CONTRACTOR LICENSING GUIDE
Do Subcontractors Need Their Own Contractor’s License?
Being a subcontractor doesn’t exempt you from licensing requirements. In most states, subs need their own license.
Subs Are Not Covered by the GC’s License
A common misconception: subcontractors assume they don’t need a license because they work under a licensed general contractor. In most licensing states, this is incorrect.
Licensing requirements apply to the work being performed, not to the contract structure. If the work requires a license — electrical, plumbing, general contracting above the threshold — the person performing that work needs the license, regardless of whether they’re the GC or a sub.
For the GC: knowingly hiring an unlicensed subcontractor for work that requires a license is itself a violation in most states. GCs are responsible for verifying that their subs hold required licenses. Most state licensing boards have free public license lookup tools.
The practical consequence: if an unlicensed sub’s work causes property damage or injury, both the sub and the GC can face liability — and the GC’s insurance may become the first line of defense if the sub has no insurance.
The exception: in states with no statewide licensing requirement (Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming), neither the GC nor the sub needs a state license — though local permits still apply.
Related Questions
Does a sub need the same license as a GC?
Not necessarily. A sub performing specialty trade work needs the appropriate specialty license. A sub doing general framing under a GC may need a GC or building contractor license depending on the state.
How do I verify my sub’s license?
Use your state licensing board’s free public lookup tool. Search by name or license number. This is standard practice before signing any subcontract.
What if my sub’s license expires mid-project?
You need to stop using that sub for licensed work until their license is reinstated. Operating as a licensed GC with an unlicensed sub puts your own license at risk.
Make Sure Your Subs Are Insured Too
We help GCs verify sub insurance and write policies for subcontractors at all levels. Call us.