Nebraska contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

Contractor Registration

All contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry, including general contractors, who perform or arrange work on real property other than their own. Construction includes new work, additions, alterations, reconstruction, installations and repairs.

• When it applies: Businesses earning more than $5,000 annually who are performing or arranging construction work in Nebraska must be registered.
• Good to know: A separate registration number is needed for each business name (DBA). Registration does not ensure quality of work or protect against fraud. It is not a competency license.

What you need to qualify

• Insurance: Contractors with one or more employees must file a current workers' compensation certificate of insurance (ACORD 25) listing the Department of Labor as certificate holder. If coverage lapses, the contractor is removed from the registered list until an updated certificate is received.
• Business registration: Applies to corporations, S-corporations, trusts, LLCs, partnerships and sole proprietorships. Registration is done online at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg.
• Also required: Under the Employee Classification Act, a construction worker is presumed to be an employee unless the worker is free from control, the work is outside the company's usual business and premises, and the worker is customarily engaged in an independent business.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Contractor Registration annual fee: $40.00, effective August 1, 2026.
• Renewal: Registration is annual and is renewed online.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

Electricians and electrical contractors are licensed statewide by the Nebraska State Electrical Division. Plumbing and HVAC licensing were not confirmed on an official state page.

Working without a license

A contractor or subcontractor that fails to register is subject to civil money penalties of up to $500 for the first violation and up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation. Misclassifying workers under the Employee Classification Act carries up to $500 per misclassified individual for a first violation and up to $5,000 for later violations.

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:

• Which agency licenses plumbing and HVAC work (likely local, not confirmed)
• City contractor licensing in Omaha, Lincoln and other cities.
• Statewide written contract, deposit or home solicitation rules for home improvement work
• Fee before August 1, 2026

Sources

1. Contractor Registration - Who Needs to Register (NDOL)
2. Contractor Registration Portal (NDOL)
3. Contractor Registration and Employee Classification Fact Sheet (NDOL)
4. Labor Standards (NDOL)
5. Nebraska State Electrical Division