> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Alaska

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for Alaska's centralized construction licensing system.

Alaska regulates virtually all commercial, residential, and public works construction at the state level through a centralized licensing system. Two agencies share oversight — the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCCED) handles contractor registration, while the Department of Labor's Mechanical Inspection unit oversees electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations.

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

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Alaska is to know that the state regulates all construction — there is no dollar threshold to clear.

| Signal                          | Value                                                                          |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Licensing trigger               | All commercial, residential, and public works construction                     |
| Dollar threshold                | None — registration required regardless of contract value                      |
| Residential endorsement trigger | New home construction or residential work exceeding **25%** of structure value |
| Public works prequalification   | Not required, but valid registration needed before bidding                     |
| Bond range                      | **\$10,000** to **\$25,000** depending on license type                         |
| Licensing cycle                 | Biennial (general: even years; specialty and mechanical: odd years)            |
| Reciprocity model               | No agreements with other states                                                |

## Frequently asked questions

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

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How do I get a general contractor license in Alaska, and what are the experience requirements?">
        All contractor licensing flows through DCCED's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. There is no exam or documented experience requirement for a general contractor registration, but you must post a **\$25,000** bond and carry insurance minimums of **\$20,000** property damage, **\$50,000** single injury, and **\$100,000** multiple injury. You also need a separate Alaska business license. See [Requirements](#requirements) for the full fee table.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Alaska require a Residential Endorsement in addition to a general contractor license?">
        Yes. If the project involves new home construction or residential work exceeding **25%** of the structure's value, you must add a Residential Endorsement to your General Contractor license. This requires completing a 16-hour cold climate building course and passing the endorsement exam with at least **70%**. The endorsement bond is **\$20,000**. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the registration and bonding requirements before I can bid on a public works project?">
        No prequalification is required for public works in Alaska, but your contractor registration must be valid before you submit a bid. Bonds range from **\$10,000** (specialty) to **\$25,000** (general). See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated) and [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in Alaska?">
        All contractor licensing goes through DCCED in Anchorage or Juneau. Mechanical and electrical installation oversight is handled by DOL Mechanical Inspection. You must also obtain a separate Alaska business license. See the [board directory](#who-regulates-construction) for full contact details.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get licensed?">
        A general contractor application is **\$100** with a **\$250** license fee and **\$250** biennial renewal. Mechanical Administrators pay **\$150** application, **\$125** exam, and **\$200** license. Electrical Administrators pay **\$150** application, **\$125** exam, and **\$170** license. Specialty contractors pay **\$100** application and **\$250** license. See [Requirements](#requirements) for the complete fee table.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What insurance is required for Alaska contractors?">
        All contractors must carry insurance minimums of **\$20,000** property damage, **\$50,000** injury or death to one person, and **\$100,000** injury or death to more than one person. These are mandatory for all license types. See [Insurance Minimums](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state license in Alaska?">
        Alaska has no reciprocity agreements with any other state. You must apply for an Alaska license independently. However, the state may recognize exams from Prometric or other testing firms on a case-by-case basis. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Alaska require a license for roofing work?">
        Yes. Roofing is listed as one of the specialty contractor designations. Since Alaska licenses all construction regardless of contract value, any roofing work requires a Specialty Contractor license with a **\$10,000** bond. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Do I need separate licenses for electrical or mechanical work?">
        Yes. Electrical work requires an Electrical Administrator license and mechanical work requires a Mechanical Contractor license (which in turn requires employing a licensed Mechanical Administrator). Both are separate from general contractor registration. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What contractor registrations or licenses would a company need before bidding on a public project in Alaska?">
        At minimum, a valid General Contractor registration with DCCED. If the project involves new home construction or residential work exceeding 25% of structure value, add a Residential Endorsement. If it includes electrical or mechanical work, those trades require separate licenses. No prequalification is needed, but registration must be active before bidding. See [Common determination scenarios](#common-determination-scenarios).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="When do Alaska licenses expire and how do I renew?">
