Contractor Licensing in Missouri: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Missouri requires a statewide license for 1 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors. Initial cost is $400.
Missouri does not require a statewide general contractor, plumber, HVAC, or roofing license. These trades are licensed at the city and county level. Missouri does offer an optional statewide electrical contractor license through the Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors. Cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield each maintain 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
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
Not requiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Missouri Licensing Overview
Missouri requires statewide licensing for 1 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician — are regulated by the Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (DPR). General Contractor and Plumber and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $400 to $400, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Missouri Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | $200 | — | $200 | — | $400 |
| Plumber | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| HVAC Technician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Roofing Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
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 Missouri
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 Missouri. 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 Missouri Contractor Licensing
- Missouri requires workers compensation for employers with 5 or more employees (construction). General liability is not state-mandated but strongly recommended.
- Missouri does not require a statewide license for general contractor or plumber or hvac technician or roofing contractors. Local permits may still apply.
- This is a statewide electrical contractor license — separate from local journeyman/master licenses
- Local jurisdictions still require their own electrician licenses for journeyman and master levels
- NASCLA Master/Unlimited Electrical Exam is accepted in lieu of the state trade exam
You're licensed in Missouri — 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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors issues the Statewide Electrical Contractor; the business that invoices Missouri 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 license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Missouri does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Missouri does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. 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 Missouri require a contractor license?
Yes, Missouri requires statewide licensing for 1 of 5 trades: electrician. General Contractor and Plumber and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Missouri?
The estimated initial cost is $400, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Missouri have license reciprocity with other states?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
Missouri requires statewide licenses for: electrician. General Contractor and Plumber and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Missouri?
Missouri requires workers compensation for employers with 5 or more employees (construction). General liability is not state-mandated but strongly recommended.