Contractors

The complete guide for contractors on the business side of the trade — the license you need in your state and the free tools to quote, invoice, and get paid. Whether you need a license depends on your state and the size of the job.

Contractor licensing by state

Check the license you need to work as a contractor — all 50 states:

• Alabama — licensing
• Alaska — licensing
• Arizona — licensing
• Arkansas — licensing
• California — licensing
• Colorado — licensing
• Connecticut — licensing
• Delaware — licensing
• Florida — licensing
• Georgia — licensing
• Hawaii — licensing
• Idaho — licensing
• Illinois — licensing
• Indiana — licensing
• Iowa — licensing
• Kansas — licensing
• Kentucky — licensing
• Louisiana — licensing
• Maine — licensing
• Maryland — licensing
• Massachusetts — licensing
• Michigan — licensing
• Minnesota — licensing
• Mississippi — licensing
• Missouri — licensing
• Montana — licensing
• Nebraska — licensing
• Nevada — licensing
• New Hampshire — licensing
• New Jersey — licensing
• New Mexico — licensing
• New York — licensing
• North Carolina — licensing
• North Dakota — licensing
• Ohio — licensing
• Oklahoma — licensing
• Oregon — licensing
• Pennsylvania — licensing
• Rhode Island — licensing
• South Carolina — licensing
• South Dakota — licensing
• Tennessee — licensing
• Texas — licensing
• Utah — licensing
• Vermont — licensing
• Virginia — licensing
• Washington — licensing
• West Virginia — licensing
• Wisconsin — licensing
• Wyoming — licensing

Do contractors need a license?

It depends on your state. Many states require a state contractor license above a dollar threshold; others license by trade or regulate the work locally. Check your state above for the exact requirement before you bid work.

Free contractor tools & templates

• Free invoice generator
• Estimate generator
• Profit-margin calculator

Invoice and get paid faster with BIG INVOICE

Contractors don't invoice from a desk. BIG INVOICE lets you build a professional invoice on the job site and send a PDF before you've packed up — your client gets it in under a minute, and you get paid faster. No seat fees, no learning curve.

Estimates, clients, and reports in one app

Write an estimate, get approval, and convert it to an invoice in one tap. Track every client's history and see what you're owed at a glance. Your first 2 documents are free; Pro is $5.99/mo or $59.99/yr for unlimited.

Contractor FAQ

Do contractors need a license?

In most states, yes — general contracting above a set dollar amount requires a state license, and specialty trades often need their own. Requirements vary by state; check your state's licensing page above.

How do you become a contractor?

Most contractors build experience in a trade, then meet their state's licensing requirements — often an exam, proof of experience, insurance, and a bond. Requirements vary by state; see your state above.

How do contractors invoice and get paid?

Most contractors invoice by phase — deposit, progress, final. BIG INVOICE builds professional invoices and estimates on-site, tracks what's outstanding, and attaches your own payment details. First 2 documents free.

Related trades: general contractors, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.