        General contractor licenses expire December 31 of even years. Specialty and mechanical licenses expire December 31 of odd years. Renewal is biennial at **\$250** for general and specialty contractors, **\$200** for mechanical administrators, and **\$170** for electrical administrators. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does Alaska's licensing model compare to states with dollar thresholds?">
        Alaska is one of the few states that requires contractor registration for all construction work regardless of contract value. There is no dollar threshold. This makes it more inclusive than states like Alabama (**\$100,000**) or Arizona (**\$1,000**). However, the registration itself has no exam or experience requirement for general contractors — the barriers are financial (bonds and insurance). See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does Alaska's centralized licensing compare to split-board states?">
        Alaska uses a centralized model with just two agencies: DCCED for all contractor licensing and DOL Mechanical Inspection for installation oversight. This contrasts sharply with states like Alabama (8 separate boards). The centralized model simplifies reciprocity analysis and fee comparisons. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction work are regulated at the state vs. local level?">
        Alaska regulates virtually everything at the state level: commercial, residential, public works, electrical, and mechanical construction. There is no significant local licensing layer. The state handles all contractor registration and trade licensing through DCCED and DOL respectively.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license categories does Alaska use, and how are Mechanical and Electrical Administrator licenses structured?">
        Alaska offers three main categories: General Contractor (with optional Residential Endorsement), Mechanical Contractor (requires employing a Mechanical Administrator), and Specialty Contractor (35+ designations). Electrical and Mechanical Administrators are individual licenses requiring trade exams with 70% minimum scores. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does Alaska require prequalification for public works?">
        No. Alaska does not require prequalification for public works. A valid contractor registration is sufficient to bid. This is simpler than states with tiered prequalification systems like Arizona or Idaho. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across the different license types?">
        General contractor registration requires no exam. The Residential Endorsement requires a 70% score on the endorsement exam plus a 16-hour cold climate building course. Electrical and Mechanical Administrators must pass trade exams at 70%. Exams are administered by PSI. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles across Alaska's license types?">
        All licenses are biennial. General contractors renew in even years, specialty and mechanical contractors in odd years. All expire December 31 of their respective renewal year. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does Alaska handle reciprocity?">
        Alaska has no formal reciprocity agreements with any state. Out-of-state contractors must apply independently. The state may recognize exams from Prometric or other testing firms on a case-by-case basis, but this is not guaranteed. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the fees and bonding requirements across license types?">
        Bonds range from **\$10,000** (specialty, mechanical) to **\$25,000** (general) to **\$20,000** (residential endorsement). Application fees range from **\$100** to **\$150**. License fees range from **\$170** (electrical administrator) to **\$250** (general, specialty, mechanical). See [Requirements](#requirements) for the complete fee table.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the cold climate building course requirement?">
        The 16-hour cold climate building course is unique to Alaska and required only for the Residential Endorsement. It covers construction techniques specific to Alaska's climate conditions. Contractors must complete this course and pass the endorsement exam at 70% before the endorsement is added. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does Alaska compare to other Western states in regulatory complexity?">
        Alaska is moderately complex. It uses a centralized two-agency model (simpler than multi-board states) but requires universal registration with no dollar threshold (stricter than states with thresholds). The cold climate endorsement is a distinctive requirement not found elsewhere. For comparison, see [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with work type and license category — Alaska licenses all construction regardless of contract value.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Alaska agency.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, insurance minimums, and biennial renewal cycles for each license type.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Alaska has no reciprocity agreements, but may recognize certain out-of-state exams case by case.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

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

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Alaska does not use a dollar threshold — all construction work requires a valid contractor registration. Start by identifying your license category.
    </Tip>

    * A separate Alaska business license is required in addition to the contractor registration.
    * Residential work triggers a Residential Endorsement if the project is new home construction or exceeds **25%** of the structure's value.
    * The Residential Endorsement requires a 16-hour cold climate building course and a passing score of **70%** on the endorsement exam.
    * Bonds range from **\$10,000** (specialty) to **\$25,000** (general).
    * Insurance minimums: **\$20,000** property damage, **\$50,000** single injury/death, **\$100,000** multiple injury/death.
    * No prequalification is required for public works, but your registration must be valid before you bid.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      Alaska is best understood as a centralized licensing state with two agencies: DCCED for all contractor licensing and DOL Mechanical Inspection for installation oversight.
    </Info>

