Utah

Utah regulates every aspect of construction valued at $3,000 or more through a single agency — the Construction Services Commission under the Division of Professional Licensing. Projects between $1,000 and $3,000 require a handyman exemption registration. Instead of traditional reciprocity, Utah uses a Licensure by Endorsement pathway available to out-of-state licensees from any state.

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 Utah is to know the universal threshold and the endorsement pathway.

Signal	Value
Construction license trigger	$3,000 or more — all types of construction
Handyman exemption registration	$1,000 to $3,000 (Registration of Exemption)
Owner exemption	Owners working on their own residence are exempt
Pre-licensure education	25-hour course + 5-hour Business and Law course required
Exam	Business and Law exam, 70% minimum (select classifications)
Liability insurance minimum	$100,000 / $300,000
Reciprocity model	Licensure by Endorsement — any US state, not traditional reciprocity

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

How do I get a contractor license in Utah, and at what project value is one required?

Any construction project of $3,000 or more requires a license from the Construction Services Commission (Division of Professional Licensing). You must complete a 25-hour pre-licensure education course, a 5-hour Business and Law course, and pass the B&L exam at 70% minimum. General classifications also require 2 years of full-time experience. See Requirements.

Does Utah require separate licenses for electricians and plumbers?

Yes. Electrical contractors (E200, E201) must also hold a Master or Residential Master Electrician license. Plumbing contractors (P200, P201) must also hold a Master or Residential Master Plumber license. These trade licenses have separate exams, CE requirements, and fee structures. See Requirements.

What is the Handyman Exemption in Utah?

Projects between $1,000 and $3,000 require a Registration of Exemption (handyman exemption) rather than a full contractor license. Below $1,000, no state license is required. Owner-occupants working on their own home are exempt at any value. See Construction work regulated.

Where do I go to get licensed in Utah?

All construction licensing goes through the Construction Services Commission at the Division of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114. Phone: (801) 530-6628. Separate portals exist for contractors, electricians, and plumbers. See Who regulates construction.

How much does it cost to get licensed?

General contractor application is $175 for the first classification. Specialty contractor is $135. Each additional classification is $175. Biennial renewal is $119. Electrician and plumber application fees are $116 with $74 biennial renewal. See Requirements.

What insurance is required?

Liability insurance minimum of $100,000 / $300,000 is required. If you have employees, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, and tax registrations must be in place. See Requirements.

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

Utah uses Licensure by Endorsement, not traditional reciprocity. You must hold an active license in another US state for 12+ months with similar scope. The B&L exam and pre-licensure course may be waived if all endorsement requirements are met. This applies to all classifications. See Reciprocal agreements.

Does Utah require a license for roofing work?

Yes. Roofing is classified as S280 under the specialty contractor S-series. Projects of $3,000 or more require this classification. A 25-hour pre-licensure course certificate is required. See Types of licenses.

Does Utah require a license for residential work?

Yes. Residential work at $3,000 or more requires an R100 (Residential and Small Commercial Contractor) license or higher. Projects between $1,000 and $3,000 require a handyman exemption registration. See Construction work regulated.

How many licenses can a contractor hold?

Contractors may hold up to 3 licenses with up to 3 classifications each. The S700 Limited Scope License requires Commission approval before issuance. See Requirements.

Does Utah regulate all construction at the state level?

Yes. Utah regulates all commercial, residential, and public works construction of $3,000 or more through a single commission — the Construction Services Commission under the Division of Professional Licensing. The $3,000 threshold is unusually low and universal. See Construction work regulated.

How does Utah's licensing system handle electricians and plumbers?

Electricians and plumbers are under the same agency (Division of Professional Licensing) as general contractors. E200/E201 contractor licenses require a Master or Residential Master Electrician. P200/P201 require a Master or Residential Master Plumber. Trade licenses have separate exams and CE cycles. See Requirements.

What is the Utah State Construction Services Commission's role?

