Alaska renewal guide
General Contractor with Residential Endorsement
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Renewal fee
$500.00
Bond requirement
Yes — $20,000.00
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Make sure the bond still clears
The $20,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
- 2
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 3
File with the board
File through Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL) and pay the $500.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 4
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Alaska General Contractor with Residential Endorsement
The Alaska DCBPL issues the Residential Contractor Endorsement as an add-on to the General Contractor registration. This endorsement is required for contractors performing new home construction or residential work exceeding 25% of the structure's value on privately-owned residential structures of one to four units.
What This Endorsement Authorizes
Holders may perform construction or alteration of privately-owned residential structures of one to four units, including new construction and remodeling work that exceeds 25% of the structure's value. This endorsement is in addition to the base General Contractor registration.
Bond and Insurance Requirements
- Surety Bond: $20,000 residential contractor bond required
- General Liability Insurance: Minimum limits of $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury/death per person, $100,000 injury/death per occurrence
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees
Training and Examination
Applicants must complete the 16-hour Alaska Craftsman Home Program (ACHP) Advanced Cold Climate Homebuilding Techniques course (or equivalent) within 2 years of application. The course covers energy-efficient building techniques, cold climate construction methods, and Alaska-specific building practices. After completing the course, applicants must pass the Residential Contractor Endorsement Exam.
Fees
- Endorsement Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
- Endorsement Registration Fee: $250 (biennial)
- Base General Contractor Registration: $250 renewal (biennial) — required in addition to endorsement fees
- Total Biennial Renewal: $500 (base registration + endorsement)
Renewal Process
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires September 30 of even-numbered years)
- Renewal Fee: $500 ($250 base + $250 endorsement)
- No Continuing Education Required: Maintain current bond and insurance throughout the registration term.
Consequences of Operating Without Endorsement
Under AS 08.18.125, performing residential construction without the required endorsement carries an administrative penalty of $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses. Each day of unlicensed work is a separate violation.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Alaska DCBPL.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
- Bond Certificate
- achp_certificate
- exam_results
Source notes
Alaska DCBPL, 12 AAC 02.180, AS 08.18 . https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ConstructionContractors
Rules move. Check Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
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