Contractor Licensing in Utah: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Utah requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Initial cost is $338.
Utah requires statewide contractor licensing through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for any construction project where labor and materials exceed $3,000. The state offers General Building (B100), Residential/Small Commercial (R100), General Engineering (E100), and Specialty Contractor classifications. All applicants must complete a 30-hour pre-licensure course, pass business and law and trade exams, and maintain general liability insurance and a surety bond. Utah uses a licensure-by-endorsement system for out-of-state contractors.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Utah has reciprocity agreements with 20 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Utah reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
Utah Licensing Overview
Utah requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $338 to $338, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Utah also participates in reciprocity agreements with 20 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Utah Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $210 | — | $128 | $50,000 | $338 |
| Electrician | $210 | — | $128 | $15,000 | $338 |
| Plumber | $210 | — | $128 | $15,000 | $338 |
| HVAC Technician | $210 | — | $128 | $15,000 | $338 |
| Roofing Contractor | $210 | — | $128 | $15,000 | $338 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Utah
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Utah. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About Utah Contractor Licensing
- GL insurance required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate. Workers comp required if you have employees.
- Utah has reciprocity agreements with 20 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- 30-hour pre-licensure course required before application
- NASCLA exam accepted in lieu of trade exam for B100
- Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years
You're licensed in Utah — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing issues the B100 - General Building Contractor; the business that invoices Utah customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Utah requires a $50,000 surety bond. B100/E100 require minimum $50,000 bond; R100 requires minimum $25,000 bond. Bond amount may be higher based on project volume. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Utah requires general liability insurance for this license. GL insurance required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate. Workers comp required if you have employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah require a contractor license?
Yes, Utah requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Utah?
The estimated initial cost is $338, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Utah have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Utah has reciprocity agreements with 20 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 Utah?
GL insurance required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate. Workers comp required if you have employees.
Official Utah Licensing Resources
- Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor