General Contractor Licensing in Mississippi

Mississippi General Contractor License Verification

In Mississippi, both commercial and residential contractors, along with roofers, are mandated to hold a license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), which serves as the primary governing board for the state's construction industry. A residential contractor license is required for projects valued at $50,000 or more, or for residential remodeling or roofing projects exceeding $10,000. For commercial projects, a commercial contractor license is necessary when the job value surpasses $50,000.

The application process entails submitting a notarized application to the MSBOC. If operating as a corporation or LLC, registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State is a prerequisite. Applicants must provide their Mississippi sales tax number or use tax number, and either a Mississippi income tax ID or federal income tax ID number. Proof of employment for each qualifying party, who will be responsible for construction work and sit for examinations, is also required. Additionally, three reference letters must be supplied: one from a bank and two from individuals familiar with the applicant's construction work. Residential applicants should also demonstrate experience on three relevant projects.

All applicants must pass a Law and Business Management Exam, and trade-specific exams as applicable. Application fees are $400 for commercial licenses and $50 for residential licenses, with each additional classification costing $100. Exam fees are $120 per portion. Licenses must be renewed annually, with commercial renewals costing $400 and residential renewals costing $100. Starting in 2026, renewal notices will be sent exclusively via email. Residential license holders are required to complete two credit hours of continuing education from an approved provider annually. Mississippi offers reciprocity for trade exam waivers with several states, though the Mississippi business and law exam must still be passed.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

General contractors in Mississippi are required to carry specific insurance coverages. Proof of general liability insurance is mandatory for all contractors. Commercial contractors must maintain a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate in general liability coverage. While there is no minimum coverage specified for residential contractors by the MSBOC, their certificate of coverage should ensure the MSBOC is notified upon cancellation.

Workers' compensation insurance is compulsory for contractors employing five or more individuals. Contractors using vehicles for commercial purposes must also hold commercial auto insurance with minimum coverages of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Regarding bonding, a $20,000 surety bond is required for general contractor licenses on projects exceeding $50,000. Furthermore, for non-residential construction contracts exceeding $75,000, prime contractors must either file a surety bond with the Mississippi Department of Revenue or prepay sales and use taxes before commencing work. Contractors domiciled outside Mississippi must bond or prepay taxes on all contracts over $10,000. Local municipalities may also impose additional bond requirements.

Permitting and Local Regulations

While the Mississippi State Board of Contractors governs statewide licensing, local jurisdictions typically manage permitting and may have additional business registration requirements. Most cities and towns do not necessitate a separate contractor license beyond the state license, but local business registration, zoning ordinances, and specific permitting for construction, debris removal, and other related activities apply. For example, the City of Jackson requires a local business license. Homeowners undertaking construction on a single residence per year for their own occupancy may be exempt from state licensing, but still require permits, and any subcontractors performing life safety trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC) will need their respective permits and licenses.

Official Mississippi Resources

Mississippi State Board of Contractors: https://www.msboc.ms.gov

Mississippi Department of Revenue: https://www.dor.ms.gov

Mississippi Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ms.gov

Directory of General Contractor contractors serving Mississippi