Nevada Contractor License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Nevada takes contractor licensing seriously. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) regulates all contractors performing work in the state, and virtually all construction work requires a license. Unlike states that set a relatively high dollar threshold before licensing kicks in, Nevada requires a license for nearly every construction project, with only a narrow exemption for minor repair and maintenance work valued under $1,000 that does not require a building permit.

The NSCB issues licenses in three main classifications: Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty). Each license carries a monetary limit — the maximum value of work a contractor can take on per project — which the Board sets based on financial qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of trade experience, pass two examinations, post a surety bond, and meet financial and insurance requirements before the Board will issue a license.

This guide covers every aspect of the Nevada contractor licensing process: license types and classifications, experience and exam requirements, the application process, fees, bonding and insurance, renewal procedures, reciprocity with other states, and the penalties for unlicensed work. All information is sourced from official NSCB resources and NRS Chapter 624.

Types of Contractor Licenses

The NSCB issues licenses under three primary classifications, plus a combined classification. Each one defines the scope of work a contractor is authorized to perform. You can review the full list on the NSCB License Classifications page.

Class A — General Engineering Contractor

A Class A license covers fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. This includes infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, dams, airports, pipelines, sewers, and excavation work. The NSCB defines 25 subclassifications within Class A:

• A-1: Airports
• A-2: Highways and roads
• A-3: Dams and reservoirs
• A-4: Bridges and overpasses
• A-5: Drilling (water wells, monitoring wells)
• A-6: Excavation and grading
• A-7: Paving (asphalt, concrete)
• A-8: Sewers and pipelines
• A-9: Swimming pools
• A-10 through A-25: Additional specialized engineering categories including fencing, asbestos abatement, foundations, telecommunication towers, and industrial plumbing

A Class A licensee can take on any project within the subclassifications listed on their license. They can also subcontract specialty work to appropriately licensed C-classification contractors.

Class B — General Building Contractor

A Class B license covers the construction or remodeling of buildings and structures requiring more than two unrelated building trades or crafts. This is the license most general contractors in the residential and commercial building space will hold. The NSCB recognizes seven subclassifications:

• B-1: Premanufactured housing
• B-2: Residential and small commercial
• B-3: Speculative construction
• B-4: Service stations
• B-5: Prefabricated steel structures
• B-6: Commercial remodeling
• B-7: General building (all)

Class AB — Combined Classification

The NSCB grants a combined AB classification to applicants who qualify for both Class A and Class B work. This allows a single license holder to perform general engineering and general building work without maintaining two separate licenses.

Class C — Specialty Contractor

Class C licenses cover specialized trade work. Nevada recognizes over 40 subclassifications within the C category. Some of the most common include:

• C-1: Plumbing and heating (with sub-specialties for boilers, fire sprinklers, insulation, and plumbing)
• C-1F: Heating, cooling, and circulating air (HVAC)
• C-2: Electrical (with sub-specialties for fire detection and low voltage)
• C-3: Carpentry, maintenance, and minor repairs
• C-4: Painting and decorating
• C-5: Concrete contracting
• C-10: Landscape contracting
• C-14: Steel reinforcing and erection
• C-15: Roofing and siding
• C-16: Finishing floors
• C-17: Lathing and plastering
• C-18: Masonry
• C-20: Tiling
• C-21: Refrigeration and air conditioning

The complete list of C subclassifications and their scope of work is defined in Chapter 624 of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC).

Restricted Contractor's License (New as of October 2025)

In September 2025, Governor Lombardo signed Senate Bill 130 (SB130), creating a new restricted contractor's license category. This license has reduced requirements and a narrower scope:

• Experience: Two years (instead of four) as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee
• Scope: Limited to residential remodeling and improvement of single-family residences or residential units no more than three stories tall and one story below ground
• Monetary limit: $7,000 (labor and materials), or a higher amount approved by the NSCB
• Bond: Minimum $2,000 surety bond or cash deposit
• Additional requirement: Must complete a business counseling course at least one year before applying

Applications for the restricted license have been available since October 1, 2025. For more details, see the SB130 overview.

Licensing Requirements

The NSCB requires applicants to meet several qualifications before a license will be issued. These requirements apply to all business structures — sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, and joint ventures. The license belongs to the business entity, not to the qualifying individual. Full details are on the NSCB License Requirements page.

Experience

Every application must designate a qualifying individual who demonstrates at least four full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification. This experience must fall within the past 15 years.

