How to get a carpenter license: Official guide

To run a successful carpentry business, you need to make sure you comply with all state and federal regulations. This means procuring all required business insurance as well as a business license. In addition, you may need to obtain a professional carpentry license and/or a general contractor license to operate a business in the construction industry.

Read on to learn more about licensing rules and regulations, as well as how to become a licensed carpenter or licensed contractor in your state.

What is a carpentry license?

A carpenter license is a state-specific certification that demonstrates proficiency in your field. Some states have a single type of carpenter’s license, others offer licenses based on the kind of services you perform, such as a license for roofers or contractors, and others do not require a carpenters’ license at all.

If your state requires a carpenter’s license, you will not be able to work as a carpenter unless you obtain one. Depending on where you live and the scope of the services you provide, you may need to get your general contractor’s license instead of or in addition to your carpenter’s license.

If you perform only minor carpentry work, you will likely not need a general contractor’s license. However, if you plan to offer larger projects with big budgets, such as building a deck or a property-wide fence, you may need your general contractor’s license to remain compliant with state laws.

Carpenter licenses vs. carpenter business licenses

A carpenter’s license is not the same as a business license. A business license is a broader license that state governments require for businesses in any industry to operate legally. You will need a business license whether or not your state requires a carpenter’s or a general contractor’s license.

What are the costs associated with getting a carpenter license?

The application fee and any test fees associated with your carpenter’s license may only run you a few hundred dollars. However, many states require that you register for a surety bond in conjunction with your license. These bonds are a form of agreement between your business and the public and/or the state that ensures you will perform your services in compliance with state regulations and that you will not hold them liable for financial damages. These bonds can cost over $10,000, depending on the state in which you operate your business.

You can think of a surety bond as a type of insurance that your state may require you to have. Note that a surety bond does not completely insure your business against liabilities, and you will need other policies such as workers’ compensation to operate your business.

Experience requirements for carpenter licenses

While most states do not require formal vocational educational training to obtain your carpenter license, you will likely need multiple years of proven experience. For most states with experience requirements, the standard is 4 years of experience gained within the previous 10 years. To meet this requirement qualifies you as a journeyman in your industry.

In addition to experience, many states require some form of test to achieve your license. The content of the carpenter’s test varies by state. Check with your local government to see what you need to know to pass your state’s test.

If you are just starting as a carpenter, you may want to research different carpentry training programs in your area to obtain the skills needed to get licensed. You can also pursue apprenticeship opportunities for more on-the-job training. Both of these options help you complete the required years of work experience and knowledge you need to apply for a license and pass any requisite tests.

During your education or on-the-job training, focus on learning such skills as:

• Hand tool selection, care, and use
• Architectural drawing and blueprint reading
• Woodworking
• Project management
• Principles and procedures in residential construction
• Building code requirements
• Framing and finishing
• Roofing systems
• Interior and exterior finishing
• Door and window layout and construction
• And more

This will help prepare you for your test and ensure that you have the skills needed to start your own carpentry business, should you so choose.

It is important to note that the above qualifications are for carpenters only. Those considered contractors rather than carpenters will have to follow additional rules to earn their contractor’s license. Again, your local government can inform you of the different standards you must meet to achieve a contractor’s license instead of or in addition to your carpenter’s license.

Carpenter license requirements: State-by-state guide

Each state has its regulations for carpenters in terms of licensing. Let’s break the information down state by state so you can see what your specific state requires of you to run your carpentry business.

Alabama

• You must be able to show 3 years of experience
• You must show proof of completion of at least 3 carpentry projects
• You must procure a general contractor's license or a subcontractor's license for any projects worth $50,000 or more
• You must hold construction insurance
• You must pass a trade exam and a business and law exam

Alaska

• You must procure a state license as a specialty contractor unless your work does not exceed $10,000 per project. If the work is under $10,000, you need only obtain a handyman license
• You will need a surety bond
• You must show proof of general liability insurance and hold a workers' comp insurance policy

Arizona

• You must obtain a contractor license
• Specialty residential contracting licenses are potentially required as well, depending on the type of work you do
• An R-7 carpentry license lets you install and repair rough carpentry, hardware, finish carpentry, millwork, and more
• Carpentry R-7 licenses require you to show 4 years of experience and 7 completed projects
• The R-60 specialty license relates to finish carpentry
• The R-61 specialty license allows carpenters to perform remodeling and repairs for projects under $50,000
• You must show proof of at least 4 years experience and 15 completed maintenance projects to qualify for an R-61 license
• To receive any carpentry license in Arizona, you need to pass a trade exam and show proof of a bond

Arkansas

• You will need a Home Improvement Specialty license
• You may need either a limited license that covers residential home improvement jobs under $50,000 or an unlimited license that covers residential jobs of any size
• You must show workers' comp insurance to qualify for a carpentry license in the state of Arkansas

