Alabama

Alabama uses a split-board model with 8 separate regulatory agencies. Different work lanes sit with different regulators, and there is no single statewide contractor board.

Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.

At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Alabama is to know these key signals.

Signal	Value
Commercial and industrial construction trigger	$100,000 or more
Swimming pools trigger	$5,000 or more
Subcontractor work trigger	$100,000 or more
Residential home building / remodeling trigger	More than $10,000
Highway work trigger	State highway work requires DOT prequalification
Reciprocity model	Board-specific, not one statewide system

Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

Contractors
Regulators

What is the minimum contract value that requires a general contractor license in Alabama?

Commercial and industrial construction triggers licensing at $100,000 or more, and this applies broadly to construction, alterations, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, remediation, reclamation, or demolition of any building, highway, sewer, or structure. Swimming pool work triggers at $5,000 or more. Residential building and remodeling triggers above $10,000. See Construction work regulated.

Do I need a separate license for plumbing or HVAC work, or does my general contractor license cover it?

Yes, you need separate licenses. Plumbing and HVAC contractors and journeymen must be licensed through their respective boards regardless of contract value. Your general contractor license does not cover trade-specific work. Conversely, even if you hold a trade license, you still need a general contractor license when your contract hits $100,000. See Requirements.

Where do I go to get licensed in Alabama?

Alabama has 8 separate regulatory agencies and no central licensing office. Your first step is identifying which board owns your work lane. See the board directory below for full contact details.

How much does it cost to get licensed?

Fees vary significantly by trade. A general commercial contractor application is $300 with a $200 annual renewal. Residential builders pay $250. Electrical contractors pay $165 application plus $150 annual. HVAC contractors pay $175 exam plus $220 license. See Requirements for complete fee tables by trade.

What are the bonding and insurance requirements for contractors in Alabama?

It depends on the trade. HVAC and refrigeration businesses each require a $15,000 performance bond. Manufactured housing bonds range from $20,000 (installers) to $100,000 (manufacturers). General commercial contractors need proof of general liability insurance but no specific bond amount is set by the Board. See the individual trade sections under Requirements.

Can I use my out-of-state license in Alabama?

Maybe, but reciprocity in Alabama is board-specific, not statewide. The general contractor board recognizes 5 states, the electrical board recognizes 8 states, and the HVAC board recognizes 5 states. You must check with the specific board for your trade. See Reciprocal agreements for the full table.

Are subcontractors required to be licensed before bidding, or only before work begins?

You may bid on a project without a license. You just must be licensed with the Board before you begin work on site. The $100,000 threshold applies to subcontractor work. The subcontractor application fee is $150 with a $100 annual renewal. See General Commercial Contractors for details.

What if my HVAC or refrigeration work exceeds $50,000?

This is a dual-license trigger. If your HVAC or refrigeration service, repair, or installation contract exceeds $50,000, you need a general contractor’s license from the Licensing Board for General Contractors in addition to your trade license. This means engaging two separate boards. See the HVAC and Refrigeration sections.

What contractor licenses would our company need to bid a $500,000 commercial construction project in Alabama?

At minimum, a general commercial contractor license ($100,000 threshold). If the project involves any trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection), those trades require separate licenses from their respective boards. Subcontractors at $100,000 or more also need licenses. See Requirements for each trade.

Does Alabama require a license for roofing work?

Roofing falls under the general contractor licensing framework. Commercial roofing at $100,000 or more requires a GC license. Residential roofing above $10,000 requires a Home Builders license. Below those thresholds, no state license is required. See Construction work regulated.

Does Alabama require licensing for residential work?

Yes. Residential home builders and remodelers need a license from the Home Builders Licensure Board when the cost exceeds $10,000. This applies to anyone who constructs, repairs, or improves a residence not over three floors and not more than four units. See Construction work regulated.

How does Alabama's licensing model compare to single-board states?

Alabama is one of the more fragmented licensing environments. Rather than one central board, the state distributes construction regulation across 8 separate agencies. Each board sets its own application requirements, exams, fees, bonds, and reciprocity agreements. This means reciprocity must be evaluated board by board, not state by state. See Who regulates construction for the full directory.

How does Alabama's $100,000 commercial threshold compare to other states?

The $100,000 threshold is notably high compared to many states that trigger licensing at much lower contract values (some as low as $500 or $1,000). Alabama also has separate thresholds for swimming pools ($5,000) and residential work ($10,000). For cross-state comparison, see Licensing thresholds.

What types of construction work are regulated at the state vs. local level in Alabama?