Experience can be documented through:

• Four completed Certification of Work Experience forms with a detailed Resume of Experience
• A current master certification from a governmental agency
• Transferable military experience or training
• Licensure by endorsement from an equivalent state (held for at least four years)
• Prior status as a Nevada qualifying individual in the same classification within the past 10 years

Up to three years of experience can be substituted through accredited college or university programs, or completion of an apprenticeship program.

Qualifying Individual Roles

The qualifying individual can serve in one or both of two roles:

• Management Qualified Individual: Must pass the Business and Law (CMS) examination
• Trade Qualified Individual: Must demonstrate four years of trade experience and pass the trade-specific exam

One person can fill both roles, or the business can designate separate individuals. The qualifying individual must be a bona fide member or employee of the business and must be actively engaged in contracting operations.

Financial Requirements

A financial statement is required with every application, regardless of the monetary limit requested. The type of financial statement depends on the limit you are seeking:

A Bank Verification Form, completed by your bank, must accompany all applications.

Background Check

All applicants and qualifying individuals must submit a completed Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization form. The NSCB conducts background checks as part of the application review process.

Application Process

Nevada offers an online application system that allows you to complete and submit your application electronically. You can save your progress and return later, but processing does not begin until you submit the application with payment.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Register your business with the Nevada Secretary of State. You will need your Nevada Business ID number, which you can obtain through SilverFlume. If operating under a fictitious name, file the appropriate certificate first.
2. Complete the online application. Access the portal through the NSCB website. Provide your business information, qualifying individual details, and requested classification(s).
3. Submit experience documentation. Include four Certification of Work Experience forms with a Resume of Experience, or alternative documentation (master certification, military training, endorsement from another state).
4. Submit your financial statement at the level required for your requested monetary limit, along with the Bank Verification Form.
5. Complete the Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization for all applicants and qualifying individuals.
6. Pay the $300 application processing fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
7. Wait for NSCB review. Processing times vary. Your assigned License Analyst can provide a specific estimate for your application.
8. Schedule and pass your examinations (Business and Law + trade-specific exam) after receiving your approval letter.
9. Submit post-approval documents: biennial license fee ($600), surety bond, proof of workers' compensation insurance (or exemption affidavit), and Residential Recovery Fund registration (if applicable).
10. Receive your license. Your license will include your approved classification(s) and monetary limit.

The NSCB also offers a Business Assistance Program and a Veterans Assistance Program for military members, spouses, and veterans navigating the application process.

Required Documents Checklist

• Completed application form (signed and dated)
• Nevada Business ID from Secretary of State
• Fictitious business name certificate (if applicable)
• Certification of Work Experience forms and Resume of Experience
• Financial statement (type based on monetary limit)
• Bank Verification Form
• Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization
• $300 application processing fee

You can review the complete application form in advance by downloading the Contractor's License Application PDF from the NSCB website.

Examination Requirements

After the NSCB approves your application, you will receive a letter confirming your eligibility to sit for two examinations. Both exams are administered by PSI Licensure (PSI) at testing centers in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko, as well as select out-of-state PSI locations.

Required Exams

Exam Fees

• Both exams taken together: $140
• Single exam: $95

Exam Attempts and Retakes

Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass each exam. There is a mandatory two-week waiting period between failed attempts. If you fail an exam three times, your application becomes void. You may reapply 30 days after your final exam attempt.

NASCLA Exam Acceptance

Nevada accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Examination. If you have passed the NASCLA exam, Nevada will waive the state-specific trade examination for general building (Class B) classifications. However, you must still pass the Nevada Business and Law exam. See the Reciprocity section for more details.

Study Resources

PSI provides exam content outlines and reference lists on their website. Several third-party providers offer Nevada-specific exam prep courses, including Contractor Training Center and AtHomePrep.

License Fees and Costs

The total cost of obtaining and maintaining a Nevada contractor license includes several components. Here is a breakdown of the fees you can expect:

Surety bond premiums are an annual cost paid to your bonding company, typically ranging from 1% to 15% of the bond amount depending on your credit and financial profile. The bond amount itself is set by the NSCB based on your license type, monetary limit, and financial qualifications.

Residential Recovery Fund

If you perform residential work, you must participate in the Residential Recovery Fund. This fund provides homeowner protection when licensed residential contractors fail to perform or complete work. The biennial assessment is based on your license's monetary limit. Contractors who do not perform residential work may apply for an exemption certificate.