California

• All carpenters must hold a state license if any work exceeds $500 per project
• A specialty C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor license or a C-6 Cabinet, Millwork, and Finish Carpentry Contractor license is required depending on the type of work you perform
• To meet the California carpenter license requirements upheld by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board, you will need proof of 4 years of experience in the trade
• A $15,000 bond must be in place
• You must pass a licensing exam

Colorado

• No carpenter license requirements exist in the state of Colorado
• Some Colorado cities require proof of insurance. Check with your local government for specific details

Connecticut

• Carpenters are considered home improvement contractors in Connecticut
• You do not need to be licensed, but you must register with the Department of Consumer Protection

Delaware

• No state licensing is required
• Check with your local government for city-based licensing requirements

Florida

• Licensing requirements in Florida are scope-specific
• Minor repairs such as door finishing and repairs and tile installation do not require you to have a license
• Major repairs and remodeling activities such as wall removal, cabinet construction and installation, and window installation require you to have a license
• To procure a license, you will need to pass a licensing exam as well as a business and finance exam

Georgia

• Rough and finish carpenters do not need a state Residential and General Contractor license
• All other carpentry services may require a Residential and General Contractor license. Check with your state if you think you may fall under this category

Hawaii

• Carpenters are classified as General Building Contractors in Hawaii
• 2 licensing options are available: C-5: Covers cabinet, millwork, and carpentry remodeling and repairs. C-6: Covers carpentry framing
• You must pass a trade exam and a business and law exam4 years of experience is required
• Workers' comp and general liability insurance are required

Idaho

• You do not need a license to practice carpentry in Idaho
• You must register directly with the Idaho Contractors Board

Illinois

• Carpenters and general contractors do not need a state license in Illinois
• Check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are following all regulations

Indiana

• Carpenters and general contractors do not need a state license in Indiana
• Check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are following all regulations

Iowa

• If you earn more than $2,000 per year, you must register with the Iowa Division of Labor
• Iowa does not have a state carpenter license requirement

Kansas

• Carpenters do not need a state license to work in Kansas
• Check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are following all regulations

Kentucky

• Carpenters do not need a state license to work in Kentucky
• Check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are following all regulations

Louisiana

• Home improvement projects between $7,500 and $75,000 do not require a license
• In these cases, you must still register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
• You’ll need business insurance to operate in Louisiana, including general liability and worker’s compensation insurance
• If you perform work that exceeds $75,000, you will need a residential license
• You will need a commercial license to cover commercial projects over $50,000
• There is no trade exam unless you need to apply for the Commercial Specialty Classification 7-156 Carpentry
• You will also need to take and pass a business and law exam for the Commercial Specialty Classification 7-156 Carpentry license

Maine

• Carpenters do not need a state license to work in Maine
• If your project is above $3,000, you need a written contract in place before you begin work
• Check with your local jurisdiction to ensure you are following all licensing regulations

Maryland

• You must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to work on residences
• Licensing requires proof of: 2 years of experience; Financial solvency; Current liability insurance
• A trade exam and a business and law exam are required as well

Massachusetts

• A Home Improvement Contractor Registration will suffice for minor projects on a home, such as ordinary repairs
• No exam is required for the Home Improvement Contractor
• Registration
• Structural work such as renovations requires a Construction Supervisor License from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections
• Specific licenses are required based on the scope of the work. You will need to check with your state government to learn which exact license you need
• 3 years of experience is required for any Massachusetts carpentry license
• A trade exam is required for licensure

Michigan

• Carpenter in Michigan need a Maintenance and Alterations Contractor license
• 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education is required
• A trade exam is also required to receive your license

Minnesota

• Carpentry is a subcategory of the Residential Building Contractor trade categorization and covers those who practice rough and finish carpentry, doors, windows, porches and decks, wood foundations, and drywall
• Single-skill workers such as those who only do drywall do not need licensing if their yearly revenue is under $15,000
• Multi-skilled carpenters need a Residential Remodeler license from the Department of Labor and Industry
• Proof of liability insurance is required
• A trade exam is required

Mississippi

• Carpenters and remodelers are synonymous in Mississippi and must obtain a Residential Remodeling license if they do any work above $10,000 to improve an existing structure
• A trade exam is required, as is a business and law exam
• Proof of general liability insurance is required as well

Missouri

• State licensing is not required for carpenters in Missouri
• Check your local government for any additional licensing requirements

Montana

• No state license is required for carpenters in Montana
• If you have employees in your business, you must register with the Department of Labor and Industry
• You must have valid insurance, including workers' comp and general liability

Nebraska

• No state license is required for carpenters in Nebraska
• You will need to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor

