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How to get a Contractors' Registration in Rhode Island

Rhode Island licenses general contractors statewide through the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB).1 For the Contractors' Registration you need 5 credit hours1 of education. The board lists $150 for the application2. You renew every 2 years2 and complete 5 hours of continuing education1.

Last checked · 4 official sources

Who issues it

Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB)

Training and experience

Training: 5 credit hours1

Exam

Not required3

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $1502

Renewal

Every 2 years2, 5 hours of continuing education1

From another state

No reciprocity route3

On this page
  1. Who needs a Contractors' Registration
  2. Requirements for a Contractors' Registration
  3. How much a Contractors' Registration costs
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to Rhode Island with a license from another state
  7. Laws and rules
  8. Rule changes since January 2024
  9. Common questions
  10. General contractor licenses in other states

Who needs a Contractors' Registration

Registration (no trade exam) required of contractors, remodelers and most subcontractors who build or repair residential or commercial structures and their appurtenances. From Jan. 1, 2028, building new homes or structural residential remodeling also requires a new license (see related records).1

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • "Casual, minor or inconsequential" work (non-structural, under $500 total for contract, labor and materials) is outside the registration requirement.1

Requirements for a Contractors' Registration

Education or training
5 credit hours1
Pre-registration course: 5 credit hours, in person, within 24 months before applying (1 hr each: construction codes and standards; contracts; workplace safety; business principles and practices; plus 1 hr construction-related topic). Not required for commercial-only contractors.1
Who may teach it: Board-approved provider courses only.3
Alternative: Graduates of an accredited technical/vocational high school or college within the prior 24 months may submit a transcript; the Board decides whether it qualifies.1
Exam
Not required3
Insurance
Liability insurance certificate of $500,000 naming CRLB as certificate holder; workers' compensation certificate if you have employees.3
Business requirements
Corporations and LLCs give their RI Secretary of State Business ID and incorporation date; a responsible person must meet the requirements.3
Business requirements
Nonresident applicants must file a power of attorney appointing a registered agent.2
Business requirements
Registration number must appear on all advertising, contracts, proposals and invoices.2
Also required
New and renewal applications must include a copy of a valid government-issued ID (required since July 1, 2025 under P.L. 25-077 and 25-078).3

How much a Contractors' Registration costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1502CRLBNot refundable
Continuing education six-month deferral$1002CRLB–

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. Complete the Board-approved 5-hour pre-registration course in person (skip if you will work only on commercial structures).1
  2. Get a $500,000 liability insurance certificate (and workers' compensation certificate if you have employees) naming CRLB as certificate holder.3
  3. Corporations and LLCs: have the RI Secretary of State Business ID ready. Out-of-state applicants appoint a registered agent.3
  4. Apply through the CRLB online application and pay the $150 fee online, or mail a check payable to RICRLB (no cash).3 crb.ri.gov3
Apply online
crb.ri.gov3
Temporary or provisional license
Military members and military spouses licensed elsewhere may get expedited or temporary registration.2

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every 2 years2
When it expires
Valid two years from the date issued.2
Continuing education
5 hours each renewal period1
Approved courses
Approved courses with an approved provider, related to construction or your business.1
Exemptions
Commercial-only contractors are exempt from CE.1
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $502
If it expires
Lapsed over six months: must meet original-registration requirements again, plus back fees and penalties.2
Renew online
crb.ri.gov3

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Rhode Island Contractors' Registration. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Rhode Island with a license from another state

These are the routes CRLB publishes for the Contractors' Registration.

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity for contractor registration; out-of-state contractors apply like anyone else and appoint a registered agent.3

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Expedited registration for service members and military spouses holding an out-of-state registration/license; temporary registration if not substantially equivalent.2

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • July 2, 2025: R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 5-65.4 enacted: new residential construction supervisor and residential remodeler licenses required from Jan. 1, 2028; registration continues for nonstructural and commercial work.4

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Contractors' Registration in Rhode Island?

The rules set 5 credit hours1 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 Rhode Island?

No reciprocity for contractor registration; out-of-state contractors apply like anyone else and appoint a registered agent.3 Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Contractors' Registration in Rhode Island?

Every 2 years2. Continuing education: 5 hours1.

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. 440-RICR-10-00-2 Contractors and SubcontractorsRhode Island Department of State (Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board rules)Dated January 4, 2022Checked November 6, 2026
  2. 440-RICR-10-00-1 General Administrative ProvisionsRhode Island Department of State (Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board rules)Dated January 4, 2022Checked November 6, 2026
  3. Contractor Registration - ApplyRhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing BoardDated December 20, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
  4. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 440-RICR-10-00-7 (amended notice October 7, 2026)Rhode Island Department of State (Contractors' Registration & Licensing Board proposed rule)Dated October 2, 2026Checked November 6, 2026