Insurance and Bond Requirements

Surety Bond

Every licensed contractor in Nevada must maintain a license bond. The NSCB determines the bond amount at the time of license approval, and it can range from $1,000 to $500,000. The Board considers the following factors when setting your bond amount:

• Type of license and classification
• Monetary limit on the license
• Past, present, and future financial responsibility
• Experience and character of the applicant

Bonds must be issued by surety companies authorized to do business in Nevada with a long-term rating of "A" or better. Alternatively, you can post a cash bond in the form of a cashier's check for the full bond amount. Cash bonds incur a biennial $200 administration fee, and the NSCB is required to hold the deposit for two years after the license is terminated.

Consumer Protection Bonds

Residential Improvement Contractors (AB39): Effective October 1, 2023, contractors who wish to accept down payments exceeding $1,000 or 10% of the contract price (whichever is less) on residential projects must obtain a $100,000 consumer protection bond.

Swimming Pool and Spa Contractors: Pool contractors must maintain a separate consumer protection bond ranging from $10,000 to $400,000, based on the aggregate volume of contracts over the prior 12 months. The NSCB may also require performance and payment bonds (each at minimum 50% of contract value) for pool and spa work.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

All contractors must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance as a condition of licensure. Nevada requires this coverage through licensed insurers in the state. Sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt from this requirement by signing a Workers' Compensation Exemption Affidavit. However, the exemption terminates immediately upon hiring any employees.

General Liability Insurance

While the NSCB does not mandate a specific general liability insurance policy as a licensing condition, general liability coverage is effectively required for any contractor bidding on projects. Most project owners, general contractors, and lenders will require proof of GL coverage. Industry standard minimums in Nevada typically range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence.

License Renewal

Nevada contractor licenses are issued for a two-year (biennial) period. The NSCB sends renewal notices before your license expires, and you can renew online through the Board's portal.

Renewal Fees

• License renewal fee: $600 (biennial)
• Residential Recovery Fund assessment: $200 to $1,000 based on monetary limit (biennial, if applicable)
• Cash bond administration fee: $200 (biennial, if applicable)

Continuing Education

Nevada does not require continuing education at the state level for contractor license renewal. However, some local jurisdictions impose their own CE requirements. For example, Clark County (Las Vegas) requires continuing education for mechanical and electrical contractors:

• Mechanical contractors (Clark County): 15 hours (1.5 CEU) per renewal
• Electrical contractors (Clark County): 15–30 hours (1.5–3 CEU) per renewal
• Journeyman electricians (Clark County): 18 hours per renewal

Check with your local building department for any additional CE requirements in your jurisdiction.

Late Renewal and Reinstatement

If you fail to renew by the expiration date, your license is automatically suspended per NRS 624.283. You have six months to reinstate a suspended license by filing a renewal application and paying the renewal fee plus a reinstatement fee set by the Board. The licensee must be in good standing with no pending complaints.

If you do not reinstate within six months, the Board may cancel your license. After cancellation, you must apply for a brand-new license from scratch — the same process as a first-time applicant.

Inactive Status

Under NRS 624.282, you can place your license on inactive status if you temporarily stop contracting. Inactive licenses still require renewal but at a reduced fee. You cannot perform any contracting work while your license is inactive.

Reciprocity with Other States

Nevada offers licensure by endorsement for contractors already licensed in states with substantially equivalent requirements. This can significantly streamline the licensing process by waiving the trade exam and experience certification requirements.

States with Endorsement Agreements

Nevada recognizes substantially equivalent requirements from the following states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• West Virginia

Endorsement Requirements

To qualify for licensure by endorsement, you must:

• Hold an active license in the endorsing state with the same qualifying individual for the past four years
• Have no prior investigations for misconduct, license revocations, modifications, limitations, suspensions, or disciplinary actions
• Have no pending disciplinary proceedings in any jurisdiction

What Gets Waived

For qualified endorsement applicants, Nevada waives:

• The trade examination requirement (based on specific license classifications)
• The experience certification process requirement

If the endorsing state does not have an equivalent trade exam for your classification, you must still pass Nevada's state-specific trade examination.

Important: Regardless of endorsement status, all applicants must still provide all required application documentation and their qualifying individual must pass Nevada's Business and Law examination.

NASCLA Accredited Examination

Nevada accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Examination. If you have passed this exam, Nevada will waive the state trade exam for general building (Class B) classifications. Verification is done through the National Examination Database (NED) transcript system. You still must pass the Nevada Business and Law exam.

