General contractors in Alaska must hold a state license issued by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing to legally operate. There are three main license classifications available based on the scope of work the contractor intends to perform:
General Contractor License Classifications
General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement
This license allows general contractors to oversee new home construction projects or undertake residential remodel work that is more than 25% of the value of the structure being altered. To qualify for this license, contractors must:
- Complete a 16-hour cold climate construction course approved by the division
- Pass the residential contractor endorsement exam
General Contractor without Residential Contractor Endorsement
This license allows general contractors to perform commercial construction work or residential remodel work less than 25% the value of the structure. Contractors with this classification do not need to take an exam.
General Contractor Handyman
This license is for smaller residential or commercial projects valued at $10,000 or less. Handyman general contractors cannot exceed this limit per project.
All general contractor licenses require the business to hold general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
New General Contractor License Requirements
To obtain a new general contractor license in Alaska, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit a complete application to the division.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements depend on the license classification being sought:
General Contractor with Residential Endorsement Eligibility
- Complete 16-hour cold climate construction course
- Pass residential contractor endorsement exam
- Meet experience requirements:
- 4 years as a journeyman in the construction field
- 2 years as a foreman, supervising construction projects
- 4 years managing construction projects
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering plus 1 year experience
- Valid general contractor license from another state plus 1 year experience
General Contractor without Residential Endorsement Eligibility
- Meet experience requirements:
- 4 years as a journeyman in the construction field
- 2 years as a foreman, supervising construction projects
- 4 years managing construction projects
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering
- Valid general contractor license from another state plus 1 year experience
General Contractor Handyman Eligibility
- No specific eligibility requirements
Application Process
To apply for a new general contractor license, the following must be submitted:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Proof of insurance
- Surety bond
- Financial statements
- Notarized signature of applicant
- Photo identification
- Documentation proving eligibility requirements are met
Key details on application components:
- Application fees are $50
- Surety bond amounts required are:
- $25,000 for General Contractor
- $20,000 for General Contractor with Residential Endorsement
- $5,000 for Handyman General Contractor
- Insurance requirements are:
- $20,000 property damage
- $50,000 bodily injury/death per person
- $100,000 bodily injury/death total per incident
It can take up to 60 days to receive a new general contractor license after submitting a complete application.
General Contractor License Renewal
General contractor licenses must be renewed every two years in Alaska. To renew an active license, the following must be completed:
- Submit renewal application and $125 fee
- Provide proof of surety bond
- Provide proof of required insurance
- Complete 8 hours of continuing education (only required once every 4 years)
The surety bond must remain continuously in effect for 3 years and total the same amounts as required for new applicants. Insurance requirements are also identical to those for new licenses.
The 8 hours of continuing education for license renewal must cover technical topics relevant to the construction field such as building codes, safety, business management, etc. Courses must be approved by the licensing division to qualify.
Licensees can renew their contractor license online up to 60 days prior to expiration through the state’s MY LICENSE portal. Renewals received within 30 days of expiration may incur a late fee.
Reciprocity for General Contractors
Alaska does not offer reciprocal licensing for general contractors. Applicants with an active license from another state must still meet all requirements and apply for a new Alaska general contractor license.
The one exception is applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering, and a valid general contractor license in another state. With this specific education and experience, they only need to demonstrate 1 additional year of experience working as a general contractor to meet Alaska eligibility requirements.
Surety Bond Requirements
General contractors in Alaska must maintain a surety bond to cover consumer losses or damages. New applicants and renewing licensees must have an active bond that totals:
- $25,000 for General Contractor
- $20,000 for General Contractor with Residential Endorsement
- $5,000 for Handyman General Contractor
The surety bond must remain continuously active for 3 years from the effective date. If it is cancelled by the surety or contractor before 3 years, a new bond must be secured with the same effective date as the original bond.
Contractors also have the option to make a cash deposit of the same bond amount directly with the licensing division in lieu of securing a surety bond.
Insurance Requirements
All active general contractors in Alaska must carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. The minimum coverage amounts required are:
General Liability Insurance
- $20,000 property damage
- $50,000 bodily injury/death per person
- $100,000 bodily injury/death total per incident
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Statutory limits
Proof of active insurance coverage meeting these minimums must be provided with all new license applications and renewals. Insurance must remain in effect as long as the contractor license is active.
Conclusion
General contractors in Alaska must hold a license issued by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. License classifications are available based on the scope of residential and commercial work contractors intend to perform. All licenses require insurance, a surety bond, and renewals every two years. Eligibility for a license is based on a combination of experience, education, and exam requirements. Alaska does not offer reciprocity for general contractor licenses from other states. Meeting the licensing and insurance requirements is essential for legally operating as a contractor in Alaska.