How to Get a Connecticut Contractor’s License

Are you thinking of becoming a general contractor in Connecticut (CT)?

Whether you’re interested in home improvement projects or you want to take on larger projects, you’re definitely interested in turning your talents into a money-making business.

There’s just one thing standing in your way: a CT contractor license.

The 4 Biggest Benefits of a CT Contractor License

You need a CT contractor license if you’re doing more than $1,000 of yearly contracting work or for more than a $200 single job. (1)

But if you’re already doing contracting work without a license, what’s the harm in not having your CT contractor license, especially if your customers already know and are fine working with you

Think about it from this perspective: If you don’t have a CT contractor license, you’re undermining your ability to make serious money. While you might be able to get away with doing one-off projects, customers who need high-end homes built or want to develop huge office spaces probably won’t want to work with an unlicensed contractor.

The reasons why won’t be particularly surprising:

• Customers want to work with someone who’s been vetted by their state.
• Being licensed makes you appear more dependable and trustworthy.
• It allows you to take out business insurance, which offers more protection for the customer.
• It also allows you to take out the necessary CT licenses and permits you may need for a project.

In fact, consider it from the perspective of how you look for subcontractors. You’re not looking for a random person off the street. Instead, you want to hire someone who’s just as good as you are.

A CT contractor license does a great job of showing that you know your stuff — and that gives your customers greater peace of mind.

Hopefully, that convinces you why you need to have a CT contractor license. But that still leaves us with one question:

How exactly do you go about getting that license?

Getting a CT Contractor License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecticut doesn’t offer just one general contractor’s license; instead, depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may need multiple licenses. There’s a license for home improvement projects, a CT electrician license, a CT plumbing license, and more. 

Fortunately, we’ve waded through the licenses that Connecticut offers, and which one you might need to apply for is depending on your specialty.

If you’re applying as a Major Contractor:

Connecticut likes to be a bit different from other states by using the term “major contractor” to specify contractors who are classified to work on residential, commercial, and institutional projects (1). Examples of these projects include:

• Multi-unit condo buildings
• Healthcare facilities
• Office buildings
• Hotels

A major contractor is also licensed to work on smaller residential projects, so if you’re planning on doing both commercial and residential work, this license is probably your best choice.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Download and complete the Major Contractor Registration Application Form.
2. Get one reference letter from a bank or other financial institution.
3. Get another reference letter from a supplier or subcontractor you’ve worked with.
4. Provide three (3) reference letters from people who are familiar with your contracting skills, whether it’s a former employer or a customer.
5. Provide proof that you have general liability insurance coverage.
6. Additional information based on your company’s legal structure.
7. Additional information on any contracting projects you’re currently working on or have worked on in the past five (5) years.
   

When you’ve collected all of this documentation, submit your form — along with a $500 check — to the address on your application. You can apply via mail or online. 

Once approved, your Major Contractor license is good only for one year, at which point you’ll need to renew it. The easiest way is to renew online; if you don’t receive a CT license renewal notice and wish to renew via mail, you’ll need to send the following information to [email protected]:

• Your name
• Your license type (Major Contractor)
• Your license number
• Your email address

If you’re applying as a Minor Contractor: 

Connecticut defines a “minor contractor” as someone who specializes in single-family residential homes and small multi-family units (for instance, duplexes). While there’s no minor CT contractor license, you’ll need to register as a New Home Construction Contractor and/or a Home Improvement Contractor.

This means you may get approved for a Home Improvement Contractor License in Connecticut.
Let’s break it down so you know which specific type of registration you might need for your next residential project.

New Home Construction: If you’re building a home in Connecticut, you need a New Home Construction Contractor license (some exceptions: You’re building your own home, you’re subcontracting for someone who’s already licensed, and/or the project in total is less than $3,500).

Here’s how to apply:

1. All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000 to be eligible for registration.  
2. New applicants must determine whether they want to register as an individual (sole proprietorship) or a legal entity (LLC or corporation) prior to applying. See this helpful guide on how to decide which one is the better fit for you. 
3. Legal entities must register their business with the CT Secretary of State’s Office prior to applying.
4. All applications must be submitted online, and you’re required to pay a nonrefundable $360 registration fee. 
5. Your registration will expire annually on March 31.

Home Improvement Construction: This registration is necessary for any contractor who’s working with a customer to make changes to a residential building. “Changes” here can be very vague, so here are a few examples of what Connecticut means by changing a home:

• Building an addition
• Remodeling a bedroom or bathroom
• Repaving the driveway
• Landscaping the yard
• Installing a swimming pool
• Adding a new door to an existing garage
• Adding a new porch
• Installing new windows
  

You’re legally required to register as a Home Improvement contractor if you’re working on a project that’s worth more than $200, or you’re making improvements that total $1,000 or more within a one-year period.

The process for getting and renewing your Home Improvement certificate is similar to the New Home Construction Certificate. All applications must be submitted online, and you’re required to pay a $220 nonrefundable registration fee.

Wondering if you need both certificates? Let’s say you’re working on a project where you’re building a new home and you already have your New Home Construction Certificate. You complete the project within three months, then the owner contacts you six months later,  asking you if you can add a balcony to the master bedroom.

Even though you already have a New Home Construction Certificate, you’ll need to add a “Home Improvement Services Authorization” to your registration, as it’s considered a separate project. The cost to add home improvement is $100. 

Do You Need to Take an Exam to Get Your CT Contractor License?

The answer is no, unless you’re an electrician, a plumber, or an HVAC technician. These trades are required to go through more intensive examinations and reviews (2).

If you’re interested in a career in the trades, information about how to obtain the right training, and licenses can be found on the Connecticut State website (3).

We’ve Got You.

Once licensed, don’t forget to run a contractor’s insurance quote to explore your coverage options. Also, remember to check to see if you need a CT business license.

Licenses, registration, and contractor’s insurance in Connecticut are key steps to setting up your business. But being licensed and insured is often just the beginning, and you should know that we’ll be with you every step of the way. Visit our online Resource Center to find all types of useful articles, tools, and tips. Here are just a few that provide helpful information for contractors:

• General Contractor Insurance: Everything You Need To Know
• How to Find Handyman Jobs Online
• FREE Contractor Invoice Template

References:

1. Applications and requirements for new licenses and renewals can be found at portal.ct.gov/dcp/license-services-division/all-license-applications/
2. Learn more at examprep.org/contractors-license/connecticut/
3. More information can be found at portal.ct.gov/dcp/occupational-and-professional-division/occupational—profess/about-careers-in-the-trades