Nevada

• You need a state contractor license to work in Nevada with one of the following subclassifications if applicable: C-3: Carpentry, maintenance, and minor repairs: Carpentry and repairs (C-3a); Finish carpentry (C-3b); Insulation and weather stripping (C-3c); Overhead doors (C-3d); Drywall (C-3e)
• If the work is under $1,000, there may be an exception
• You'll need proof of 4 years of experience
• Up to 3 years of education from an accredited institution can qualify as years of experience
• You must have proof of worker’s comp insurance
• You will need proof of a surety bond
• A trade exam and a business and law exam are required

New Hampshire

• New Hampshire does not require its carpenters to be licensed at the state level
• Check with local jurisdictions for any additional licensing requirements

New Jersey

• Carpenters are considered home improvement contractors in New Jersey
• All home improvement contractors must register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• No state licensing requirements apply
• Check with your local government to learn more about licensing at the city level

New Mexico

• You may fall under the category of general contractor, in which case you will need a license to work
• GB-2 Residential or GB-98 General Building licenses may be required depending on the type of work you do
• You’ll need proof of 2 to 4 years of experience depending on the classification
• You must pass a trade exam and a business and law exam

New York

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in New York
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

North Carolina

• Carpenters are considered general contractors or specialty contractors in North Carolina and therefore will need a state license to work on any projects over $30,000
• An exam is required through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors

North Dakota

• Carpenters are considered contractors in North Dakota, and a state license is required for work in excess of $4,000
• You must show proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance

Ohio

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in Ohio
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

Oklahoma

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in Oklahoma
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

Oregon

• You will need a Construction Contractor license before you can work in the state
• Residential, commercial, or residential and commercial licenses are available
• Proof of business insurance is required, including general liability and worker’s comp
• Pre-license training and an exam are required

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania does not require a license from their contractors
• Contractors who perform work upwards of $5,000 in any single year must register with the Attorney General’s Office

Rhode Island

• Rhode Island carpenters do not need a trade license to work in the state
• You must register with the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
• Completion of 5 hours of pre-education is required
• Proof of liability insurance is required

South Carolina

• You do not need a license from the state to operate as a carpenter in South Carolina
• You will need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

South Dakota

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in South Dakota
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

Tennessee

• Residential projects between $3,000 and $24,999 require a home improvement license from any carpenter on the job
• Proof of the following are required: Business insurance; Surety bond; Years of experience
• Jobs above $25,000 require a contractor license
• Contractor licenses will not be given without proof of insurance in Tennessee
• A trade exam and business and law exams are required for licensing as well

Texas

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in Texas
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

Utah

• You will need a state license to work as a carpenter in Utah under the trade classification S220 Carpentry Contractor
• 2 years of experience in the past 10 years is required
• Proof of business insurance is required
• Work less than $3,000 does not require a license

Vermont

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in Vermont
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

Virginia

• Carpenters in Virginia fall under the Residential Building Contractor classification. This classification includes Home Improvement Contracting and consists of 3 classes of licenses
• Class A licenses are reserved for individual projects up to $10,000 with a cap of $150,000 per year
• 2 years of experience are required for Class A licenses
• Class B licenses are for individual projects up to $120,000 with a cap of $750,000 per year
• 3 years of experience are required for Class B licenses
• Class C licenses are for projects of unlimited value with no annual cap
• 5 years of experience are required for Class C licenses
• Board-approved pre-license education is required for all classes of licenses
• A trade exam is required

Washington

• Carpenters are considered specialty contractors either in "cabinets, millwork, and finish carpentry," or "framing and rough carpentry"
• No state carpenter license requirements exist
• Specialty contractors must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• Proof of a $6,000 surety bond is required
• Proof of active general liability insurance is required

West Virginia

• A state license is required for carpenters in West Virginia for any projects valued over $2,500
• A trade exam is required as well as a business and law exam
• If you are a finish carpenter, you do not need to pass the trade exam, but you will need to pass the business and law exam

Wisconsin

• Carpenters need a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license to work in Wisconsin
• Completion of an approved 12-hour pre-licensure course is required
• A trade exam is required
• Proof of financial solvency is required
• You must have active business insurance coverage, including general liability insurance and workers' comp

Wyoming

• No state-level licensing requirements exist for carpenters in Wyoming
• Local carpenter licensing requirements may apply. Check with your local government to learn more

The above licensing requirements are for informational purposes only. Local and state laws and regulations change over time. Check with your specific government for the most recent information about your state and city licensing requirements.

Your next step: Comprehensive carpenter’s insurance

As you saw in the state-by-state list above, many jurisdictions require proof of insurance to work as a carpenter.

At Huckleberry, we make getting the right insurance for your carpentry business as quick and easy as possible. Get your fast and free business insurance quote today to see what policies you need and take the next step toward a thriving carpentry business.