Mississippi contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

Residential Builder

Contractors who build new residences (no more than three floors) for sale or for others for compensation. The classification also covers construction management, remodeling and roofing.

• When it applies: New residential construction over $50,000.
• Good to know: Required for the Residential Construction Manager classification.

Residential Remodeler

Contractors who make improvements to an existing residence for compensation, including remodeling and roofing.

• When it applies: Residential improvement projects over $10,000.

Residential Roofer

Contractors doing residential roofing only.

• When it applies: Residential roofing projects over $10,000.

Residential Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and Mechanical

Subcontractors doing electrical, plumbing, HVAC or mechanical work on residential improvement or construction projects.

• Good to know: No dollar threshold is listed for these trades. Residential Mechanical requires both the HVAC and plumbing exams.

Commercial Contractor License

Contractors and subcontractors on commercial jobs, including equipment installation.

• When it applies: Commercial work over $50,000.
• Good to know: Commercial applicants must show general liability coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.

What you need to qualify

• Exams: All applicants must pass the Law and Business Management exam, plus a trade exam for each classification unless reciprocity applies. Exams are given by PSI.
• Experience: Applicants list at least 3 completed jobs for each classification requested and disclose years of construction experience. No minimum number of years is stated.
• Insurance: Proof of general liability insurance with MSBOC listed as certificate holder is required for all applicants and renewals. There is no minimum coverage requirement for residential license holders. Workers' compensation is required if the applicant has 5 or more employees. Contracts must include a bold disclosure stating whether the builder or remodeler carries general liability insurance.
• Financial: Three reference letters are required, one of which must come from a bank or financial institution.
• Business registration: A residential license requires a Mississippi Income Tax ID, a Federal Tax ID or a Social Security Number. The qualifying party must be an owner, officer, member of the executive staff or responsible managing employee, and may serve no more than three entities without Board approval.
• Also required: The application affidavit must be notarized. Incomplete applications are destroyed after 180 days.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Residential application: $50, which includes one trade classification; each additional classification is $100. Reciprocity: $50 for each trade exam waived. Residential renewal: $100, with a $10 late fee (Board rule 3.4). $25 to move to or from inactive status.
• Renewal: Licenses are valid for one year and renew annually. A license may be renewed up to 180 days after expiration; after that a new application is required.
• Continuing education: Board rules require two credit hours of continuing education each year from a board-approved provider. Licenses held before July 1, 2015 are exempt under the statute. Hours do not carry over.

Contracts and homeowner protections

Residential contracts must include a written liability insurance disclosure placed immediately before the buyer's signature, in bold type larger than the rest of the contract. An unlicensed builder or remodeler may not sue to enforce a construction contract, and under the 2022 law changes unlicensed contractors may be paid only proven actual expenses, not profit.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

MSBOC licenses residential electrical, plumbing, HVAC and mechanical contractors statewide (since the July 1, 2022 law changes in HB 1163).

City and county rules

Cities and counties issue building permits. The 2022 law changes require cities and counties to issue permits for construction work.

Working without a license

Residential construction or improvement work without a required license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $5,000, 30 to 60 days in county jail, or both (Miss. Code 73-59-9). The board may issue citations, stop work, and levy $100 to $5,000 per violation.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Whether any bond is required for residential licenses
• Current residential renewal fee and CE rule (taken from the February 2022 law-and-rules booklet; the board's current fee schedule wasn't checked)
• Local privilege license or city/county contractor license requirements

Sources

1. MSBOC Frequently Asked Questions
2. MSBOC Residential Application (updated 7/2024)
3. HB 1163 Residential Licensing Law Changes (MSBOC)
4. MSBOC Residential Builders Law and Rules (revised 2022)