Carpenter licensing in the United States varies dramatically from state to state, creating a complex patchwork of regulations that can shift with each legislative session. While states like California, Florida, and Arizona treat most carpentry as regulated construction work requiring specific licenses, others such as Texas, Colorado, and Vermont have no state-level requirements, leaving regulation to individual cities or counties.
This comprehensive guide provides current information on carpenter licensing requirements across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, helping you understand what’s required to work legally in your jurisdiction.
Why Licensing Matters
Proper licensing (or documented exemption) is crucial for three key reasons:
- Legal Compliance – Working without required licenses can result in fines, stop-work orders, or even criminal charges
- Insurance Eligibility – Most liability and workers’ compensation insurers require proof of proper licensing
- Professional Credibility – Licensed status demonstrates competence to contractors, inspectors, and clients
Since proper insurance is a fundamental requirement for carpenter licensing in most states, it’s important to understand your coverage needs and associated costs. For detailed information about carpenter insurance requirements, types of coverage, and what to expect, see our guide to carpenter insurance coverage. To help you budget for this essential business expense, we’ve also compiled current data on carpenter insurance costs across different states and coverage levels.
Types of Credentials
Carpentry credentials typically fall into two categories:
Individual Trade Credentials
- Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master Carpenter certificates
- Issued by state boards, unions, or Department of Labor apprenticeship councils
- Certify individual skill and competency
Business/Contractor Credentials
- Residential Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Home Improvement Contractor licenses
- Allow the holder to pull permits, bid jobs, and hire subcontractors
- Required for business operations
Important Distinction: A carpenter license certifies an individual’s skills, while a contractor license authorizes a business to contract with the public and pull permits. Many states only require contractor licenses, with individual carpenters working under the company’s credential.
Understanding Carpenter Licensing
Common License Types
| Credential | Purpose | Typical Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Carpenter | Entry-level training position; work under supervision only | State DOL or registered apprenticeship sponsor |
| Journeyman Carpenter | Full trade work without supervision | State board or union JATC |
| Master Carpenter | Supervisory status; often required to qualify contractor license | State board or municipal authority |
| Carpentry Contractor | Authority to bid jobs, pull permits, hire subcontractors | State contractor board |
| Specialty Carpenter | Niche work (framing, finish, cabinets); lower experience threshold | State contractor board |
Typical Requirements in Licensed States
Experience Requirements
- 2,000–8,000 verified work hours (1–4 years)
- 2–4 years supervisory experience for contractor licenses
- Apprenticeship completion or 60 hours–2 years vocational training
Examinations
- Trade exam (ICC, PSI, or state-developed) – 70-75% passing score
- Business & Law exam covering lien law, OSHA, estimating, and finance
Additional Requirements
- Minimum age 18 with government photo ID
- Social Security Number or lawful presence affidavit
- General liability insurance ($100k–$1M)
- Workers’ compensation (if employing others)
- Surety bonds ($6,000–$25,000 in many states)
- Criminal background check (required in ~1/3 of states)
Quick Reference: Licensing by Category
States by Licensing Requirements
Full License Required (22 states) Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Contractor Registration Only (8 states) Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas*, Washington
No State License (21 states + DC) Colorado*, Connecticut*, Delaware*, District of Columbia*, Illinois*, Indiana*, Kansas*, Kentucky*, Maine*, Missouri*, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire*, New Jersey*, New York*, Ohio*, Oklahoma*, Pennsylvania*, Rhode Island*, Vermont, Wyoming*
*Local licenses or registrations often required
Experience Requirements by State
| Hours Required | States |
|---|---|
| ~2,000 (1 year) | Washington (specialty), Wisconsin (with pre-license course) |
| 4,000–6,000 (2–3 years) | Florida, Utah, Tennessee (Class C), Nevada (with education credit) |
| 8,000 (4 years) | California, Arizona, Hawaii, Louisiana (commercial), Virginia (Class A/B) |
Application Fee Ranges
| Fee Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| $50–$150 | Washington specialty, Wisconsin qualifier |
| $150–$300 | Most trade or residential contractor applications |
| $300–$700 | High-value or unlimited licenses (CA, FL, VA Class A) |
| Exam Fees | $60–$125 per section (paid separately) |
State-by-State Requirements
Jump to State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Below are detailed requirements for each state. Always verify current information with the relevant licensing authority before applying or bidding on work.
