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Idaho uses a layered model: all contractors must register with the General Contractors Board, public works projects of $50,000 or more require a separate class-based license, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades carry their own licenses through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.

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At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Idaho is to know these key signals.
SignalValue
General contractor registrationRequired for all construction work — no dollar minimum
Public works license trigger$50,000 or more per project
General liability insurance (registration)$300,000 minimum
Plumbing contractor bond$2,000
HVAC contractor bond$2,000
Trade experience (standard path)4 years (8,000 hours) + 4 years vocational training
Trade experience (experience-only path)8 years (16,000 hours)
Out-of-state from non-reciprocal stateDouble experience required (8 years / 16,000 hours)
Reciprocity modelTrade-specific (electrical: 14 states; plumbing: 3 states; registration: none)

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Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.
All general contractors and subcontractors must register with the General Contractors Board (part of DOPL) at 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg. #4, Boise, ID 83714. Registration requires $300,000 minimum general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. The fee is $50 per year. See Requirements and Who regulates construction.
A public works license is required for all contractors and subcontractors on public works projects of $50,000 or more. It uses a class system (D through Unlimited) with financial requirements scaling by bid limit. You must pass an exam with a 70% score. This is separate from general contractor registration. See Requirements.
Yes. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work each require separate trade licenses through DOPL, in addition to general contractor registration. Journeyman applicants need 4 years (8,000 hours) plus 4 years vocational training, or 8 years (16,000 hours) experience alone. See Requirements.
General contractor registration goes through the General Contractors Board. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and public works licensing goes through DOPL. Both are located at 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg. #4, Boise. See Who regulates construction.
Contractor registration is $50 per year. Public works license fees range from $50 (Class D) to $550 (Unlimited). Electrical journeyman is $55 initial. Plumbing journeyman is $29.40 initial. HVAC journeyman is $150 initial. See Requirements for complete fee tables.
Registration requires $300,000 minimum general liability insurance. Plumbing and HVAC contractors must post a $2,000 surety bond each. Public works licensing has financial requirements scaling by class. See Requirements.
Contractor registration has no reciprocity. For trade licenses, check if your state has reciprocity: electrical has 14 reciprocal states, plumbing has 3 (Montana, Oregon, Washington). Applicants from non-reciprocal states must meet vocational requirements or provide double the experience (8 years / 16,000 hours). See Reciprocal agreements.
Roofing is a subcontractor registration category (110 Roofing) under the General Contractors Board. All roofing contractors must register. If the project is public works at $50,000 or more, a public works license is also required. See Types of licenses.
Classes range from D (up to $50,000) to Unlimited (no bid limit). Net worth requirements range from $10,000 (Class D) to $1,000,000 (Unlimited). Higher classes require audited or reviewed financial statements. See Requirements for the complete table.
Yes. Construction managers must be licensed through Public Works Contractor Licensing at DOPL. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree plus 4 years experience, or 5 years without a degree, plus the CMAA exam. A one-year temporary license may be available for managers licensed in states with similar requirements. See Requirements.

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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 registration requirements and public works thresholds.

Find the right regulator

Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Idaho agency.

Application and renewal details

Exams, fees, bonds, insurance, and renewal cycles for each trade and public works class.

Reciprocity direction

Find out which trades recognize out-of-state journeyman credentials.

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Special considerations

Different roles need different things from an Idaho page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.
Idaho has two layers: registration (required for all work) and licensing (required for public works and trades). Make sure you have both when they apply.
  • All general contractors and subcontractors must register — there is no dollar minimum for registration.
  • Public works projects of $50,000 or more require a separate class-based license (D through Unlimited).
  • Registration requires $300,000 minimum general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires separate trade licenses in addition to registration.
  • Out-of-state applicants from non-reciprocal states must provide double the standard experience (8 years / 16,000 hours) for trade licenses.
  • Plumbing and HVAC contractors must post a $2,000 surety bond.
  • Construction managers must be separately licensed through Public Works Licensing.

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Readiness checklist

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

Register as a contractor

All general contractors and subcontractors must register with the General Contractors Board. Confirm $300,000 general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

Check the public works threshold

If the project is public works valued at $50,000 or more, you need a separate class-based license from DOPL. Determine the correct class (D through Unlimited) based on bid limits and financial requirements.

Route trade licenses to DOPL

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work each require separate trade licenses. Check reciprocity for journeyman credentials if you hold an out-of-state license.

Confirm the requirement set

Confirm exams, experience, fees, bonds, insurance, renewal cycle, and reciprocity rules for each license type before filing.
If you can confirm registration, public works class, trade licenses, and requirement details, you have the minimum package needed for an Idaho readiness check.
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

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Construction work regulated

Idaho requires universal contractor registration for all construction work, plus additional licensing for public works and regulated trades. The public works threshold is the key dollar gate.
Work laneWhat triggers regulation
Home and commercial constructionRegistration required — no dollar minimum
Public worksLicense required for projects of $50,000 or more
ElectricalTrade license required
PlumbingTrade license required
HVACTrade license required
Construction managementMust be licensed through Public Works Licensing
Registration and trade licensing are separate. A contractor performing electrical work on a private project needs both a contractor registration and an electrical license.

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Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.
Register with the General Contractors Board. You need a completed application, proof of $300,000 minimum general liability insurance with completed operations and general aggregate coverage, and workers’ compensation coverage or an acceptable exemption statement. Registration is valid for one year.
In addition to contractor registration, obtain a Public Works License through DOPL. Choose the correct class (D through Unlimited) based on bid limits. Higher classes require CPA-audited or reviewed financial statements. All applicants must pass an exam with a 70% score.
Each trade requires a separate license through DOPL. Journeyman applicants need 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience plus 4 years of vocational training, or 8 years (16,000 hours) of experience alone. Check reciprocity — electrical has 14 reciprocal states and plumbing has 3.
Contractor registration has no reciprocity — you must register like any other applicant. For trade licenses, check if your state has reciprocity. Applicants from non-reciprocal states must meet Idaho’s vocational education requirements or provide double the experience (8 years / 16,000 hours).
Construction managers must be licensed through Public Works Contractor Licensing. Requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management plus 4 years of experience; or 5 years of experience without a degree. Must pass the CMAA exam. A temporary one-year license may be issued to managers licensed in states with similar requirements.

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Who regulates construction

Idaho splits construction regulation between a registration board and a licensing division. Use this directory to find the correct agency for your situation.
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg. #4, Boise, ID 83714Phone: (208) 334-3233 | Fax: (208) 334-3945Email: CON@dopl.idaho.govWebsite: dopl.idaho.gov
11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg. #4, Boise, ID 83714Phone: (208) 334-3950Email: tradelicensing@dopl.idaho.govWebsite: dopl.idaho.gov

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Requirements

Idaho has separate requirement structures for contractor registration, trade licensing, and public works licensing. Expand the category that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.

Contractor Registration (Home and Commercial)

