Kansas City General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements
Kansas City has no generic 'general contractor' license; the closest residential category is the Residential Building Contractor license, covering the construction, structural alteration, or enlargement of any one- or two-family detached dwelling or townhouse (plus detached accessory buildings over 400 sq ft). It requires a designated full-time qualified supervisor who holds a KC certificate of qualification. Commercial trades are licensed in separate categories.
Residential Building Contractor License
Issued by City of Kansas City — City Planning & Development, Development Services (Contractor Licensing Branch) · (816) 513-1500
Fees
- Application$55
- License$181
- Renewal (4 years)$181
- Certificate of Qualification — supervisor application$60
- Certificate of Qualification — quadrennial renewal$181
Exam: Required. The company's designated full-time qualified supervisor must hold a KC certificate of qualification, obtained by passing a recognized exam (PROMETRIC or ICC); a comparable prior exam may substitute. The exam fee is set by the testing agency, not the City.
Bond: No surety bond required. No cash deposit/bond for Residential Building contractors. KC's cash-deposit requirement applies only to fire-protection class I/II and plumbing contractors ($500 minimum). Source
Insurance: General liability: $1,000,000 minimum aggregate per occurrence. Workers' comp: Per Missouri law. Residential Building is among the categories required to provide a liability insurance certificate naming the City of Kansas City, Missouri as additional insured, with 30 days' notice of cancellation/change (10 days for nonpayment). Source
Residential Building Contractor = construct/structurally alter/enlarge any 1–2 family detached dwelling or townhouse (plus detached accessory buildings over 400 sq ft). KC Building & Rehabilitation Code (Code of Ordinances Ch. 18), Article XII. The contractor license ($55 application + $181 issuance, $181 quadrennial renewal) is separate from the supervisor's certificate of qualification, the company's business license (Finance Dept), and permit fees. A current Missouri state registration is also required.
How to get licensed in Kansas City
- Pass the required exam. The company's designated full-time qualified supervisor must hold a KC certificate of qualification, obtained by passing a recognized exam (PROMETRIC or ICC); a comparable prior exam may substitute. The exam fee is set by the testing agency, not the City.
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Submit your application and fees to City of Kansas City — City Planning & Development, Development Services (Contractor Licensing Branch).
- Renew the license every 4 years.
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. These are the resources we point candidates to for the licensing exams.
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Do I need a general contractor license in Kansas City?
Kansas City has no generic 'general contractor' license; the closest residential category is the Residential Building Contractor license, covering the construction, structural alteration, or enlargement of any one- or two-family detached dwelling or townhouse (plus detached accessory buildings over 400 sq ft). It requires a designated full-time qualified supervisor who holds a KC certificate of qualification. Commercial trades are licensed in separate categories.
How much does a contractor license cost in Kansas City?
The license fee is $181. An exam is also required.
Is an exam required for a Kansas City contractor license?
Yes. The company's designated full-time qualified supervisor must hold a KC certificate of qualification, obtained by passing a recognized exam (PROMETRIC or ICC); a comparable prior exam may substitute. The exam fee is set by the testing agency, not the City.
Do I need a bond for a Kansas City contractor license?
No. Kansas City does not require a surety bond for this license.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Missouri— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Sources
Related pages
Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified