Pittsburgh General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements
Pennsylvania has no statewide general-contractor license, so the requirement is local: the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) requires a General Contractor License for all work under a Commercial Building Permit, for construction of new one- or two-family dwellings, for renovations/additions to rental or investment 1–2 family dwellings, and for commercial/residential-primary demolition permits. There is no exam and no bond. Contractors who hold a current PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration may supply that HIC number in lieu of the city GC license. Owners who personally do work on a home they occupy, and governmental entities on their own property, are exempt.
General Contractor License (PLI)
Issued by City of Pittsburgh — Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) · 412-255-2175
Fees
- License$90
- Renewal (annual)$90
Exam: Not required. PLI Rules & Regulations list General Contractor Licensing 'Testing: None.' No qualifying exam is required for the GC license (individual trade licenses — electrician, HVAC/mechanical, etc. — are separate and do have testing).
Experience: Not required. No documented experience requirement is stated for the General Contractor license in the PLI Rules & Regulations (experience requirements apply to trade licenses, not the GC license).
Bond: No surety bond required. No surety bond is required. The PLI Licensing Rules and Regulations (the governing document for the GC license) contain no bond or surety requirement anywhere in the General Contractor Licensing section or the general contractor/trade provisions; requirements are limited to insurance, tax compliance, photo ID, and RRP certification. Source
Insurance: General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence/claim and $2,000,000 aggregate per claim period (minimum; PLI may require more or less case-by-case). Workers' comp: Required per Pennsylvania statute; a notarized Workers' Compensation Exemption Affidavit may be filed if the business has no employees. Certificate of Insurance must show general liability coverage at the licensed-activity location and must list the City of Pittsburgh as certificate holder and additional insured. Certificates must not expire within 30 days of application. Source
License covers: all work under a Commercial Building Permit; construction of new 1–2 family dwellings; renovations/additions to rental or investment 1–2 family dwellings; and demolition permits for commercial or residential primary structures. Requirements: government photo ID, GL + workers' comp certificates of insurance (City as certificate holder & additional insured), a City tax compliance letter, and — for new or renewal applications since May 29, 2022 — the firm's EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certification (valid 5 years). License expires 365 days from issuance. Renewal grace period runs 60 days; a late fee applies for trade licenses but NOT for General Contractors (2024 fee schedule); the license lapses on day 61. Statewide PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with the PA Attorney General may be provided in lieu of the city GC license (per Rule VI(2)(B)); it is an alternative path, not an additional GC requirement, so it is not modeled as a second regime here.
How to get licensed in Pittsburgh
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Submit your application and fees to City of Pittsburgh — Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI).
- Renew the license every annual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Pittsburgh?
Pennsylvania has no statewide general-contractor license, so the requirement is local: the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) requires a General Contractor License for all work under a Commercial Building Permit, for construction of new one- or two-family dwellings, for renovations/additions to rental or investment 1–2 family dwellings, and for commercial/residential-primary demolition permits. There is no exam and no bond. Contractors who hold a current PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration may supply that HIC number in lieu of the city GC license. Owners who personally do work on a home they occupy, and governmental entities on their own property, are exempt.
How much does a contractor license cost in Pittsburgh?
The license fee is $90.
Is an exam required for a Pittsburgh contractor license?
No, Pittsburgh does not require an exam for this license.
Do I need a bond for a Pittsburgh contractor license?
No. Pittsburgh 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.
Sources
- PLI — General Contractor Licenses page (2025-08-07)
- PLI Licensing Rules and Regulations (2022-05-29)
- PLI Fee Schedule (effective 1/1/2024) (2024-01-01)
Related pages
Last verified 2026-07-02 · Verified from primary documents