Louisville General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements

Contractor Identification License (Ch. 150)

Issued by Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government — Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review · (502) 574-3321

Fees

License$125
Renewal (Annual (January 1 – December 31))$125
Building Type B (single permit per year)$50

Exam: Not required. No written exam for general building contractors. (Written exam required only for Wrecking Supervisor.)

Experience: Not required. No experience requirement for general building contractor. An Occupational License number from the Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission is required.

Bond: No surety bond required. Surety bond required for Wrecking Contractors only; none for general building contractors. Source

Insurance: General liability: $250,000 per occurrence minimum. Dept of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder; WC certificate or no-employee affidavit. Source

Kentucky has no statewide GC license; local only. Louisville Metro (consolidated city-county) issues a 'Contractor Identification License' under Chapter 150 (§150.084). Type A ($125/yr, unlimited permits, 6 CE hrs/yr for residential) and Type B ($50/yr, one permit/yr). louisvilleky.gov pages returned 403; data from the official 2025 application PDF. $500k aggregate figure unconfirmed.

How to get licensed in Louisville

Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
Submit your application and fees to Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government — Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review.
Renew the license every Annual (January 1 – December 31).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Louisville?

Yes. Louisville requires a general contractor license through the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government — Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review.

How much does a contractor license cost in Louisville?

The license fee is $125.

Is an exam required for a Louisville contractor license?

No, Louisville does not require an exam for this license.

Do I need a bond for a Louisville contractor license?

No. Louisville does not require a surety bond for this license.

Next steps

You know the requirements for general contractors in Kentucky— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.General Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Sources

Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified