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Louisiana Contractor & Trade License Requirements

Louisiana requires statewide contractor licensing through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for commercial projects over $50,000 and residential projects over $75,000. Plumbing is separately licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA). Electricians and HVAC contractors are licensed under the LSLBC as specialty classifications. Effective January 1, 2026, a new Residential Roofing license classification was introduced under Act 422. Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Utah, and accepts equivalent exam scores from other states under updated 2025 reciprocity rules.

General Contractor

Required
ExperienceNone
ExamYes
Est. Cost$380
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Electrician

Required
ExperienceNone
ExamYes
Est. Cost$380
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Plumber

Required
Experience5 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$185
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HVAC Technician

Required
ExperienceNone
ExamYes
Est. Cost$380
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Roofing Contractor

Required
ExperienceNone
ExamYes
Est. Cost$380
View full requirements →

Reciprocity Agreements

Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with 5 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.

alabama — Formal reciprocity agreement. LSLBC will accept exam scores passed in Alabama for equivalent classifications. Must still submit full Louisiana application, meet net worth requirements, and provide insurance. Residential and Building classifications recognized.
arkansas — Formal reciprocity agreement. All classifications recognized. LSLBC accepts equivalent Arkansas exam scores. Must still meet Louisiana financial, insurance, and application requirements.
mississippi — Formal reciprocity agreement. All classifications recognized. LSLBC accepts equivalent Mississippi exam scores. Must still meet Louisiana financial, insurance, and application requirements.
tennessee — Formal reciprocity agreement. LSLBC accepts equivalent Tennessee exam scores. Must still meet Louisiana financial, insurance, and application requirements.
utah — Formal reciprocity agreement. LSLBC accepts equivalent Utah exam scores for applicable classifications. Must still meet Louisiana financial, insurance, and application requirements.