Contractor Licensing in New Hampshire: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, New Hampshire requires a statewide license for 2 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 2 separate agencies. Initial costs run $360 to $475.
New Hampshire requires statewide licensing for electricians and plumbers through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). There is no statewide general contractor, HVAC, or roofing license. Electricians are licensed by the Electricians Board and plumbers by the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board, both under OPLC.
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
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 →New Hampshire Licensing Overview
New Hampshire requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — electrician, plumber — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians Board (OPLC), Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board (OPLC). General Contractor 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 $360 to $475, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
New Hampshire Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | $85 | $110 | $165 | — | $360 |
| Plumber | $75 | $90 | $310 | — | $475 |
| 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 New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire Contractor Licensing
- New Hampshire requires workers compensation for all employers. General liability is not state-mandated but strongly recommended.
- New Hampshire does not require a statewide license for general contractor or hvac technician or roofing contractors. Local permits may still apply.
- Gas fitting work requires a separate state license
- EPA 608 certification required for refrigerant handling
You're licensed in New Hampshire — 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians Board issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire require a contractor license?
Yes, New Hampshire requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 trades: electrician, plumber. General Contractor and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in New Hampshire?
Initial licensing costs range from $360 to $475 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does New Hampshire have license reciprocity with other states?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires statewide licenses for: electrician, plumber. General Contractor and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires workers compensation for all employers. General liability is not state-mandated but strongly recommended.