The Commission administers all construction licenses under the Department of Commerce. It handles general contractors, specialty contractors, electricians, and plumbers through one agency. The S700 Limited Scope License requires Commission approval. See Who regulates construction.

How does Utah's $3,000 threshold compare to other states?

Utah’s $3,000 universal threshold is unusually low. Compare with Arizona ($1,000), California ($1,000), or Alabama ($100,000). The universal nature (all work types) makes it more inclusive than states with trade-specific thresholds. See Licensing thresholds.

How does Licensure by Endorsement work?

Utah does not maintain state-specific reciprocity agreements. Instead, any out-of-state licensee with 12+ months of active, good-standing licensure in a similar scope can apply. The B&L exam and pre-licensure course may be waived. Ownership cannot have changed more than 50%. Utah residency is NOT required. See Reciprocal agreements.

What are the fees across classifications?

General contractor: $175 first classification, $119 biennial renewal. Specialty: $135 first classification. Additional classification: $175. Additional qualifier: $50. Electrician/plumber: $116 application, $74 biennial renewal. See Requirements.

What classification codes does Utah use?

General: E100, B100, R100. Electrical: E200, E201. Plumbing: P200, P201. Specialty: S-series (S202 Solar, S220 Carpentry, S280 Roofing, S350 HVAC, S370 Fire Suppression, etc.). B200 for modular units. R200 for factory-built housing. See Types of licenses.

What exam requirements exist?

General classifications (E100, B100, R100, E200, E201, P200, P201) require a Business and Law exam at 70% minimum. Specialty classifications require only the 25-hour pre-licensure course certificate. Electricians and plumbers have separate trade exams. See Requirements.

What are the renewal cycles?

Contractor licenses expire November 30 of every odd year. Electrician and plumber licenses expire November 30 of every even year. Contractor CE is 6 hours per renewal cycle. Electrician CE is 16 hours. Plumber CE is 12 hours. See Requirements.

How does Utah compare to other Western states?

Utah is among the most regulated: low $3,000 universal threshold, single-commission model, mandatory pre-licensure education (25 hours), and Licensure by Endorsement pathway. The classification system is detailed. Compare with Nevada (no threshold), Colorado (no statewide GC), or Wyoming (electrical only). See 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 the contract value — Utah uses a single threshold for all work types.

Find the right regulator

One commission handles everything. Find the right application portal by trade.

Application and renewal details

Exams, fees, education, insurance, and renewal cycles for contractors, electricians, and plumbers.

Licensure by endorsement

Find out how Utah’s endorsement pathway works for out-of-state licensees.

Special considerations

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

Contractors
Regulators

Utah licenses ALL construction at $3,000 or more. There is no trade or project-type exception.

The universal $3,000 threshold covers commercial, residential, and public works.
Projects between $1,000 and $3,000 require a Registration of Exemption (handyman exemption).
A 25-hour pre-licensure education course and a 5-hour Business and Law course are required before applying.
Electrical and plumbing contractors must also hold a master-level trade license.
Contractors may hold up to 3 licenses with up to 3 classifications each.
Licensure by Endorsement is available for out-of-state licensees — but it is not traditional reciprocity.
Liability insurance of at least $100,000 / $300,000 is required.

Readiness checklist

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

Confirm the value threshold

Any construction at $3,000 or more requires a license. Between $1,000 and $3,000, a handyman exemption registration is needed.

Identify the right classification

Utah uses classification codes (E100, B100, R100, S-series, etc.) to define scope. Match your work to the correct code.

Complete pre-licensure education

A 25-hour pre-licensure course and a 5-hour Business and Law course are required before applying. Out-of-state endorsement applicants may be exempt.

Confirm insurance and financial responsibility

Minimum liability insurance of $100,000/$300,000 is required. If you have employees, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, and tax registrations must be in place.

If you can confirm threshold, classification, education, and financial requirements, you have the minimum package needed for a Utah readiness check.

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

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

Construction work regulated

Utah applies a single threshold to all construction work. The type of work determines the classification, not whether a license is needed.

