Contractor Registration

Nebraska Contractor Registration

The Nebraska Department of Labor administers the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act, which requires all contractors and subcontractors doing business in the state to register. Nebraska does not have a state-level general contractor license — this registration is the primary state-level requirement for general construction contractors.

Who Must Register

All contractors and subcontractors performing construction, alteration, or repair work on real property in Nebraska must register with the Department of Labor. Contractors operating under multiple business names must obtain separate registrations for each name.

Exemptions

• Self-employed sole proprietors or single-owner LLCs earning under $3,000 annually from employee labor are exempt from the registration fee
• Contractors exclusively installing septic systems or drilling water wells are exempt from the fee

Insurance Requirements

• Workers' Compensation: Required for all contractors with one or more employees. An ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance listing the Department of Labor as certificate holder must be on file. Expired coverage results in removal from the registered contractors list.

Fees

• Registration Fee: $25 annually
• Renewal Fee: $25 annually

Registered Agent

Businesses must designate a registered agent to receive official documents at a Nebraska address.

Renewal Process

• Renewal Period: Annual
• Renewal Fee: $25
• No Continuing Education Required
• No Examination Required

Consequences of Operating Without Registration

Contractors failing to register are subject to civil penalties of up to $500 for the first violation and up to $5,000 for second or subsequent violations. Contractors who contest the citation may be given 60 days to register, at which point the penalty may be waived.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Nebraska Department of Labor.*