RequirementDetail
ScopeAll general contractors and subcontractors must register
Insurance$300,000 minimum general liability with completed operations and general aggregate coverage
Workers’ compensationRequired, or acceptable statement of exemption
Business registration term1 year from issue date
Individual registration term1 year from applicant’s birthday
Registration TypeApplication FeeRenewal Fee
RCE — Registered Entity$50$50 per year
RCT — Registered Individual$50$50 per year
RequirementDetail
Experience (journeyman)4 years (8,000 hours) + 4 years vocational training; or 8 years (16,000 hours)
Out-of-state (non-reciprocal)Must meet vocational requirements or provide 8 years (16,000 hours)
ExamRequired for all except apprentice and limited trainee
ApprenticeMust be registered and work under journeyman supervision
Limited installerRequired for specialty electrical categories; companies need limited contractor license
License TypeApplication FeeExam FeePass ScoreInitial FeeRenewal FeeTerm
ApprenticeN/AN/AN/A$15$151 year
Journeyman$15$7570%$55$453 years
Master$15$7575%$65$453 years
Contractor$15$7575%$125$1001 year
Limited TraineeN/AN/AN/A$30$253 years
Limited Installer$15$7570%$55$453 years
Limited Contractor$15$7570%$125$1001 year
RequirementDetail
Experience (journeyman)4 years (8,000 hours) + 4 years vocational training; or 8 years (16,000 hours)
Out-of-state (non-reciprocal)Must meet vocational requirements or provide 8 years (16,000 hours)
Exam (journeyman)Written and practical exam required
Contractor requirementMust have acted as plumbing journeyman for at least 2.5 years
Bond$2,000 surety bond for contractors
ApprenticeMust be registered, employed by a licensed contractor, and work under journeyman supervision
License TypeApplication FeeExam FeePass ScoreLicense FeeRenewal Fee
Apprentice (3-year)N/AN/AN/A$50$50
Specialty Apprentice (5-year)N/AN/AN/A$30$30
Journeyman (3-year)$22.50$7575%$29.40$21.60
Specialty Journeyman (3-year)$22.50$7575%$29.40$21.60
Contractor (3-year)$22.50$7575%$147$108
Specialty Contractor (3-year)$22.50$7575%$147$108
RequirementDetail
Experience (journeyman)4 years (8,000 hours) + 4 years vocational training; or 8 years (16,000 hours)
Out-of-stateMust meet vocational requirements or provide 8 years (16,000 hours) and complete apprenticeship courses
Contractor requirementMust have acted as HVAC journeyman for at least 24 months
Bond$2,000 surety bond for contractors
ApprenticeMust be registered, employed by a licensed contractor, and work under journeyman supervision
License TypeApplication FeeExam FeePass ScoreLicense FeeRenewal FeeTerm
Apprentice$10N/AN/A$10$101 year
Specialty Apprentice$20N/AN/A$20$202 years
Journeyman$35$7570%$150$755 years
Specialty Journeyman$35$7570%$150$755 years
Contractor$35$7570%$225$1505 years
Specialty Contractor$35$7570%$225$1505 years
RequirementDetail
TriggerAll public works projects of $50,000 or more
ScopeAll contractors and subcontractors on the project
ExamRequired, passing score of 70%
Exam fee$75
Financial statementsAudited or reviewed for A, AA, AAA, Unlimited; compiled for B; in-house for C and D
RenewalLicenses valid for 1 year, expiring on the last day of the issue month
License classes and fees:
ClassInitial FeeRenewal Fee
Unlimited$550$440
AAA$450$360
AA$350$280
A$250$160
B$150$120
CC$125$100
C$100$80
D$50$40
Financial requirements by class:
ClassContract Limit (per bid)Net WorthWorking Capital
D$50,000$10,000$3,000
C$200,000$25,000$7,500
CC$400,000$75,000$25,000
B$600,000$150,000$50,000
A$1,250,000$300,000$100,000
AA$3,000,000$450,000$150,000
AAA$5,000,000$600,000$200,000
UnlimitedNo bid limit$1,000,000$600,000
RequirementDetail
Education pathBachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management + 4 years experience managing construction projects
Experience-only path5 years experience managing construction projects
ExamCMAA-administered exam required
Temporary licenseOne-year temporary license available for managers licensed in states with similar requirements
Licensing authorityPublic Works Contractors Licensing (DOPL)

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Reciprocal agreements

Idaho’s reciprocity is trade-specific. Contractor registration has no reciprocity — all applicants must register regardless of out-of-state credentials. Electrical journeyman licenses have the broadest coverage at 14 states.
Reciprocity applies only to journeyman-level trade licenses. Contractor registration and public works licensing have no reciprocal agreements.
TradeReciprocal statesCoverage
Electrical (journeyman)Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming14 states
Plumbing (journeyman)Montana, Oregon, Washington3 states
Contractor registrationNoneNone
Public works licensingNoneNone

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Types of licenses

This section lists the credential categories Idaho offers across its registration and licensing systems. Use it when you need to confirm the exact classification for an application or comparison.

