CONTRACTOR LICENSING GUIDE
How Do I Renew My Contractor’s License?
License renewal is straightforward if you stay ahead of it. Here’s the process and what you need to have ready.
The Renewal Process Step by Step
Step 1: Know your renewal date. This is tied to your original license issue date or a fixed calendar date set by the board. Most boards send a renewal notice 60–90 days before expiration. Don’t rely on the notice — know your date.
Step 2: Complete required continuing education (CE). Most licensing states require 14–28 CE hours per renewal cycle. CE must be completed before you submit the renewal — you can’t renew and complete CE afterward in most states. Use state-approved online CE providers.
Step 3: Confirm your insurance and bond are current. Your GL policy must be active with limits at or above the licensing minimum. Your bond must be in place. If your policy is up for renewal around the same time, coordinate timing so coverage doesn’t lapse before your license renewal processes.
Step 4: Submit the renewal online. Most state boards have online renewal portals. Upload your CE completion certificates, confirm insurance and bond are current (upload COI in some states), pay the renewal fee.
Step 5: Keep your renewed license documentation. Once processed, download and save your renewed license certificate. Update your COI with the new license expiration date if the board is a certificate holder.
Related Questions
Can I renew online?
Most states have fully online renewal systems. Some still require mailed paper renewals for certain license types. Check your state board’s renewal portal.
What if my insurance lapses before renewal?
Get coverage reinstated before submitting. A lapsed insurance policy will block renewal — the board verifies coverage is current. We issue new COIs the same day when coverage is reinstated.
How far in advance can I renew?
Most states allow renewal within 60-90 days before expiration. Some boards process the renewal with the new expiration date regardless of when you submitted — so renewing early doesn’t shorten your next cycle.
Don’t Let Insurance Hold Up Your Renewal
We issue same-day COIs for license renewals. Never miss a renewal deadline because of a coverage gap.