krewbase All tools
← All states

Contractor License in Colorado

Local / no state license

Colorado does NOT issue a statewide general contractor license. General building, HVAC, and roofing work is regulated locally, so contractors must register or license with each individual city or county where they work (for example Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs). However, the state DOES license two trades statewide through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations: electricians (Colorado State Electrical Board) and plumbers (Colorado State Plumbing Board).

Quick facts

When a license is neededNo statewide dollar threshold for general contractors; project permitting and licensing thresholds are set locally by each city/county. Statewide licensing applies to the electrical and plumbing trades regardless of project value.
ExperienceElectrical: Residential Wireman ~2 years/4,000 hours; Journeyman ~4 years/8,000 hours (including 2 years/4,000 hours commercial/industrial); Master ~2 additional years/4,000 hours of journey-level work. Plumbing: Residential Plumber ~2 years/3,400 hours; Journeyman ~4 years/6,800 hours; Master ~5 years/8,500 hours.
ExamYes for state trade licenses. Electrical and plumbing exams are administered by PSI (electrician exam approximately $75). General/local contractor exam requirements vary by municipality.
InsuranceInsurance (general liability, and workers' compensation where employees exist) is generally required at the local level for general contractors and set by each jurisdiction; state trade-license statutes do not impose a uniform statewide GL/WC mandate confirmed here.
FeesElectrical: Residential Wireman application $100 + $75 exam; Journeyman application $140, exam $75, initial license $30, renewal $30. Plumbing and other license-class fees vary. Local general contractor fees are set by each city/county.
RenewalElectrical licenses renew every 3 years and require 24 hours of continuing education per cycle (minimum 4 hours on National Electrical Code changes; no more than 4 hours in safety). Plumbing licenses expire the last day of February in odd-numbered years and require 8 hours of continuing education per year. Local general contractor renewal cycles vary by jurisdiction.
Main agencyColorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Official sitehttps://dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Colorado board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Colorado

  1. Confirm your trade or scope: electrical and plumbing are licensed by the state (DORA); general contracting, HVAC, and roofing are licensed by your local city or county.
  2. For electrical or plumbing, register as an apprentice with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations when you begin working (plumbing apprentices must register within 30 days).
  3. Accumulate the required verified work experience hours for your target license class.
  4. Register for and pass the applicable trade exam through PSI.
  5. Submit your license application and fees to the Colorado State Electrical Board or State Plumbing Board through DORA's online portal.
  6. For general contracting, contact the building department of each city or county where you will work and complete their local licensing/registration, exam, insurance, and bond requirements.
  7. Renew on schedule: electrical every 3 years with 24 CE hours; plumbing biennially (Feb of odd years) with 8 CE hours per year; local licenses per each jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

Does Colorado have a state general contractor license?

No. There is no statewide general contractor license in Colorado. General building, HVAC, and roofing contractors are licensed or registered locally by each individual city or county, and most jurisdictions do not accept another city's license.

Which trades does the state of Colorado license?

The state licenses electricians and plumbers statewide through DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations (the State Electrical Board and State Plumbing Board). These licenses are valid across Colorado.

How do I get licensed as a general contractor in a specific city?

Contact that city or county's building department directly. Requirements differ by jurisdiction: for example, working in Denver requires a Denver contractor license, and working in Aurora requires an Aurora license.

What are the continuing education requirements for the state trade licenses?

Colorado electricians must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 3-year cycle, including at least 4 hours on National Electrical Code changes. Colorado plumbers must complete 8 hours of continuing education each year.

Do I need to register as an apprentice?

Yes for the state trades. Electrical and plumbing apprentices must register with DORA; plumbing apprentices are required to register within 30 days of starting a plumbing job.

Sources

Run the business side from your phone

Krewbase is built by the crew behind Workhand, a job app for contractors. Estimates, invoices, per-job profit, photos, and crew chat, made for small construction teams. Free to start.

See Workhand

Guide compiled from official Colorado licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.