Contractor Registration

General Contractors:
  • 001 General Commercial Builder
  • 002 General Residential Builder
  • 003 General Remodel Builder
  • 004 Supplier
Subcontractors:
  • 010 Demolition, Abatement, Mitigation
  • 020 Excavation, Trenching, Site Prep
  • 030 Septic Systems
  • 040 Water Well Systems
  • 050 Roads, Driveways
  • 060 Footings, Foundation
  • 070 Waterproofing
  • 080 Concrete Flatwork
  • 090 Framing Labor & Rough Carpentry
  • 100 Structural Steel, Metal Studs
  • 110 Roofing
  • 140 Alarm, AV, Data Systems
  • 160 Insulation
  • 170 Doors, Windows
  • 180 Drywall, Plaster
  • 190 Painting, Wall Coverings
  • 200 Wallpapering
  • 210 Cabinets, Countertops
  • 220 Finish Labor
  • 230 Finish Hardware, Mirrors
  • 240 Stairway Systems
  • 250 Closet Systems
  • 260 Acoustical Ceilings
  • 270 Finish Flooring Installation
  • 280 Fireplaces, Wood Stoves
  • 290 Elevators, Dumb Waiters
  • 300 Fire Protection Systems
  • 310 Appliance Installation
  • 315 Cleaning Services
  • 320 Siding, Soffits, Fascias
  • 330 Gutters
  • 340 Stucco, Masonry, Tile
  • 350 Decks
  • 360 Ornamental Iron/Railings
  • 370 Carports
  • 380 Asphalt Paving
  • 390 Fencing, Gates, Barriers
  • 400 Landscaping, Sprinklers
  • 410 Pools, Spas
  • 420 Tanks, Containers
  • 430 Signage
  • 440 Log Structures
  • 450 Pre-Engineered Structures
  • 460 Welding
  • 470 Heavy Equipment
  • 500 Handyman
Major classifications:
  • Construction Management (Individual Only)
  • Heavy Construction
  • Highway Construction
  • Building Construction
  • Specialty Construction
License classes (by bid limit):
  • D — up to $50,000
  • C — up to $200,000
  • CC — up to $400,000
  • B — up to $600,000
  • A — up to $1,250,000
  • AA — up to $3,000,000
  • AAA — up to $5,000,000
  • Unlimited — no bid limit
  • 01107 Engineering
  • 01541 Scaffolding and Shoring
  • 01542 Craning and Erection
  • 01550 Construction Zone Traffic Control
  • 01570 Temporary Erosion and Sediment Controls
  • 02110 Excavations, Removal and Handling of Hazardous Material
  • 02115 Removals of Underground Storage Tanks
  • 02195 Environmental Remediation, Restoration and Soil Stabilization
  • 02210 Drilling
  • 02220 Demolition
  • 02230 Site Clearing
  • 02231 Logging
  • 02232 Tree Removal and Trimming
  • 02240 Dewatering and Subsurface Drainage
  • 02260 Earth Retention Systems, MSE Walls, and Retaining Walls
  • 02265 Slurry Walls
  • 02270 Rockfall Mitigation and High Scaling
  • 02310 Excavation and Grading
  • 02312 Dust Control, Dust Abatement and Dust Oiling
  • 02317 Rock Trenching
  • 02318 Hauling
  • 02319 Blasting
  • 02325 Dredging
  • 02404 Horizontal and Directional Earth Boring, Trenching and Tunneling
  • 02450 Drilled Piers, Pile Driving, Caisson Drilling, Geopier and Helical Piers
  • 02500 Utilities
  • 02520 Well Drilling
  • 02580 Installation of Communication Towers
  • 02660 Membrane Liners for Ponds and Reservoirs
  • 02720 Crushing
  • 02740 Asphalt Paving
  • 02761 Traffic Marking and Striping
  • 02785 Asphalt Maintenance and Repair, Seal Coating, Crack Sealing and Chip Sealing
  • 02790 Athletic and Recreational Surfaces
  • 02810 Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems
  • 02820 Fencing
  • 02840 Guardrails and Safety Barriers
  • 02850 Bridges and Structures
  • 02855 Bridge Crossings and Box Culverts
  • 02880 Installation of School Playground Equipment
  • 02890 Traffic Signs and Signals
  • 02900 Landscaping, Seeding and Mulching
  • 02910 Slope Stabilization, Hydroseeding, Hydromulching, Native Plant Revegetation
  • 02935 Landscape Maintenance
  • 02937 Pest Control, Sterilization and Herbicide Applications
  • 02955 Pipeline Cleaning, Sealing, Lining and Bursting
  • 02965 Cold Milling, Rumble Strip Milling, Asphalt Reclaiming and Pavement Grinding
  • 02990 Structural Moving
