Louisiana General Contractor License

$50,000 Threshold Triggers Licensing — Renewal Is $200 Per Year

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) requires a license for commercial construction projects totaling $50,000 or more. Licenses renew annually at $200 per year — a $100 base fee plus a $100 university dedication fee assessed on every renewal (contractors may opt out of the dedication portion on the renewal form). You can elect 1-, 2-, or 3-year renewal terms at the time of renewal; fees scale accordingly.

A Trade Exam and a Business and Law Online Course Are Both Required

LSLBC requires a written trade exam for each classification applied for, plus completion of a mandatory Business and Law online course (required at application; not a proctored exam). Your application must also include a financial statement prepared by an accountant, bookkeeper, or CPA, current to within 12 months of filing. There is no statutory minimum years-of-experience requirement; the board evaluates applicant qualifications individually.

The Grace Period Is 15 Days — Late Penalty Caps at $50

Louisiana GC licenses expire on the original issuance anniversary date. You have 15 days after expiration to renew without penalty. After the 15-day window, the board may impose a late fee up to $50. Licenses expired for more than one year cannot be renewed — you must reapply from scratch.

No Continuing Education for Commercial Contractors — Residential Requires 6 Hours Annually

Commercial general contractors in Louisiana have no continuing education requirement. Residential construction contractors must complete 6 CE hours per year through a board-approved provider. The Business and Law course is required only at initial application, not at renewal.

Unlicensed Work Is a Misdemeanor; Harm Over $300 Elevates to 6 Months–5 Years

Operating without an LSLBC license is a misdemeanor: fines up to $500 per day of violation or up to 3 months in prison, or both. If unlicensed work causes harm exceeding $300, the offense carries fines of $500 to $5,000 and imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years. Apply and renew through lslbc.louisiana.gov; processing takes approximately 60 days.