GetTradeLicense

Philadelphia General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements

Contractor License (L&I)

Issued by City of Philadelphia — Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) · (215) 686-8686

Fees

  • Application$20
  • License$126
  • Renewal (Annual)$126

Exam: Not required. No exam. Instead, a supervisory employee must hold OSHA 30 Construction Safety certification completed within 5 years of application.

Experience: Required. At least one supervisory employee must have completed OSHA 30 Construction within five years. Renewal requires current OSHA 30 or 30 CE hours in construction/demolition safety.

Bond: No surety bond required. No bond for the GC license; Excavation/Demolition subtypes carry separate bonds. Source

Insurance: General liability: $500,000 per occurrence. Auto $300k; WC $100k/$100k/$500k. New construction requires $1M GL; complete demolition $2M. Source

Pennsylvania does not license GCs at state level. Issuer is Philadelphia L&I. $126 fee includes the $20 non-refundable application fee. Late renewal surcharge 1.5%/month after 60 days. Also requires Commercial Activity License + BIRT ID. Application form Rev. 7.2025.

How to get licensed in Philadelphia

  1. Meet the experience requirement. At least one supervisory employee must have completed OSHA 30 Construction within five years. Renewal requires current OSHA 30 or 30 CE hours in construction/demolition safety.
  2. Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
  3. Submit your application and fees to City of Philadelphia — Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
  4. Renew the license every Annual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Philadelphia?

Yes. Philadelphia requires a general contractor license through the City of Philadelphia — Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

How much does a contractor license cost in Philadelphia?

The license fee is $126.

Is an exam required for a Philadelphia contractor license?

No, Philadelphia does not require an exam for this license.

Do I need a bond for a Philadelphia contractor license?

No. Philadelphia does not require a surety bond for this license.

Next steps

You know the requirements for general contractors in Pennsylvania— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.General Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Sources

Related pages

Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified