Contractor License Reciprocity by State
Reciprocity agreements let licensed contractors skip certain trade exams when applying for a license in another state. Reciprocity does not mean automatic license transfer — you still need to apply, meet the new state's requirements, and may need to pass business or code exams.
Check Your Reciprocity Options
All States by Reciprocity Agreements
| State | Agreements | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 20 | Has Reciprocity |
| Arkansas | 17 | Has Reciprocity |
| Colorado | 14 | Has Reciprocity |
| Alabama | 10 | Has Reciprocity |
| Mississippi | 9 | Has Reciprocity |
| South Carolina | 9 | Has Reciprocity |
| Tennessee | 9 | Has Reciprocity |
| Georgia | 8 | Has Reciprocity |
| Ohio | 8 | Has Reciprocity |
| Iowa | 7 | Has Reciprocity |
| Minnesota | 7 | Has Reciprocity |
| North Carolina | 7 | Has Reciprocity |
| Virginia | 7 | Has Reciprocity |
| New Mexico | 6 | Has Reciprocity |
| Louisiana | 5 | Has Reciprocity |
| Wyoming | 5 | Has Reciprocity |
| California | 4 | Has Reciprocity |
| Kentucky | 4 | Has Reciprocity |
| Oregon | 4 | Has Reciprocity |
| Arizona | 3 | Has Reciprocity |
| Florida | 3 | Has Reciprocity |
| Nevada | 3 | Has Reciprocity |
| Maine | 2 | Has Reciprocity |
| Montana | 2 | Has Reciprocity |
| Vermont | 2 | Has Reciprocity |
| Washington | 2 | Has Reciprocity |
| West Virginia | 2 | Has Reciprocity |
| Illinois | 1 | No Reciprocity |
| Nebraska | 1 | Has Reciprocity |
| New Jersey | 1 | No Reciprocity |
| Oklahoma | 1 | Has Reciprocity |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | No Reciprocity |
| South Dakota | 1 | Has Reciprocity |
| Alaska | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Connecticut | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Delaware | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| District of Columbia | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Hawaii | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Idaho | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Indiana | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Kansas | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Maryland | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Michigan | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Missouri | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| New Hampshire | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| New York | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| North Dakota | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Rhode Island | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Texas | 0 | No Reciprocity |
| Wisconsin | 0 | No Reciprocity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is contractor license reciprocity?
Contractor license reciprocity is an agreement between states that allows a licensed contractor from one state to obtain a license in another state without retaking trade-specific exams. It does not grant an automatic license — you still need to apply, meet local requirements, and may need to pass business or code exams.
Does reciprocity mean I can work in another state automatically?
No. Reciprocity waives certain trade exams but does not transfer your license automatically. You must apply in the new state, pay fees, provide proof of your existing license, and may still need to pass business, law, or local code exams before you can legally work.
Which states have the most reciprocity agreements?
The number of reciprocity agreements varies widely. Some states like Florida and Louisiana have multiple agreements, while others have none at all. Use the table on this page to see a complete ranking by number of agreements.
Do reciprocity agreements cover all trade types?
Not always. Some reciprocity agreements cover all licensed trades, while others are limited to specific trades like general contracting, plumbing, or electrical. Check the specific agreement terms for your trade before applying.