Alabama
- Status: Contractor License Only
- Threshold: Residential >$10k, Commercial >$50k
- Authority: Home Builders Licensure Board (334-242-2230)
- License Types: Residential Home Builder; General Contractor (Carpentry)
- Requirements: Business & Law exam (70%), credit report, references
- Bond: Variable based on classification
- Renewal: Biennial with 6 hours CE
Alaska
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Any residential work; Handyman exempt <$10k
- Authority: Division of Corporations (907-269-8160)
- License Types: Specialty Contractor-Carpentry; General Contractor
- Requirements: 4 years experience, trade + law exams, $10k bond
- Insurance: GL and workers’ comp required
- Renewal: Biennial, no CE required
Arizona
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Any job >$1,000 or requiring permit
- Authority: Registrar of Contractors (602-542-1525)
- License Types: R-7/C-7 (Carpentry); R-60/C-60 (Finish)
- Requirements: 4 years experience, Statutes & Rules exam
- Bond: $2,500–$50,000 based on volume
- Renewal: Biennial, no CE required
Arkansas
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Residential >$2k, Commercial >$50k
- Authority: Contractors Licensing Board (501-372-4661)
- License Types: Residential Builder; Commercial Carpentry
- Requirements: Business & Law exam, $10k bond (commercial)
- Insurance: GL and workers’ comp required
- Renewal: Annual with 3 hours CE (commercial)
California
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Any job >$500 (labor + materials)
- Authority: Contractors State License Board (800-321-2752)
- License Types: C-5 (Framing); C-6 (Cabinet/Finish); B (General)
- Requirements: 4 years journey-level experience, trade + law exams
- Bond: $25,000
- Renewal: Biennial with 4 hours CE (starting 2026)
Colorado
- Status: No State License (Local Requirements Apply)
- Authority: Municipal building departments
- Common Local Requirements: Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs require Class D licenses
- Typical Requirements: ICC exam, $1M GL insurance
- Note: Front Range cities have strict local requirements
Connecticut
- Status: Contractor Registration Only
- Threshold: $1,000 annual residential work
- Authority: Department of Consumer Protection (860-713-6100)
- Registration Type: Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)
- Requirements: $220 fee, proof of insurance, no exam
- Renewal: Annual, no CE required
Delaware
- Status: Business Registration
- Threshold: $20,000 annual gross receipts
- Authority: Department of Labor (302-761-8200)
- Registration Types: Resident/Non-resident Contractor Permit
- Requirements: Tax compliance, insurance proof
- Local: Counties may have additional requirements
District of Columbia
- Status: Contractor License Required
- Authority: DLCP (202-442-4400)
- License Types: Home Improvement Contractor; General Contractor
- Requirements: PSI exam (70%), $1M GL insurance
- Fee: $289
- Renewal: Biennial, no CE required
Florida
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: >$500 or requiring permit
- Authority: DBPR Construction (850-487-1395)
- License Types: Carpentry Specialty; Residential; Building
- Requirements: 4 years experience, two-part exam, $300k GL
- Credit Score: Minimum 660 required
- Renewal: Biennial with 14 hours CE
Georgia
- Status: Contractor License Only
- Threshold: >$2,500
- Authority: State Licensing Board (844-753-7825)
- License Types: Residential Basic/Light Commercial; General Contractor
- Requirements: NASCLA exam, $25k line of credit
- Note: Individual carpenters under licensed GC exempt
- Renewal: Biennial with 3 hours CE (starting 2026)
Hawaii
- Status: License Required
- Authority: Contractors License Board (808-586-3000)
- License Types: C-5 (Cabinet); C-6 (Carpentry); B (General)
- Requirements: 4 years experience, 75% on exams, $12.5k bond
- Fee: $645
- Renewal: Biennial with 8 hours CE (B license)
Idaho
- Status: Contractor Registration
- Threshold: >$2,000
- Authority: Idaho Contractors Board (208-334-3233)
- Registration: No trade classifications
- Requirements: $50 fee, $300k GL insurance
- Renewal: Annual, no CE or exam required
Illinois
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Cities: Chicago requires General Contractor license
- Chicago Requirements: Class C license for work ≤$5M
- Note: State licenses only roofers and plumbers
Indiana
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne have local requirements
- Common Requirements: ICC exam for remodeling contractors
Iowa
- Status: Contractor Registration
- Who Must Register: Anyone with employees
- Authority: Division of Labor (515-242-5871)
- Requirements: $50 fee, workers’ comp proof
- No exam or CE requirements
Kansas
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Counties: Johnson County requires licensing
- Common Requirements: ICC exam, insurance proof
Kentucky
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Cities: Louisville requires Building Contractor license
- Requirements vary by municipality
Louisiana
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: >$10k labor or >$75k total
- Authority: LSLBC (225-765-2301)
- License Types: Residential Building; Commercial Carpentry
- Requirements: 4 years experience, 70% on exams, $10k bond