    * All contractor licensing — general, specialty, mechanical, and electrical — flows through DCCED's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
    * The Department of Labor's Mechanical Inspection unit oversees electrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, and mechanical installations statewide.
    * Alaska has no formal reciprocity with any state, though out-of-state exams from Prometric or other firms may be recognized case by case.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm you need a license" icon="tag">
    Alaska licenses all commercial, residential, and public works construction. There is no dollar threshold — registration is required regardless of contract value.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identify the license category" icon="receipt">
    Determine whether you need a general, residential endorsement, mechanical, electrical administrator, or specialty contractor license.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Obtain a separate business license" icon="building">
    Alaska requires a valid state business license in addition to the contractor registration. These are issued separately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm bond, insurance, and exam requirements" icon="clipboard-check">
    Check the bond amount (`$10,000` to `$25,000`), insurance minimums, and exam requirements for your specific license type before filing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify license category, bond and insurance requirements, and exam obligations, you have the minimum package needed for an Alaska readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

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

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening Alaska for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare Alaska with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

Alaska regulates virtually every aspect of construction at the state level. Unlike most states, there is no minimum dollar threshold — all commercial, residential, and public works construction requires contractor registration.

| Work lane                                | What triggers regulation                                                   |
| ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Commercial construction                  | All commercial work — no dollar threshold                                  |
| Residential construction                 | All residential work — no dollar threshold                                 |
| Public works                             | Valid contractor registration required before bidding; no prequalification |
| Residential (new home or > 25% of value) | Residential Endorsement on General Contractor license                      |
| Electrical installation                  | Electrical Administrator license required                                  |
| Mechanical installation                  | Mechanical Contractor license (requires Mechanical Administrator)          |

<Note>
  Contractors must also hold a separate Alaska state business license. The business license is issued independently from the contractor registration.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General commercial construction" icon="building">
    You need a General Contractor license from DCCED. Confirm the **\$25,000** bond and insurance minimums. If the project includes residential work exceeding 25% of the structure's value, you also need a Residential Endorsement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="New home construction" icon="house">
    Requires a General Contractor license plus a Residential Endorsement. The endorsement requires completing a 16-hour cold climate building course and passing the endorsement exam with at least 70%. Bond is **\$20,000** for the residential endorsement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical or mechanical work" icon="bolt">
    Electrical work requires an Electrical Administrator license. Mechanical work requires a Mechanical Contractor license, which in turn requires employing a licensed Mechanical Administrator. Both are overseen by DOL Mechanical Inspection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Public works bidding" icon="road">
    No prequalification is required for public works in Alaska, but you must hold a valid contractor registration before submitting a bid. Confirm your license type covers the project scope.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Out-of-state contractor entering Alaska" icon="arrow-left-right">
    Alaska has no reciprocity agreements. You must apply for an Alaska license independently. The state may recognize exams from Prometric or other testing firms on a case-by-case basis.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

Alaska handles construction licensing through two agencies — DCCED for all contractor registration and licensing, and DOL for mechanical and electrical installation oversight.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Contractor licensing — Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCCED)" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    **Anchorage office:**
    550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567

    **Juneau office:**
    Post Office Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806

    **Phone:** (907) 465-2050 (construction contractors) | (907) 269-8160 (Anchorage) | (907) 465-2550 (Juneau)

    **Fax:** (907) 269-8195 (Anchorage) | (907) 465-2974 (Juneau)

    **Email:** [ConstructionContractors@Alaska.Gov](mailto:ConstructionContractors@Alaska.Gov)

    **Website:** [commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mechanical and electrical installation oversight — DOL Mechanical Inspection" icon="tool">
    1251 Muldoon Road, Suite 113, Anchorage, AK 99504

    **Phone:** (907) 269-4925 | **Fax:** (907) 269-4932

    **Email:** [mi@alaska.gov](mailto:mi@alaska.gov)

    **Website:** [labor.alaska.gov/lss/mihome.htm](http://www.labor.alaska.gov/lss/mihome.htm)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

