General Contractor License Requirements in Colorado
No Statewide License Required
Colorado does not require a statewide general contractor license. Colorado has NO statewide general contractor license. Licensing is entirely local. Denver (Class A/B/C), Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept), Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, and most other cities require local contractor licenses. Requirements vary significantly — check with each jurisdiction's building department. Most local licenses are NOT transferable between jurisdictions.
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).
Trades that DO require a state license in Colorado:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Colorado?
No, Colorado does not require a statewide general contractor license. However, local permits or registrations may be required. Colorado has NO statewide general contractor license. Licensing is entirely local. Denver (Class A/B/C), Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept), Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, and most other cities require local contractor licenses. Requirements vary significantly — check with each jurisdiction's building department. Most local licenses are NOT transferable between jurisdictions.
What do I need to work as a general contractor in Colorado?
While no statewide license is required, you may need local business licenses, building permits, or contractor registration depending on your city or county. 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).
Does Colorado require insurance for general contractors?
General liability insurance is recommended for general contractors in Colorado. Workers compensation is required if you have employees. 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).
What trades DO require a state license in Colorado?
Colorado requires statewide licensing for: electrician, plumber. Each has its own licensing authority, fees, and requirements.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: No state licensing authority — local jurisdictions only