Mississippi Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Mississippi requires contractors to be licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) for commercial projects exceeding $50,000 and residential projects exceeding $10,000–$50,000 depending on the trade. The state does not license individual electricians or plumbers at the state level — those are handled locally — but electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing contractors must hold an MSBOC license for work above the monetary thresholds. All license types require passing a Business and Law Management exam plus a trade-specific exam administered by PSI. Beginning in 2026, MSBOC sends renewal notices by email only.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Mississippi Licensing Overview
Mississippi requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $170 to $520, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Mississippi also participates in reciprocity agreements with 9 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Mississippi Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $400 | $120 | — | — | $520 |
| Electrician | $400 | $120 | — | — | $520 |
| Plumber | $400 | $120 | — | — | $520 |
| HVAC Technician | $400 | $120 | — | — | $520 |
| Roofing Contractor | $50 | $120 | — | — | $170 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Mississippi Contractor Licensing
- General liability: minimum $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate with MSBOC listed as certificate holder. Workers compensation: required if 5 or more employees.
- Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 9 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- Commercial license threshold: projects over $50,000
- Residential Builder threshold: new construction over $50,000
- Residential Remodeler threshold: improvements over $10,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi require a contractor license?
Yes, Mississippi requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Mississippi?
Initial licensing costs range from $170 to $520 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Mississippi have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Mississippi?
General liability: minimum $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate with MSBOC listed as certificate holder. Workers compensation: required if 5 or more employees.
Official Mississippi Licensing Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor