity of Shreveport Permits & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026