- Special: UBC journeyman card may waive trade exam
- Renewal: Annual with 6 hours CE
Maine
- Status: No State License
- Local Requirements: Portland requires license for jobs >$3k
- Voluntary certification available
Maryland
- Status: Home Improvement License Required
- Authority: MHIC (410-230-6309)
- License Type: Home Improvement Contractor
- Requirements: 2 years experience, MHIC exam, $20k bond
- Fee: $370
- Renewal: Biennial, no CE required
Massachusetts
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Contracts >$1,000
- Authority: BBRS (617-826-5268)
- License Types: Construction Supervisor (CSL); HIC registration
- Requirements: 3 years experience, 75-question exam
- Renewal: Biennial with 12 hours CE
Michigan
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Contracts >$600
- Authority: LARA (517-241-9316)
- License Types: Residential Builder; Maintenance & Alteration
- Requirements: 60-hour course, two exams
- Renewal: Triennial with 21 hours CE (new licensees)
Minnesota
- Status: Contractor License Required
- Threshold: Revenue >$15,000
- Authority: Department of Labor & Industry (651-284-5069)
- License Types: Residential Contractor/Remodeler
- Requirements: Qualifying person exam, $1M GL, $100k bond
- Renewal: Biennial with 14 hours CE
Mississippi
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: Residential ≥$10k, Commercial ≥$50k
- Authority: State Board of Contractors (601-354-6161)
- License Types: Residential Remodeler; Commercial Carpentry
- Requirements: NASCLA exams, financial statement
- Renewal: Annual, CE starting 2026
Missouri
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Counties: St. Louis County requires contractor license
- Common Requirements: ICC exam, insurance proof
Montana
- Status: Contractor Registration
- Authority: Department of Labor & Industry (406-444-7734)
- Requirements: $70 fee, workers’ comp or IC exemption
- No exam or experience requirements
Nebraska
- Status: Contractor Registration
- Authority: Department of Labor (402-471-2239)
- Requirements: $40 fee, insurance proof
- Renewal: Annual, no exam required
Nevada
- Status: License Required
- Authority: State Contractors Board (775-688-1141)
- License Types: C-3 (Carpentry); B-2 (Residential)
- Requirements: 4 years experience, CMS + trade exams
- Bond: $1,000–$500,000 based on limit
- Renewal: Biennial, no CE required
New Hampshire
- Status: No State License
- Local Requirements: Cities issue trade permits
- Major Cities: Manchester, Nashua have requirements
New Jersey
- Status: HIC Registration
- Authority: Division of Consumer Affairs (973-504-6370)
- Requirements: $110 fee, $500k GL insurance
- No exam required
- Renewal: Biennial
New Mexico
- Status: License Required
- Authority: Construction Industries Division (505-476-4700)
- License Types: GS-29 (Carpentry); GB-2 (Residential)
- Requirements: 4 years experience, two exams, $10k bond
- Insurance: $300k GL required
- Renewal: Triennial with 16 hours CE
New York
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- NYC: Home Improvement Contractor license required
- Other Areas: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester have local requirements
North Carolina
- Status: General Contractor License Required
- Threshold: ≥$40,000
- Authority: GC Licensing Board (919-571-4183)
- License Types: Building Contractor (Limited/Intermediate/Unlimited)
- Requirements: 2 years experience, NASCLA or state exam
- Renewal: Annual with 8 hours CE
North Dakota
- Status: Contractor License Required
- Threshold: ≥$4,000 annually
- Authority: Secretary of State (701-328-3665)
- License Classes: A through D based on volume
- Requirements: Insurance proof, no exam
- Renewal: Annual
Ohio
- Status: No State License
- Local Requirements: Major cities require contractor registration
- Common Requirements: Vary by municipality
Oklahoma
- Status: No State License
- Local Requirements: Tulsa, Oklahoma City have requirements
- Note: State licenses only specific trades like roofing
Oregon
- Status: License Required
- Authority: Construction Contractors Board (503-378-4621)
- License Types: Residential/Commercial; Specialty Carpentry
- Requirements: 16-hour course, law exam, $20k bond
- Insurance: $500k GL required
- Renewal: Biennial with 8-16 hours CE
Pennsylvania
- Status: HIC Registration
- Threshold: ≥$5,000 gross annually
- Authority: Attorney General (717-772-2425)
- Requirements: $50 fee, $50k GL insurance
- No exam required
- Renewal: Biennial
Rhode Island
- Status: Registration + License
- Authority: CRLB (401-921-1590)
- Requirements: 5-hour pre-registration course
- Insurance: $500k GL required
- Renewal: Biennial with 5 hours CE
South Carolina
- Status: Contractor License Only
- Threshold: ≥$5,000
- Authority: Residential Builders Commission (803-896-4696)
- License Types: Residential Builder; Specialty Carpenter
- Requirements: NASCLA exams, experience verification
- Bond: Varies by classification
- Renewal: Biennial with 3 hours CE
South Dakota
- Status: Tax Registration Only
- Authority: Department of Revenue (800-829-9188)
- Requirements: Sales/excise tax license
- No contractor licensing requirements
Tennessee
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: ≥$25,000
- Authority: Board for Licensing Contractors (615-741-8307)
