Colorado Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Colorado requires statewide licensing for electricians and plumbers through DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies), Division of Professions and Occupations. General contractors, HVAC technicians, and roofing contractors have NO statewide license — licensing for those trades is handled entirely at the city/county level. Denver, Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak), Boulder, and other municipalities each set their own requirements.
General Contractor
Not requiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
Not requiredRoofing Contractor
Not requiredReciprocity Agreements
Colorado has reciprocity agreements with 14 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Colorado Licensing Overview
Colorado requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician, plumber — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board (DORA), Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Plumbing Board (DORA). General Contractor and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $120 to $195, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Colorado also participates in reciprocity agreements with 14 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Colorado Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | $120 | $75 | — | — | $195 |
| Plumber | $120 | — | — | $10,000 | $120 |
| HVAC Technician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Roofing Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Colorado Contractor Licensing
- No state mandate for GL, but most local jurisdictions require it. Denver requires GL insurance and workers comp (or exemption). Pikes Peak requires $500,000 CSL for Class A, $300,000 CSL for Class B/C. Boulder requires $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Colorado law requires workers comp for all construction employers, including sole proprietors (who may file a rejection of coverage).
- Colorado does not require a statewide license for general contractor or hvac technician or roofing contractors. Local permits may still apply.
- Colorado has reciprocity agreements with 14 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- All exams are open-book — NEC 2023 edition provided at the testing center
- PSI maintains 7 testing locations across Colorado
- Electrical Contractor registration requires employing a Master Electrician
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require a contractor license?
Yes, Colorado requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 trades: electrician, plumber. General Contractor and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Colorado?
Initial licensing costs range from $120 to $195 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Colorado have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Colorado has reciprocity agreements with 14 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
What trades require a state license in Colorado?
Colorado requires statewide licenses for: electrician, plumber. General Contractor and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Colorado?
No state mandate for GL, but most local jurisdictions require it. Denver requires GL insurance and workers comp (or exemption). Pikes Peak requires $500,000 CSL for Class A, $300,000 CSL for Class B/C. Boulder requires $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Colorado law requires workers comp for all construction employers, including sole proprietors (who may file a rejection of coverage).