Contractor License in Utah (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps

Utah requires a state-issued contractor license through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) to perform most construction work. As of HB 483 (effective May 7, 2025), any contracted project valued at $7,000 or more (labor plus materials) must be done by a licensed contractor, and certain trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas, fire-protection, radon) require a license regardless of value.

License classifications

B100 General Building Contractor
E100 General Engineering Contractor
R100 Residential & Small Commercial Contractor
Specialty (S) contractor classifications
Trade classifications such as E200/E201 Electrical, P200/P201 Plumbing, H100 HVAC

How to get licensed in Utah

Determine the license classification(s) you need (e.g., B100, E100, R100, or a specialty S license).
Complete the required pre-license education: 30 hours for general contractors, 25 hours for specialty contractors, from an approved provider.
Pass the required exam(s): the Utah Contractor Business and Law exam and any applicable trade exam.
Document at least 2 years / 4,000 hours of qualifying construction experience for general classifications (not required for specialty).
Register your business entity with the Utah Division of Corporations and obtain a Federal EIN; register for state withholding and unemployment if you have employees.
Obtain general liability insurance ($1M/$2M) listing DOPL as certificate holder, and workers' comp (or a Labor Commission waiver).
Secure the required surety license bond ($50,000 / $25,000 / $15,000 depending on classification).
Submit the application online through DOPL's My License One portal with a UtahID, or by paper, and pay the required fees.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Utah contractor license for small jobs?

Projects under $3,000 (labor + materials) are exempt with no filing. Projects from $3,000 to under $7,000 require a one-time handyman affirmation filed with DOPL. Any project of $7,000 or more requires a licensed contractor. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas, fire-protection, and radon work always require a license regardless of value.

What is the difference between B100, E100, and R100?

B100 (General Building) is the broadest license for commercial and residential buildings requiring two or more unrelated trades. E100 (General Engineering) covers fixed works like roads, bridges, utilities, and pipelines. R100 (Residential & Small Commercial) covers new construction, remodeling, and repair of residential properties and small commercial buildings.

How much experience do I need for a Utah general contractor license?

At least 2 years or 4,000 hours of paid construction-industry experience for B100, E100, and R100. Specialty (S) contractor licenses do not require prior experience. Passing the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor exam can also satisfy the experience requirement.

Does Utah have reciprocity with other states?

No. Utah does not offer formal reciprocity. Contractors licensed in another state may apply for licensure by endorsement if their existing license requirements are substantially equivalent to Utah's.

How often do I renew my Utah contractor license and what CE is required?

Licenses renew every two years and expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years. You must complete 6 hours of continuing education per cycle, at least 3 of which must be taken live. The renewal fee is $128.

Sources

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

When a license is needed	License required for projects $7,000 or more (labor + materials). Projects under $3,000 are exempt; $3,000 to under $7,000 require a one-time handyman affirmation filed with DOPL. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas, fire-protection, and radon work always require a license regardless of value.
Experience	For general classifications (B100, E100, R100): at least 2 years / 4,000 hours of paid construction-industry experience. No experience required for specialty contractor licenses. A passing score on the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors can satisfy the experience requirement.
Exam	Yes. The Utah Contractor Business and Law exam is required for B100, E100, R100 and most other classifications. Some trades require an additional trade exam (e.g., H100 HVAC requires the Business & Law exam plus the HVAC written exam). Exams must be passed before applying.
Bond	Yes. Surety license bond filed with DOPL: $50,000 for B100 (General Building) and E100 (General Engineering); $25,000 for R100 (Residential & Small Commercial); $15,000 for other specialty classifications. Per Utah Code 58-55-306 / Rule R156-55a-602; DOPL may adjust the amount.
Insurance	General liability insurance with minimum $1,000,000 per incident / $2,000,000 aggregate, listing DOPL as certificate holder. Workers' compensation insurance required if the contractor has employees, otherwise a Coverage Waiver from the Utah Labor Commission.
Fees	Biennial renewal fee is $128 (DOPL). Application fees are set on the current DOPL application/fee schedule; confirm exact current figures on the DOPL application form. Separate third-party exam fees and pre-license course tuition also apply.
Renewal	Biennial. Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years. Requires 6 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle, at least 3 of which must be taken live. Renewal fee $128.
Reciprocity	Utah does not offer formal reciprocity with other states. It provides licensure by endorsement for applicants currently licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Main agency	Utah Division of Professional Licensing
Official site	https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/apply-for-a-license/

Contractor License in Utah

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