Tennessee Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Tennessee requires statewide contractor licensing for any construction project valued at $25,000 or more, administered by the Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC). Electricians and plumbers have a two-tier system: a Limited License for projects under $25,000 and a full Contractor license for larger projects. HVAC and roofing fall under the general contractor classifications. Tennessee has extensive reciprocity agreements with neighboring states.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Tennessee Licensing Overview
Tennessee requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 3 separate agencies: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC), Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLE Board (BLC/LLE), Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLP Board (BLC/LLP). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $107 to $364, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Tennessee also participates in reciprocity agreements with 9 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Tennessee Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $250 | $114 | — | — | $364 |
| Electrician | $50 | $57 | — | — | $107 |
| Plumber | $75 | $57 | — | — | $132 |
| HVAC Technician | $250 | $114 | — | — | $364 |
| Roofing Contractor | $250 | $57 | — | $10,000 | $307 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Tennessee Contractor Licensing
- GL required, scaled to license limit: $100K (up to $500K jobs), $500K ($500K-$1.5M), $1M ($1.5M+). Workers comp required for 1+ construction employees (construction has 1-employee threshold).
- Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- License required for projects $25,000+
- Financial statement required: reviewed CPA (under $1.5M) or audited CPA (over $1.5M)
- Monetary limit = 10x working capital or 10% of net worth (whichever is less)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tennessee require a contractor license?
Yes, Tennessee requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Tennessee?
Initial licensing costs range from $107 to $364 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Tennessee have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Tennessee?
GL required, scaled to license limit: $100K (up to $500K jobs), $500K ($500K-$1.5M), $1M ($1.5M+). Workers comp required for 1+ construction employees (construction has 1-employee threshold).
Official Tennessee Licensing Resources
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC) — for general contractor, hvac technician, roofing contractor
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLE Board (BLC/LLE) — for electrician
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLP Board (BLC/LLP) — for plumber