How to Verify a Contractor's License

The NSCB provides a free online license search tool that anyone can use to verify a contractor's licensing status:

Online License Search: NSCB Contractor License Search

You can search by:

• License number
• Company name
• Principal or qualifying individual name

The search results display the contractor's licensing status, active classifications, monetary limit, expiration date, bond information, and any past violations or disciplinary actions. Partial name searches and wildcard searches (e.g., *Smith*) are supported.

The NSCB also offers a mobile app (available on Google Play) for verifying licenses on the go.

NSCB Contact Information

Email: CustomerService@nscb.state.nv.us

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Website: www.nvcontractorsboard.com

Penalties for Working Without a License

Nevada treats unlicensed contracting as a criminal offense under NRS 624.700, with penalties that escalate significantly for repeat offenders:

Additional Penalties

• Fine enhancement: Courts may add a fine of up to 10% of the value of any contract entered into without a license, if the person commenced work or received money.
• Administrative citations: The NSCB can issue misdemeanor citations directly to unlicensed contractors without going through the courts.
• No lien rights: Unlicensed contractors cannot file a mechanic's lien to collect payment for work performed.
• Contract voidability: Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable.

The NSCB actively investigates unlicensed contracting complaints. You can report suspected unlicensed activity through the Board's investigations department.

Exemptions

Certain work is exempt from licensing requirements under NRS 624.031:

• Minor work under $1,000: Repair or maintenance valued under $1,000 (labor and materials) that does not require a building permit
• Owner-builders: Property owners building or improving their own residential structure for personal occupancy (not for sale or lease within one year). Must file an Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption
• Government work: Work performed by authorized representatives of federal, state, or local government
• Public utilities: Construction and maintenance incidental to a regulated public utility's business
• Installed products: Installation of finished products or materials that do not become permanent fixtures

Even for work that appears to fall under the $1,000 exemption, a contractor's license may still be required if a building permit is needed or if the work falls into restricted categories. See the NSCB Handyman Exemptions page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Nevada contractor license?

Processing times vary based on the completeness of your application and current Board volume. The NSCB does not publish a standard timeline. After submitting your application, you will be assigned a License Analyst who can give you a specific estimate. Submitting all required documents together avoids delays.

How much does a Nevada contractor license cost in total?

The minimum out-of-pocket costs include the $300 application fee, $140 in exam fees (both exams), and $600 for the biennial license fee, totaling $1,040 before bond and insurance costs. Your surety bond premium will vary based on the bond amount and your creditworthiness. Residential contractors also pay a $200–$1,000 Residential Recovery Fund assessment.

Does Nevada require continuing education for contractors?

No. The state of Nevada does not require continuing education for contractor license renewal. However, some local jurisdictions (notably Clark County) require CE for specific trades such as electrical and mechanical contractors.

Can I use my contractor license from another state in Nevada?

Nevada offers licensure by endorsement for contractors licensed in 12 states with substantially equivalent requirements. Endorsement waives the trade exam and experience certification but you must still pass Nevada's Business and Law exam and submit a full application. Nevada also accepts the NASCLA exam for general building classifications.

What is the monetary limit on a Nevada contractor license?

The monetary limit is the maximum value of work you can perform on a single construction site for a single client. The NSCB sets this limit based on your financial statements, experience, and other factors outlined in NRS 624.220. You can apply to raise your license limit as your business grows by submitting updated financial documentation.

What happens if my Nevada contractor license expires?

Your license is automatically suspended on the expiration date. You have six months to reinstate it by filing a renewal application and paying the renewal fee plus a reinstatement fee. After six months, the Board may cancel your license entirely, requiring you to apply as a new applicant.

Conclusion

Nevada's contractor licensing system is thorough and well-structured. The NSCB maintains high standards through experience verification, dual examinations, financial qualification reviews, and ongoing bonding requirements. Whether you are applying for a general engineering, general building, or specialty classification, the process requires careful preparation of your documentation and financial statements.

The key steps are straightforward: gain at least four years of experience, register your business with the Secretary of State, submit a complete application with financial and experience documentation, pass your exams, post your bond, and maintain your insurance. For contractors already licensed in states with endorsement agreements or those who have passed the NASCLA exam, the process can be expedited.

For the most current information, fees, and application forms, visit the Nevada State Contractors Board or contact their offices directly at (702) 486-1100 (Southern Nevada) or (775) 688-1141 (Northern Nevada).