Alabama regulates at the state level through its 8 boards: commercial general contracting, residential building, electrical, plumbing and gas, HVAC and refrigeration, fire protection, manufactured housing, and highway prequalification. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, but the primary regulatory framework is state-level.

What agency oversees residential home builder licensing, and how does it differ from the commercial contractor board?

The Home Builders Licensure Board handles residential licensing (above $10,000), while the Licensing Board for General Contractors handles commercial and industrial work (above $100,000). They are completely separate agencies with different application requirements, fee structures, and renewal cycles.

What are the fees and bonding requirements across trades?

Fees and bonds vary by board. General contractors pay $300 application / $200 renewal with no set bond. HVAC and refrigeration each require $15,000 bonds. Manufactured housing bonds range from $20,000 to $100,000 with insurance up to $1,000,000. See Requirements for detailed fee tables per trade.

What license classifications does Alabama use?

Alabama’s general contractor board offers 18+ classifications covering building construction, highways, municipal/utility, mechanical, electrical, swimming pools, demolition, environmental, and specialty categories. The Home Builders Board issues plumbing and gas fitting certifications at three tiers (apprentice, journeyman, master). The Manufactured Housing Commission licenses manufacturers, dealers, installers, and salespersons. See Types of licenses.

How does reciprocity work in Alabama?

There is no single statewide reciprocity arrangement. Each board maintains its own list of recognized states. The Insurance Department has the broadest reach (16 states), followed by the Electrical Contractors Board (8 states). The Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board has only an internal agreement with the Alabama LP Gas Board. See Reciprocal agreements.

What exam requirements exist across the different boards?

Exam requirements range widely: general contractors have no state-administered exam (they submit financial statements and experience documentation), residential builders take an exam on experience and ability, electricians must score 75% on business law and trade exams, HVAC and refrigeration require 70% on open book trade exams, fire protection requires NICET Level III national certification, and blasters must score 70%. See Requirements.

What are the renewal cycles across Alabama's boards?

Most licenses expire on December 31st annually. The exception is fire protection permits (fire alarm, sprinkler, fire pumps, blasting), which run October 1 through September 30. Residential builders have an earlier renewal deadline of November 30th. See Requirements for each trade.

How fragmented is Alabama's regulatory model?

Highly fragmented. Eight separate agencies regulate construction with no central authority. This affects reciprocity analysis (must be done board by board), fee comparisons (each board sets its own), and exam requirements (ranging from none for general contractors to NICET Level III for fire protection). See Who regulates construction.

How does Alabama compare to other Southern states in regulatory complexity?

Alabama’s 8-board split model is among the more fragmented in the South. Many Southern states operate with fewer boards or a single centralized agency. Cross-state comparisons must be done board by board. See the South region guide and Licensing thresholds.

Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

Is licensure triggered?

Start with threshold and work-lane rules, then confirm which board owns the lane.

Find the right regulator

Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Alabama board.

Application and renewal details

Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.

Reciprocity direction

Find out which boards or agencies recognize out-of-state credentials.

Special considerations

Different roles need different things from an Alabama page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

Contractors
Regulators

Start with contract value and work lane. In Alabama, that usually tells you which board matters first.

The primary licensure threshold is $100,000.
Another key threshold is $5,000.
Another key threshold is $10,000.
Public-works prequalification is required for highway or DOT work.
Route to the correct board first. Alabama has 8 separate regulatory agencies.

Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Alabama as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

Classify the project lane

Identify whether the work is commercial, residential, trade-specific, or public-works related.

Apply the right threshold test

Check $100,000, $5,000, $10,000 against the work lane table above.

Route to the correct regulator

Use the regulator directory below. Do not assume one statewide contractor board handles all lanes.

Confirm the requirement set

Confirm exams, experience, fees, bond / insurance, renewal cycle, and reciprocity rules for the exact board before filing.

If you can identify lane, threshold, regulator, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for an Alabama readiness check.

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

New state evaluation if you are screening Alabama for the first time.
Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Alabama with nearby jurisdictions.
Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.

Construction work regulated

This section tells you when Alabama requires a license. The answer depends on the type of work and the contract value. Look for the threshold that matches your project lane.

Work lane	What triggers regulation
Commercial and industrial construction	$100,000 or more
Swimming pools	$5,000 or more
Subcontractor work	$100,000 or more
Residential home building / remodeling	More than $10,000
Highway work	State highway work requires DOT prequalification

Trade-specific credentials (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, manufactured housing, fire protection, etc.) may also be required even when a general contractor license is in play.

Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

Commercial and industrial construction

Route first to Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors and confirm whether related specialty or trade board credentials are also required.

Swimming pools

Check the swimming pools threshold and route to the correct Alabama regulator.

Subcontractor work

Check the subcontractor work threshold and route to the correct Alabama regulator.

Reciprocity request

Ask which board is involved first. Alabama reciprocity is not a single statewide rule. Each board maintains its own list of recognized states.

Who regulates construction

Alabama splits construction regulation across 8 separate agencies. Use this directory to find the board that owns the lane you need. Each entry includes address, phone, and website.

Highway prequalification — Department of Transportation

1409 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36110Phone: (334) 242-6444 | Fax: (334) 264-7976Website: dot.state.al.us

General commercial contractors and swimming pool contractors — Licensing Board for General Contractors

445 Dexter Ave, Suite 3060, Montgomery, AL 36104Phone: (334) 272-5030Website: genconbd.alabama.gov

Residential contractors and remodelers — Home Builders Licensure Board

445 Herron Street, Montgomery, AL 36104Phone: (334) 242-2230 | Fax: (334) 263-1397Website: hblb.alabama.gov

Plumbers and gas fitters — Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board

216 Aquarius Drive, Suite 319, Homewood, AL 35209Phone: (205) 945-4857 | Fax: (205) 945-9915Website: pgfb.alabama.gov

Electrical contractors and journeyman — Electrical Contractors Board

100 N. Union Street, Suite 986, Montgomery, AL 36130-1008Phone: (334) 679-1020Email: staff@aecb.alabama.govWebsite: aecb.alabama.gov

Fire alarm contractors, sprinkler contractors, fire pumps and blasters — Insurance Department State Fire Marshal’s Office

Post Office Box 303351 Montgomery, AL 36130-3351, All permits required by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in the state of Alabama are completed online at www.firemarshal.alabama.gov.Phone: (334) 241-4166 | Fax: (334) 241-4158Website: aldoi.gov

Heating and air conditioning and/or refrigeration contractors — Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors

100 North Union Street, Suite 986, Montgomery, AL 36104Phone: (334) 242-5550 / (866) 855-1912Email: staff@hacr.alabama.govWebsite: hacr.alabama.gov

Manufactured housing installers, retailers, manufacturers and salespersons — Manufactured Housing Commission

350 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL 36104Phone: (334) 242-4036 | Fax: (334) 240-3178Website: amhc.alabama.gov

Requirements

Each Alabama board has its own application inputs, exams, fees, bonds, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.

General Commercial Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Application fee	$300
Renewal cycle	Licenses expire annually and are renewed for one year at the cost of $200.
Renewal fee	$100

Residential Home Builders and Remodelers

Requirement	Detail
Exam	New applicants are required to pass an examination, which includes testing on experience and ability.
License fee	$250
Renewal cycle	The renewal deadline is November 30th of each year; licenses expire annually on December 31st.

Electricians

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Applicants are required to pass a business law and trade examination with a minimum score of 75% and documentation of 8,000 hours of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Experience	Applicants are required to pass a business law and trade examination with a minimum score of 75% and documentation of 8,000 hours of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Application fee	$165
License fee	$150
Continuing education	The annual Electrical Contractor license fee is $150 and there are 14 CEU’s required every other year.

Fire Alarm Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Renewal cycle	This permit is renewable on an annual basis.

Sprinkler Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Renewal cycle	This permit is renewable on an annual basis.

Fire Pumps

Requirement	Detail
Renewal cycle	The permit is renewable on an annual basis.

Blasting Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Renewal cycle	The permit is renewable on an annual basis.

Blaster Certification

Requirement	Detail
Experience	Applicants must possess two years of blasting experience to qualify for a blasting certification.
Exam	If the applicant does not have a blasting card from a reciprocal state, then the applicant must pass an examination issued by the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Renewal cycle	This permit is renewable on an annual basis.

Permit Type	Fee
Sprinkler Contractor	$120
Fire Pumps	$120 per person per pump
Blasting Contractor	$2,640
Blaster Certification	$132

Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Applicants are required to pass a written open book trade examination with a minimum score of 70%.
Experience	The requirements include one of the following: maintaining an apprentice registration issued by the Board for two or more calendar years; completion of 3,000 hours of work experience as defined by the Board; or is a graduate of an approved heating and air conditioning curriculum.
Continuing education	Every contractor, inactive or active, must complete four hours of continuing education each year.
Renewal cycle	Certification expires on December 31st of each year.