  • 03200 Concrete Reinforcing Rebar Installation
  • 03300 Concrete
  • 03370 Specially Placed Concrete, Concrete Pumping and Shotcreting
  • 03380 Post-Tensioned Concrete Structures or Structural Members
  • 03500 Gypcrete
  • 03600 Concrete Grouting
  • 03650 Pressure Grouting and Slab Jacking
  • 03900 Concrete Demolition, Sawing, Cutting, Core Drilling, Joint Sealing and Hydrocutting
  • 04000 Masonry
  • 04900 Chemical Cleaning and Masonry Restoration
  • 05090 Welding
  • 05100 Steel Fabrication, Erection and Installation
  • 05700 Ornamental Metals
  • 05830 Bridge Expansion Joints and Repairs
  • 06100 Carpentry, Framing and Remodeling
  • 06130 Log and Heavy Timber Construction
  • 06139 Docks — Log and Wood Structures
  • 06200 Finish Carpentry and Millwork
  • 07100 Waterproofing and Damp-proofing
  • 07200 Thermal Insulation
  • 07240 Stucco and Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)
  • 07400 Roofing and Siding
  • 07450 Siding and Decking
  • 07700 Sheet Metal Flashings, Roof Specialties and Accessories
  • 07800 Sprayed on Fireproofing
  • 07920 Caulking and Joint Sealants
  • 08100 Doors, Gates, Specialty Doors and Activating Devices
  • 08500 Windows, Glass and Glazing
  • 09110 Steel Stud Framing
  • 09200 Lath and Plaster
  • 09250 Drywall
  • 09300 Tile and Terrazzo
  • 09500 Acoustical Treatment
  • 09600 Flooring
  • 09680 Floor Covering and Carpeting
  • 09900 Painting and Decorating
  • 09950 Sand Blasting
  • 09960 Specialty Coatings
  • 10150 Institutional Equipment
  • 10270 Raised Access Flooring
  • 10445 Non-Electrical Signs
  • 11001 Specialty Machinery and Equipment Installation and Servicing
  • 11140 Petroleum and Vehicle Service Equipment, Installation and Repair
  • 11200 Water/Wastewater and Chemical Treatment
  • 11485 Climbing Wall Structures and Products
  • 12011 Prefabricated Equipment and Furnishings
  • 12490 Window, Wall Coverings, Drapes and Blinds
  • 13110 Cathodic Protection
  • 13121 Pre-Manufactured Components and Modular Structures
  • 13125 Pre-Engineered Building Kits
  • 13150 Swimming Pools and Spas
  • 13165 Aquatic Recreational Equipment
  • 13201 Circular Prestressed Concrete Storage Tanks
  • 13280 Hazardous Material Remediation
  • 13290 Radon Mitigation
  • 13800 Instrumentation and Controls
  • 13850 Alarm Systems
  • 13930 Fire Suppression Systems (Wet and Dry-Pipe Sprinklers)
  • 13970 Fire Extinguisher and Fire Suppression Systems
  • 14200 Elevators, Lifts and Hoists
  • 15100 Pipe Fitter and Process Piping
  • 15400 Plumbing
  • 15510 Boiler and Steam Fitting
  • 15550 Chimney Repair
  • 15600 Refrigeration
  • 15700 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • 15950 Testing and Balancing of Systems
  • 16000 Electrical
  • 16700 Communication
  • 16800 Limited Electrical Contractor
  • 18100 Golf Course Construction
  • 18200 Underwater Installation and Diving
  • 18300 Develop Gas and Oil Wells
  • 18400 Nonstructural Restoration after Fire or Flood
  • 18600 Building Cleaning and Maintenance
  • 18700 Snow Removal
  • 18800 Roadway Cleaning, Sweeping and Mowing
Electrical:
  • Apprentice
  • Journeyman
  • Master
  • Contractor
  • Limited Trainee
  • Limited Installer
  • Limited Contractor
Plumbing:
  • Apprentice
  • Specialty Apprentice
  • Journeyman
  • Specialty Journeyman
  • Contractor
  • Specialty Contractor
HVAC:
  • Apprentice
  • Specialty Apprentice
  • Journeyman
  • Specialty Journeyman
  • Contractor
  • Specialty Contractor

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See also

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.
Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:

Montana

Electrical journeyman and plumbing journeyman reciprocity with Idaho.

Oregon

Plumbing journeyman reciprocity with Idaho.

Washington

Plumbing journeyman reciprocity with Idaho.