General Contractor License Requirements in Missouri

How to legally work as a general contractor in Missouri

Missouri has no statewide general contractor license — licensing is handled entirely by individual cities and counties. The path looks different depending on where you plan to work, but the general sequence is the same.

1. Decide where you will operate. Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia each maintain their own licensing, and your registration in one does not transfer to the others.
2. Contact that jurisdiction's building department directly. Each sets its own application, exam (if any), and fee structure.
3. Provide proof of insurance. Workers' comp is required for employers with 5+ construction employees by state statute; most local jurisdictions also require general liability ($300K–$1M depending on the city).
4. Apply for the local license. Kansas City Class A/B/C licenses run $200–$500. St. Louis requires a separate contractor identification number through the city. Springfield issues an annual contractor registration.
5. Pull project-specific building permits. Even with a contractor license, you still need a building permit for each project from the local AHJ.

Common reasons Missouri contractor applications get rejected

• Applying in the wrong jurisdiction — operating in unincorporated St. Louis County doesn't require a city license, but contractors apply there by mistake all the time
• Missing workers' comp coverage at 5+ construction employees (Missouri's threshold is lower than the federal rule)
• Insurance certificate naming the wrong certificate holder — Kansas City wants 'City of Kansas City, Missouri' specifically
• Out-of-state contractors not registering with the Missouri Secretary of State before applying for a local license
• Skipping the local sales-and-use tax registration that several cities require alongside the contractor license