Exam Fee	Initial License	Renewal
$175	$220	$220

Refrigeration Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Applicants are required to pass a written open book trade examination with a minimum score of 70%.
Experience	The requirements include one of the following: maintaining an apprentice registration issued by the Board for two or more calendar years; completion of 3,000 hours of work experience as defined by the Board; or is a graduate of an approved refrigeration curriculum.
Bond	$15,000 bond
Continuing education	Every contractor, inactive or active, must complete four hours of continuing education each year.
Renewal cycle	Certification expires on December 31st of each year.

Exam Fee	Initial License	Renewal
$175	$220	$220

Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Applicants for the Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter certificate must have two years of Board-approved apprentice work, pass a written or oral exam and pay all required fees.
Experience	Applicants for a Master Plumber/Gas Fitter certificate must pass a written exam, show proof of one year of work experience as a journeyman, bear a journeyman certificate and pay the required fees.
Renewal cycle	All annual certificates will expire on December 31st of the year they are issued.

Fees	Apprentice1	Journeyman2	Master3
Examination Fee	N/A	$110	$160
Registration Fee	$35	N/A	N/A
License Fee	N/A	$75	$175
Annual Renewal Fee	$35	$75	$175
Medical Gas Piping Endorsement	$25	$25	$25

Manufactured Housing

Requirement	Detail
Bond	$25,000 bond

Type	Bond Amount	Insurance Amount
Manufacturer	$25,000 per Licensed Facility or a minimum of $100,000	$1,000,000
Retailer	$25,000 for 1-3 Facilities or $50,000 for more than 3	$500,000
Installer	$20,000	$100,000

License/Certification Type	Fee
Manufacturer	$550
Dealer	$450
Installer	$200
Salesperson	$200

Reciprocal agreements

Alabama does not have a single statewide reciprocity arrangement. Each board maintains its own list of recognized states. Always confirm which board is involved before assuming an out-of-state credential transfers.

Reciprocity in Alabama is fragmented. Always ask which board is recognizing the out-of-state credential.

Board	Reciprocal states	Coverage
General contractor	Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee	5 states
Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors	Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia	6 states
Electrical Contractors Board	Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia	8 states
Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board	the Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board	Limited
Insurance Department	Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin	16 states

The Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board has a reciprocal agreement with the Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

PGFB - Master gas fitters may receive LP Gas Board employee competency card.
LP Gas Board - Individuals who hold an employee competency card for a minimum of three years are eligible to receive PGFB Master Gas Fitter certification.

Types of licenses

This section lists the credential categories Alabama offers across its major boards. Use it when you need to confirm the exact license name for an application or comparison.

General Contractors

Classification	Categories
Building Construction	BC Specialty Construction
Building Construction Under 4 Stories	—
Highways and Streets	H/S Specialty Construction
Municipal and Utility	MU Specialty Construction
Heavy and Railroad Construction	H/RR Specialty Construction
Mechanical	M Specialties
Electrical	E Specialties
Swimming Pools	—
Demolition	—
Environmental	EV Specialties
Other Specialties	—

Home Builders Board Certificate of Licensure

Plumbing and Gas Fitting tiers:

Apprentice
Journeyman Gas Fitter
Journeyman Plumber
Master Gas Fitter
Master Plumber

Endorsements:

Medical Gas Endorsement

Manufactured and Modular Homes

Manufacturer
Dealer
Installer
Salesperson

South region guide

Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.

Contractors guide

Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.

Regulators guide

Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.

Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:

Arkansas

General contractor and Insurance Department reciprocity with Alabama.

Louisiana

General contractor and Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors reciprocity with Alabama.

Mississippi

General contractor and Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors reciprocity with Alabama.

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Northeast

South

Midwest

West

Territories and DC

At a glance

Frequently asked questions

Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Reciprocity direction

Special considerations

Readiness checklist

Navigation

Construction work regulated

Common determination scenarios

Who regulates construction

Requirements

Reciprocal agreements

Types of licenses

See also

South region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

Arkansas

Louisiana

Mississippi

​At a glance

​Frequently asked questions

​Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Reciprocity direction

​Special considerations

​Readiness checklist

​Navigation

​Construction work regulated

​Common determination scenarios

​Who regulates construction

​Requirements

​Reciprocal agreements

​Types of licenses

​See also

South region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

Arkansas

Louisiana

Mississippi

At a glance

Frequently asked questions

Start with your goal

Special considerations

Readiness checklist

Navigation

Construction work regulated

Common determination scenarios

Who regulates construction

Requirements

Reciprocal agreements

Types of licenses

See also