Work lane	What triggers regulation
All construction (commercial, residential, public works)	$3,000 or more
Handyman exemption	$1,000 to $3,000 — Registration of Exemption required
Owner-occupied residence	Exempt (owner performing own work or contracting with licensed contractor)

Electrical contractors (E200, E201) must also hold a Master or Residential Master Electrician license. Plumbing contractors (P200, P201) must also hold a Master or Residential Master Plumber license.

Common determination scenarios

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

General contractor or builder

Determine whether your work scope is general engineering (E100), general building (B100), or residential/small commercial (R100). All require the 25-hour pre-licensure course, 5-hour Business and Law course, the B&L exam (70% minimum), and 2 years of full-time construction experience or an equivalent degree.

Specialty or sub-trade contractor

Match your work to the correct S-series classification (e.g., S280 Roofing, S350 HVAC, S370 Fire Suppression). The 25-hour pre-licensure course certificate is required but no separate exam unless also qualifying as a general contractor.

Electrical or plumbing contractor

You need both a contractor license (E200/E201 or P200/P201) and a master-level trade license. Trade licenses have separate exams, CE requirements, and fee structures.

Out-of-state contractor

Utah uses Licensure by Endorsement, not traditional reciprocity. You must hold an active license in another state for 12+ months with similar scope. The B&L exam and pre-licensure course may be waived if all endorsement requirements are met.

Small project under $3,000

Projects between $1,000 and $3,000 require a Registration of Exemption (handyman exemption). Under $1,000, no state license is required. Owner-occupants working on their own home are exempt at any value.

Who regulates construction

Utah handles all construction licensing through a single commission. Use the links below to reach the correct application portal.

All contractors — Construction Services Commission, Division of Professional Licensing

P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741Phone: (801) 530-6628 | Fax: (801) 530-6511Contractors: commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contractingElectricians: commerce.utah.gov/dopl/electricalPlumbers: commerce.utah.gov/dopl/plumbing

Requirements

Utah uses one set of requirements for general and specialty contractors, with separate tracks for electricians and plumbers. Expand the category that applies to your situation.

General and Specialty Contractors

Requirement	Detail
Pre-licensure education	25-hour approved course covering construction business practices, bookkeeping, mechanics liens, and construction principles.
Business and Law course	5-hour course required.
Exam	Business and Law exam, 70% minimum — required for E100, B100, R100, E200, E201, P200, P201 classifications.
Experience (general classifications)	2 years full-time paid construction experience, or a 4-year Bachelor’s / 2-year Associate’s degree in Construction Management, or passing NASCLA Accredited Exam, or an active equivalent license from another state.
Experience (specialty classifications)	25-hour course certificate required; or an active equivalent license from another state.
Insurance	Liability minimum $100,000 / $300,000.
Workers’ comp / tax registration	Required if the contractor has employees.
License limit	Up to 3 licenses with up to 3 classifications each.
Renewal cycle	Expires November 30 of every odd year. 6 hours of CE per renewal cycle.
S700 approval	Limited Scope License requires Commission approval before issuance.

Fee	Amount
General contractor application (first classification)	$175
Specialty contractor application (first classification)	$135
Each additional classification	$175
Each additional qualifier	$50
Biennial renewal	$119
Electronic code library surcharge	$1

Electricians

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Required — see Candidate Information Bulletin for eligibility by license type.
Continuing education	16 hours per renewal cycle: minimum 8 hours on current National Electrical Code, 4 hours on NFPA 70E.
Contractor requirement	E200 or E201 contractor license requires a Master or Residential Master Electrician license.
Renewal cycle	November 30 of every even year (2-year cycle).

License Type	Application Fee	Biennial Renewal
Apprentice Electrician	$116	$74
Journeyman Electrician	$116	$74
Master Electrician	$116	$74
Residential Journeyman Electrician	$116	$74
Residential Master Electrician	$116	$74

Application fees are non-refundable processing fees.

