Contractor Licensing in Idaho: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Idaho requires a statewide license for 3 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 3 separate agencies. Initial costs run $135 to $257.
Idaho uses a split system: specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are licensed statewide through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), while general contractors and roofing contractors only need to register with the Idaho Contractors Board (no exam required). Registration applies to any construction work exceeding $2,000 in materials and labor. As of 2025-2026, Idaho is transitioning from annual to biennial registration cycles.
General Contractor
RegistrationOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RegistrationInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Idaho Licensing Overview
Idaho requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician, plumber, hvac technician — are regulated by 3 separate agencies: Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Electrical Board (DOPL), Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Plumbing Board (DOPL), Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — HVAC Board (DOPL). General Contractor and Roofing Contractor requirea statewide registration rather than a license — mandatory, with its own fees and bond, but no trade exam. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $135 to $257, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Idaho Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $50 | — | — | — | $50 |
| Electrician | $15 | $75 | $55 | — | $145 |
| Plumber | $35 | $75 | $147 | $2,000 | $257 |
| HVAC Technician | $35 | $100 | — | $2,000 | $135 |
| Roofing Contractor | $50 | — | — | — | $50 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Idaho
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Idaho. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About Idaho Contractor Licensing
- Minimum $300,000 single-limit general liability insurance required. Policy must include products and completed operations coverage. Workers comp required for all employers; sole proprietors may file an exemption.
- Idaho requires statewide registration, not a license, for general contractor and roofing contractors — no trade exam.
- 2026 change: Transitioning to biennial registration — even-year births move to 2-year cycle in 2026, with fee doubling to cover both years
- 2024 change: NASCLA exams now required — applicants must pass the NASCLA exam before applying for licensure
- 2025 change: Continuing education is no longer required for electrical license renewal
You're registered in Idaho — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Contractors Board issues the Contractor Registration (not licensure); the business that invoices Idaho customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the registration number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Idaho does not require a surety bond for this registration — No bond required for general contractor registration. Bonds are only required for specialty trade contractor licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).
Carry the insurance the registration requires.
Idaho requires general liability insurance for this registration. Minimum $300,000 single-limit general liability insurance required. Policy must include products and completed operations coverage. Workers comp required for all employers; sole proprietors may file an exemption. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho require a contractor license?
Yes, Idaho requires statewide licensing for 3 of 5 trades: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Idaho?
Initial licensing costs range from $135 to $257 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Idaho have license reciprocity with other states?
Idaho does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
What trades require a state license in Idaho?
Idaho requires statewide licenses for: electrician, plumber, hvac technician. General Contractor and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Idaho?
Minimum $300,000 single-limit general liability insurance required. Policy must include products and completed operations coverage. Workers comp required for all employers; sole proprietors may file an exemption.