General Contractor

Alaska General Contractor Registration

Alaska general contractors register with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL) under AS 08.18. General Contractor registration authorizes construction operations involving three or more trades, commercial work, and residential remodeling. New construction or significant alteration of privately-owned residential dwellings of one to four units requires a Residential Contractor Endorsement.

Residential Contractor Endorsement

A Residential Contractor Endorsement (AS 08.18.025, 12 AAC 21.650–21.695) is required for construction or alterations of a privately-owned residential structure of one to four units that is used or intended to be used as a human dwelling. For alteration work (not new construction), the endorsement applies when the alteration value exceeds 25% of the structure's value (AS 08.18.025). The endorsement requires additional examination and coursework beyond the basic registration. No examination is required for the General Contractor registration without this endorsement.

Bond and Insurance Requirements

Confirmed minimums under AS 08.18.071 and AS 08.18.101:

• Surety bond: $25,000 (filed with DCBPL)
• General liability: at least $20,000 property damage; $50,000 injury or death per person; $100,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• Workers' compensation: required under AS 23.30 if you have employees

Renewal and Expiration

All DCBPL contractor registrations expire September 30 of even-numbered years (effective October 1, 2023). The biennial renewal fee is $250. Register or renew at the DCBPL contractor licensing page. No continuing education is required.

Penalty for Unlicensed Work

Operating without valid registration violates AS 08.18.125. Contractors may also face stop-work orders and loss of public works bid eligibility. Each day of unlicensed work is a separate violation.