Cleveland Contractor Registration (2026): Requirements & Cost
Cleveland does not issue a 'license' for general contractors; it requires them to hold a Certificate of Registration (a General Contractor Registration) from the Department of Building and Housing before constructing, altering, repairing, adding to, reconstructing, or remodeling any building in the city. Registration is by application to the Director of Building and Housing (no exam), and requires a $25,000 City of Cleveland contractor's bond plus a certificate of insurance with $200,000 minimum coverage. On the application a general contractor elects scope: '1, 2, 3 Family Only' or 'All Work' (residential + commercial). Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may do their own work without registering. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors must first be licensed by the State of Ohio (OCILB) before registering with the city.
General Contractor Registration (Certificate of Registration)
Issued by City of Cleveland — Department of Building and Housing (Division of Permits, Contractor Registration) · 216.664.2910
Classes
| Class | Scope / limit | License fee | General liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 Family OnlyResidential | 1-, 2-, and 3-family dwellings only | — | — |
| All Work | all buildings and structures (residential and commercial) | — | — |
Fees
- Application$150
- Renewal (annual)$120
Exam: Not required. No exam. Applicant files a notarized application to the Director of Building and Housing that lists experience and training qualifying them for the Certificate of Registration; there is no written test or set experience threshold for the General Contractor category. (State-licensed trades — electrical, plumbing, HVAC — must be OCILB-licensed before registering, but that is a separate state credential.)
Experience: Not required. The application asks the applicant to list 'experience and training which qualifies you for a certificate of registration or qualification,' but no minimum number of years is specified for general contractors.
Bond: $25,000 surety bond required. City of Cleveland Contractor's Bond, $25,000 minimum. Must use the City's bond form, be typed, bear original signatures and the surety's seal, and have a Power-of-Attorney form attached. Applicants with multiple bonds (General/Demo/Sewer) must have all bonds begin and end on the same date; the bond period ends the last day of December (annual term). Source
Insurance: General liability: $200,000 minimum — Bodily Injury $50,000/$100,000 and Property Damage $50,000. Certificate of insurance with $200,000 minimum coverage. Certificate must name the City of Cleveland as additional insured and as certificate holder, include the insurer's NAIC number, and provide 10-day (not 30-day) cancellation notice; the 'endeavor to'/'but failure to mail...' cancellation-clause language must be deleted (or the enclosed Insurance Endorsement completed). Source
Registered under the Codified Ordinances of the City of Cleveland (Building Code) as a Certificate of Registration issued by the Director of Building and Housing. Application must be notarized and signed by the applicant (an officer for corporations); corporations must also provide Articles of Incorporation bearing the Ohio State Seal, and an Authorized Agent Listing of personnel allowed to pull permits. Applications and payment are submitted to City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 505. Registration is annual (bond term ends the last day of December). Separate registrations exist for Demo, Sewer, Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical contractors on the same application form.
How to get licensed in Cleveland
- Identify the license class that matches your project size and scope (see the class table above).
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Secure the required surety bond.
- Submit your application and fees to City of Cleveland — Department of Building and Housing (Division of Permits, Contractor Registration).
- Renew the registration every annual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor registration in Cleveland?
Cleveland does not issue a 'license' for general contractors; it requires them to hold a Certificate of Registration (a General Contractor Registration) from the Department of Building and Housing before constructing, altering, repairing, adding to, reconstructing, or remodeling any building in the city. Registration is by application to the Director of Building and Housing (no exam), and requires a $25,000 City of Cleveland contractor's bond plus a certificate of insurance with $200,000 minimum coverage. On the application a general contractor elects scope: '1, 2, 3 Family Only' or 'All Work' (residential + commercial). Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may do their own work without registering. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors must first be licensed by the State of Ohio (OCILB) before registering with the city.
How much does a contractor registration cost in Cleveland?
The registration fee is $150.
Is an exam required for a Cleveland contractor registration?
No, Cleveland does not require an exam for this registration.
Do I need a bond for a Cleveland contractor registration?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Ohio— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Sources
Related pages
Last verified 2026-07-02 · Verified from primary documents