Contractor Licensing in Kansas: Which Trades Need a License
No, Kansas does not require a statewide contractor license for any of the 5 trades covered here. Licensing is handled by cities and counties.
Kansas does NOT require statewide licensing for general contractors, electricians, plumbers, or HVAC contractors. All trade licensing is handled at the city and county level, with requirements varying significantly by jurisdiction. The one exception is roofing: all roofing contractors must register with the Kansas Attorney General under the Kansas Roofing Registration Act. Major metro areas like Wichita (Sedgwick County), Overland Park (Johnson County), Kansas City, and Topeka each have their own licensing requirements.
General Contractor
Not requiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
Not requiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
Not requiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
Not 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 →Kansas Licensing Overview
Kansas requires statewide licensing for 0 of 5 contractor trades. Roofing Contractor requiresa statewide registration rather than a license — mandatory, with its own fees and bond, but no trade exam. General Contractor and Electrician and Plumber and HVAC Technician licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide.
Kansas Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Plumber | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| HVAC Technician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Roofing Contractor | $250 | — | — | — | $250 |
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 Kansas
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 Kansas. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About Kansas Contractor Licensing
- No state GL mandate. Most local jurisdictions require proof of general liability insurance. Kansas law requires workers comp for all employers.
- Kansas requires statewide registration, not a license, for roofing contractors — no trade exam.
- Kansas does not require a statewide license for general contractor or electrician or plumber or hvac technicians. Local permits may still apply.
- EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement, not state)
- The Kansas PHCC (Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors) association provides industry resources at phccks.org
- Kansas Roofing Registration Act (effective July 1, 2013) requires ALL roofing contractors to register with the Attorney General
You're registered in Kansas — 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 Kansas Attorney General — Roofing Registration Unit issues the Roofing Contractor Registration; the business that invoices Kansas 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.
Kansas does not require a surety bond for this registration — No statewide bond requirement for roofing registration. Local jurisdictions may require bonds.
Carry general liability insurance.
Kansas does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. The state registration does not mandate specific insurance minimums, but local jurisdictions and general business practice require general liability coverage. Kansas law requires workers comp for all employers. 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→
Cities in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kansas require a contractor license?
Kansas does not require statewide licensing for the major trades. Licensing is typically handled at the city or county level. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
Does Kansas have license reciprocity with other states?
Kansas does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Kansas?
No state GL mandate. Most local jurisdictions require proof of general liability insurance. Kansas law requires workers comp for all employers.