Plumbers

Requirement	Detail
Exam	Required — see Candidate Information Bulletin for eligibility by license type.
Continuing education	12 hours per renewal cycle: minimum 8 hours Core CE, 4 hours Core or Professional.
Contractor requirement	P200 or P201 contractor license requires a Master or Residential Master Plumber license.
Renewal cycle	November 30 of every even year (2-year cycle).

License Type	Application Fee	Biennial Renewal
Master Plumber	$116	$74
Journeyman Plumber	$116	$74
Residential Master Plumber	$116	$74
Residential Journeyman Plumber	$116	$74
Apprentice Plumber	$116	$74

Application fees are non-refundable processing fees.

Reciprocal agreements

Utah does not maintain traditional reciprocity agreements with specific states. Instead, it offers Licensure by Endorsement — a pathway available to any out-of-state licensee who can demonstrate equivalent qualifications.

Licensure by Endorsement is NOT reciprocity. The applicant must prove that their existing license meets Utah’s requirements. The B&L exam and pre-licensure course may be waived if all endorsement criteria are satisfied.

Endorsement requirement	Detail
Existing license	Active and in good standing in another US state, district, or territory for at least 12 months
Scope of practice	Must be similar to the Utah classification sought
Ownership	Ownership cannot have changed more than 50%
Residency	Utah residency is NOT required
B&L exam waiver	Waived if all endorsement requirements are met
Pre-licensure course waiver	Waived if all endorsement requirements are met
Applies to	All classifications including specialties

Types of licenses

Utah uses a code-based classification system. General classifications cover broad scopes; S-series codes cover specialty trades. Use these tabs to find the classification that matches your work.

General Contractors

E100 — General Engineering Contractor (includes B100 scope)
B100 — General Building Contractor (includes E100 scope)
B200 — Modular Unit Installation Contractor
R100 — Residential and Small Commercial Contractor
R101 — Residential / Small Commercial Non-Structural Remodel and Repair (standalone; cannot combine with other specialties)
R200 — Factory Built Housing Contractor

Electrical & Plumbing

Electrical:

E200 — General Electrical Contractor (requires Master Electrician)
E201 — Residential Electrical Contractor (requires Residential Master Electrician)

Plumbing:

P200 — General Plumbing Contractor (requires Master Plumber)
P201 — Residential Plumbing Contractor (requires Residential Master Plumber)

Trade licenses (Electrician):

Apprentice Electrician
Journeyman Electrician; Residential Journeyman Electrician
Master Electrician; Residential Master Electrician

Trade licenses (Plumber):

Apprentice Plumber
Journeyman Plumber; Residential Journeyman Plumber
Master Plumber; Residential Master Plumber

Specialty Contractors (S-series)

S202 — Solar Photovoltaic
S220 — Carpentry and Flooring
S230 — Masonry, Siding, Stucco, Glass, and Rain Gutter
S260 — Asphalt and Concrete
S270 — Drywall, Paint, and Plastering
S280 — Roofing
S310 — Foundation, Excavation, and Demolition
S330 — Landscape and Recreation (includes swimming pools, spas, fountains, sprinkler systems, irrigation)
S350 — HVAC
S354 — Radon Mitigation
S370 — Fire Suppression Systems
S410 — Boiler, Pipeline, Waste Water, and Water Conditioner
S440 — Sign Installation
S510 — Elevator
S700 — Limited Scope License (requires Commission approval)

West region guide

Browse all West 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.

Utah uses Licensure by Endorsement rather than state-specific reciprocity agreements. No neighboring jurisdictions have individual reciprocity arrangements to list.

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Territories and DC

At a glance

Frequently asked questions

Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Licensure by endorsement

Special considerations

Readiness checklist

Navigation

Construction work regulated

Common determination scenarios

Who regulates construction

Requirements

Reciprocal agreements

Types of licenses

See also

West region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

​At a glance

​Frequently asked questions

​Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Licensure by endorsement

​Special considerations

​Readiness checklist

​Navigation

​Construction work regulated

​Common determination scenarios

​Who regulates construction

​Requirements

​Reciprocal agreements

​Types of licenses

​See also

West region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

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