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Contractor License in Vermont

Local / no state license

Vermont does not issue a general contractor license, but it requires residential contractors to register with the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) before performing residential construction valued over $10,000. Registration requires proof of liability insurance and a written-contract attestation, but no exam or experience; electricians and plumbers are licensed separately under their own boards.

Quick facts

When a license is neededRegistration required before contracting to perform residential construction where the estimated value of labor and materials exceeds $10,000.
ExperienceNo. No experience requirement for residential contractor registration.
ExamNo. No examination is required for registration.
InsuranceYes. Minimum general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate; a Certificate of Insurance is required (electricians/plumbers separate).
Fees$75 for individuals; $250 for businesses (same for application and biennial renewal).
RenewalBiennial. Registrations renew by March 31 of odd-numbered years. No continuing education is required for registration.
ReciprocityNo formal reciprocity for registration; applicants are asked to list other states where they are licensed. (Note: this is registration, not licensure.)
Main agencyVermont Office of Professional Regulation
Official sitehttps://sos.vermont.gov/residential-contractors/apply-renew
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 Vermont board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Vermont

  1. Create an online account in the Vermont OPR Online Services System.
  2. Complete and submit the online residential contractor application (individual without employees, or business with employees).
  3. If using a business name other than your own, register it with the Secretary of State Business Services Division and upload documentation showing active status.
  4. Upload a Certificate of Insurance showing at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate general liability coverage.
  5. Attest to using a written contract before receiving a deposit or starting work when labor plus materials exceeds $10,000.
  6. Pay the nonrefundable application fee ($75 individual / $250 business); allow 3-5 business days for processing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register as a contractor in Vermont?

Yes, if you contract with a homeowner to perform residential construction where the estimated value of labor and materials exceeds $10,000. You must register with the Office of Professional Regulation before starting the work.

Is this a license or a registration?

It is a registration, not a license. Vermont does not have a general contractor license or a competency exam. You register, show proof of liability insurance, and attest to using written contracts. Voluntary specialty certifications exist but are optional.

What insurance do I need to register?

A Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. A copy of your bill is not accepted; an actual certificate is required.

How much does it cost and how often do I renew?

The fee is $75 for individuals and $250 for businesses. Registration is renewed biennially, by March 31 of odd-numbered years. There is no continuing education requirement.

Do electricians and plumbers register as residential contractors?

Electricians and plumbers are licensed separately under their own Vermont boards. Residential contractor registration covers general residential construction, but does not replace the trade licenses required for electrical and plumbing work.

Sources

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