- License Types: BC-A (Residential); C-5 (Carpentry)
- Requirements: 3 years experience, two exams
- Renewal: Biennial with 8 hours CE (2026)
Texas
- Status: No State License (Local Only)
- Major Cities: Austin, Houston, Dallas require registration
- Common Requirements: ICC exam, insurance proof
Utah
- Status: License Required
- Authority: DOPL (801-530-6628)
- License Types: R-100 (Residential); S-220 (Carpentry)
- Requirements: 4 years experience, 25-hour course, exams
- Bond: $20,000
- Renewal: Biennial with 6 hours CE
Vermont
- Status: Contractor Registration (as of 2023)
- Threshold: >$10,000 single job
- Authority: Office of Professional Regulation (802-828-1505)
- Requirements: $75 fee, insurance proof
- No exam or CE required
Virginia
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: ≥$1,000
- Authority: DPOR (804-367-8511)
- License Classes: A/B/C based on project size
- Requirements: 2-5 years experience, 3-part exam
- Insurance: Up to $1M GL for Class A
- Renewal: Biennial with 3 hours CE
Washington
- Status: Contractor Registration
- Authority: L&I (360-902-5226)
- License Types: Specialty (Carpentry); General Contractor
- Bond: $6,000 (specialty) or $12,000 (general)
- Insurance: $200k-$300k GL required
- No exam required
West Virginia
- Status: License Required
- Threshold: >$5k residential, >$25k commercial
- Authority: Contractor Licensing Board (304-558-7890)
- License Types: Residential; Specialty Carpenter
- Requirements: NASCLA exams, workers’ comp
- Renewal: Annual, no CE required
Wisconsin
- Status: Dwelling Contractor License Required
- Authority: DSPS (608-266-2112)
- License Types: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier/Company
- Requirements: 12-hour course, $25k bond
- Insurance: $250k GL required
- Renewal: Biennial with 12 hours CE
Wyoming
- Status: No State License
- Local Requirements: Cheyenne requires Class D Framing license
- Requirements vary by municipality
Navigating the Licensing Process
Step 1: Document Your Experience
Keep detailed records including:
- Date, location, and scope of each project
- Supervisor names and contact information
- Hours worked per project
- Notarized employer affidavits
- Union dispatch records (if applicable)
Step 2: Prepare for Exams
Know Your Codes
- Most trade exams use current IRC or IBC editions
- Business & Law exams often use NASCLA manuals
- Take at least two practice exams before scheduling
Study Resources
- ICC study guides
- PSI practice tests
- State-specific preparation materials
Step 3: Understand Business Requirements
Entity Selection
- Sole proprietorship
- LLC or Corporation
- Responsible Managing Employee (RME) arrangements
Insurance and Bonding
- General liability (typically $100k-$1M)
- Workers’ compensation (if employing others)
- Surety bonds (amounts vary by state)
Step 4: Build Your Portfolio
Collect and organize:
- Before/after project photos
- Inspection certificates
- Client testimonials
- Continuing education certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a license just to work as a carpenter? A: Only in about 22 states. Many states require licenses only for contractors, not individual carpenters working as employees.
Q: What’s the difference between a carpenter and contractor license? A: A carpenter license certifies individual skill; a contractor license authorizes a business to pull permits and hire subcontractors.
Q: Can I work across state lines? A: Most states don’t offer reciprocity. You’ll need to meet each state’s requirements separately.
Q: How do union credentials fit in? A: Union journeyman cards often satisfy experience requirements and may waive trade exams in some states.
Q: Should I get certified if my state doesn’t require it? A: Yes—voluntary certification can improve credibility with clients, contractors, and insurers.
Q: What’s the difference between handyman and carpenter licensing? A: Handyman work is typically limited to jobs under $1,000-$3,000 and excludes structural work.
Additional Resources
National Organizations
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC): carpenters.org
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): nahb.org
- Associated General Contractors (AGC): agc.org
Certification Programs
- NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research): nccer.org
- OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety: osha.gov/training
- NASCLA Accredited Examinations: nascla.org
Code Resources
- International Code Council (ICC): iccsafe.org
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): nfpa.org
Apprenticeship Programs
- U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Finder: apprenticeship.gov
- State apprenticeship agencies: Contact your state’s Department of Labor
Important Disclaimers
- Currency of Information: Regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with the relevant state board or local building department before applying or bidding on work.
- Local Requirements: Even in states without licensing, cities and counties often have their own requirements.
- Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with a construction attorney for specific legal questions.
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with official sources.