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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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Mississippi contractor license (MSBOC)Requirements, cost, exam

Mississippi licenses general contractors through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). You need a Mississippi commercial contractor license to bid on or do commercial work over $50,000.1

Mississippi · general contractor

State license required

Experience
You must show experience in each classification you ask for by listing at least 3 jobs you completed in that classification…2
Exam
Every applicant takes the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, plus a trade exam for most classifications.2
Bond
Mississippi does not require a contractor license bond.2
Insurance
Commercial applicants must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, with the Board listed as…2
Fees
The commercial application fee is $400 and includes one trade classification.3
Renewal
Commercial and residential licenses renew every year.4

Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)

How do you get a Mississippi contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    You need a Mississippi commercial contractor license to bid on or do commercial work over $50,000.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    You must show experience in each classification you ask for by listing at least 3 jobs you completed in that classification…2

  3. Apply to the MSBOC$400

    The commercial application fee is $400 and includes one trade classification.3

    MSBOC site
  4. Pass the exam

    Every applicant takes the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, plus a trade exam for most classifications.2

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    Mississippi does not require a contractor license bond. Commercial applicants must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, with the Board listed as…2

    Mississippi bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew

    Commercial and residential licenses renew every year.4

    Renewal and CE

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Mississippi

Which license class do you need in Mississippi?

Commercial licenses are issued by classification.1

Does Mississippi have license reciprocity?

Mississippi can waive the trade exam (not the business and law exam or other application requirements) for licensees of boards in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.2

Do you need workers' comp?

You must give the Board a certificate of workers' compensation insurance if you have 5 or more employees.2

Mississippi insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): who needs a license (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  2. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): experience (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  3. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): fees (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  4. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): renewal (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  5. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): Continuing education (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  6. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): Frequently asked questions (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  7. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): COMMERCIAL LAWS AND RULES REVISED 2022 (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)
  8. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC): HB 1163 FACT SHEET57 (msboc.us, 2026-10-27)