All Alaska contractor licenses are issued through DCCED. A separate state business license is also required. The Residential Endorsement requires a 16-hour cold climate course. General contractor licenses expire December 31 of even years; specialty and mechanical licenses expire December 31 of odd years.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Contractor License Fees" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    | License type                      | Application fee | Exam fee  | License fee | Biennial renewal | Bond         |
    | --------------------------------- | --------------- | --------- | ----------- | ---------------- | ------------ |
    | General                           | **\$100**       | N/A       | **\$250**   | **\$250**        | **\$25,000** |
    | General + Residential Endorsement | **\$100**       | **\$95**  | **\$250**   | **\$250**        | **\$20,000** |
    | Mechanical Administrator          | **\$150**       | **\$125** | **\$200**   | **\$200**        | N/A          |
    | Mechanical Contractor             | **\$100**       | **\$125** | **\$250**   | **\$250**        | **\$10,000** |
    | Electrical Administrator          | **\$150**       | **\$125** | **\$170**   | **\$170**        | N/A          |
    | Specialty                         | **\$100**       | N/A       | **\$250**   | **\$250**        | **\$10,000** |

    <Note>
      Application fees are non-refundable. Mechanical Contractor license requires employing a licensed Mechanical Administrator.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential Endorsement" icon="house">
    | Requirement | Detail                                                                     |
    | ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Trigger     | New home construction or residential work exceeding 25% of structure value |
    | Course      | 16-hour cold climate building course                                       |
    | Exam        | Residential contractors endorsement exam, minimum score of **70%**         |
    | Bond        | **\$20,000**                                                               |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical and Mechanical Administrators" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                               |
    | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam            | Trade examination required, minimum score of **70%** |
    | Application fee | **\$150**                                            |
    | Exam fee        | **\$125**                                            |
    | License fee     | Electrical: **\$170**; Mechanical: **\$200**         |

    Exams are administered by PSI: [candidate.psiexams.com](https://candidate.psiexams.com/) | (855) 746-8173
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Insurance Minimums" icon="shield-check">
    All contractors must provide proof of insurance in the following minimum amounts.

    | Coverage type                           | Minimum amount |
    | --------------------------------------- | -------------- |
    | Property damage                         | **\$20,000**   |
    | Injury or death to one person           | **\$50,000**   |
    | Injury or death to more than one person | **\$100,000**  |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

Alaska does not maintain reciprocity agreements with any other state. Out-of-state contractors must apply for an Alaska license independently.

<Info>
  Alaska may recognize examinations given by Prometric or other testing firms on a case-by-case basis. Contact DCCED to confirm whether your existing exam qualifies.
</Info>

## Types of licenses

Alaska offers three main license categories plus an extensive list of specialty designations. Use this section to confirm the exact credential name for your application.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractors" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    * General Contractor (limited Residential)
    * General Contractor (including Residential Endorsement)
    * Mechanical Contractor (requires Mechanical Administrator)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Administrators" icon="bolt">
    * Mechanical Administrator
    * Electrical Administrator
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Specialty Contractors" icon="tool">
    * Access Flooring
    * Acoustical and Insulation
    * Asbestos Abatement
    * Carpentry, Finish
    * Carpentry, Rough
    * Communications (requires Electrical Administrator)
    * Concrete and Paving
    * Demolition
    * Drilling
    * Drywall
    * Electrical (requires Electrical Administrator)
    * Elevator and Conveying System
    * Excavation
    * Fence and Guardrail
    * Floor Covering
    * Glazing
    * Landscaping
    * Liquid or Gas Storage Tank
    * Low Voltage Alarm and Signaling Device
    * Marine
    * Masonry
    * Mechanical — Exempt
    * Painting
    * Plaster
    * Road Construction
    * Roofing
    * Security Systems
    * Sheet Metal
    * Sign
    * Solid Fuel Appliance
    * Steel Erection
    * Tile and Terrazzo
    * Wall Covering
    * Water and Sewer
    * Water System
    * Welding
    * Other Specialty (requires Division review and approval)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="West region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/west">
    Browse all West jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>