Applications forms and information may be downloaded for: Contractors (New/Renewal/Revisions); Home Improvement; Limited Licensed Electricians (LLE); Limited Licensed Plumbers (LLP); and Pre-licensed Course Providers. Forms have been arranged in sections:
NOTICE! "Home Improvement" license renewal forms sent out in February had the "old" fee and information. The current renewal form may be downloaded and printed; or send it with the $200 two (2) year fee; or you contact our office for a new one to be mailed at (615) 532-3994. We appologize for this inconvenience.
Sections 1 - 4: License Information and Requirements (Projects $25,000 and Up)
Section 5: License Information for Projects Less than $25,000 & Other Programs
Complaint forms and information relative to the complaint process, as well as, tips to hiring a contractor are available from the Consumer Resources section of our website.
License rosters may be downloaded at the "Reports and Data" at no charge.
In order to obtain a contractor's license (required for projects $25,000 or more), the following is the "Application" and "Exam" information to download and print or you may call our office at 1-800-544-7693 and we will be happy to mail you an application package:
The above items are needed to obtain a contractor's license. The forms listed below provide additional information to specific inquires. Many of these forms are included as part of the "Contractor's License Application" in the instructions:
Contractor License Application [pdf]
Deadline: Contractor's license applications must be received by the Board office prior to the deadline date which is the 20th of the month prior, to the Board meeting. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for mail delivery. More Board meeting information is available at the "Calendar" on the website.
Types of Contractors (Prime, Subcontractors and Construction Managers)
See the "Contractor Classification Outline to review all of the various types of contractors regulated. See also the "Contractor" section of the website and "Bidding" requirements.
NOTE: If you currently are licensed with a Tennessee Contractor's License and wish to make changes to your existing license, see the "Revision" information in "Section 3".
Currently, the Board does not have an "Online Renewal" process. If you do not receive a renewal form in the mail, you may download and print the renewal form from below, complete and return to the Board.
WARNING: A contractor does not have a grace period to continue to contract once the license expires. The law requires renewals to be submitted to the Board 30 days prior to the expiration date in order to prevent working on an expired license, which is considered a violation of law. Renewals submitted without all the required information to renew, cannot be issued and an extension to contract on an expired license cannot be granted. In additon, a license with a "Retired" status is not legal to operate and the same as "unlicensed".
Other - Renewal Instructions and Information
Renewal Due Date: Contractor licenses are renewed biennially and issued for two (2) years. The expiration date is on the last date of the month, in which the license was originally issued. You may check your expiration date online at: License Search and Verification. Renewals should be submitted to the Board's office 30 days prior to the expiration date. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for mail delivery. A license cannot be renewed if has been expired for 12 months; must apply for a reinstatement utilizing the initial contractor's license application.
Renewal Process: Once the renewal form has been received by the Department's Mail Room, it is forwarded to the Cashier's Office in order for the fee to be validated and entered into the computer system. It is then delivered to the Board office for audit, which includes: 1) checking the financial statement to ensure the working capital and net worth supports the current monetary limit; 2) checking for proof of insurance 3) Corporate status is confirmed; and 4) check to see that the "Contractor's Affidavit" was completed, signed and notarized. Any renewal lacking information will be sent a letter notifying the contractor to respond within 30 days. For those not responding within 12 months of the expiration date, the renewal form is placed in archived filing. The Board office cannot accept mail or fees at their physical address. Send all mail (including express and over-night) to: 11th Floor, Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-1150.
Pending Renewals: Renewals received which lack the required financial supporting documentation, after the audit, our staff will notify by letter with a list of options. For more clairification to these options or access to the forms needed to complete the renewal, go to: "Renewal-Financial Options" This includes forms such as: Lower Limit Request, Line of Credit, Guaranty Agreement, Financial Statement (not used by CPA), and a Checklist/Worksheet. In order for Contractors to retain renewal rights, they must respond in writing within 12 months of expiration date or place license in "Retirement".
LICENSE REVISION REQUESTS (Requires Board Review)
Deadline Date for License Revision Requests: Contractor's license revision requests to do the following: Adding a Classification; Increase Monetary Limit; Name Change; and Mode of Operation Change (transfers). These four (4) types of license revision requests must be approved by the Board at their regularly scheduled meetings. Staff must receive in the Board office prior to the deadline date (last day of the month prior to the Board meeting) in order to have in time to process (review, audit, copy for members, add to meeting books, etc.). Please allow 5 to 7 days for mail delivery when submitting prior to the deadline date. Those needing a license revised prior to the Board's next meeting may qualify as a "Hardship" (request for early/emergency review) if the owner of the project needs and supplies the request..
SECTION 4. BC-A/r LIMITED LICENSE - Restricted Residential ($70,000 and Less)
A contractor may apply for the restricted residential license (BC-A/r) and in lieu of taking the exams, may take the course from participating state community colleges. Limited to small residential construction of less than $70,000 (based upon financial statement). Cannot joint venture and must include land, materials and labor as part of the total cost.
(Rev. 9/2008)
The following sections provide information and forms for obtaining licenses for other programs regulated by the Board.
I. Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) (for projects less than $25,000)
Steps to Applying for an LLE License (Electrical Licensing Website)
NOTE: A limited licensed electrician (LLE) may not use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license! An LLE cannot be utilized in local governments with their own license as a master or journeyman. A contractor's license with a CE classification is required for electrical projects $25,000 or more.
LLE Application (Limited Licensed Electrician)
Business Tax License - Local Govenment Contacts
CEU - Continuing Education is not required
City/County Contact Information
Duplicate License Certificate - Request Form
Education - Continuing Education is NOT required
Electrical Installation Law (Division of Fire Prevention, TCA 68-102)
Electrical Installation Rules (Division of Fire Prevention)
Electrical - LLE Licensing Rules (Contractors Board)
Exam Information for Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
- NEW! Updated Codes for Exam (Eff. March 15, 2012)
- Exam - LLE Information from PSI
- Exam Bookstore (PSI) (Reference books for exams)
- Reciprocaton / Waiver - There is NOT an agreement with other states.
Fire Marshal's Office (Division of Fire Prevention oversees inspections)
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance - General Information
>>Note: Proof of insurance is not required for LLE "licensing", however, if you have an employee or work on a project as a sub, you may be required to have coverage according to the labor law.
OneStop Business License Resource
Reinstatement of Expired LLE (Expired 90 days or more)
Workers Compensation Exemption Registration (Construction Services Provider)
>>Note: Proof of insurance is not required for LLE "licensing", however, if you have an employee or work on a project as a sub, you may be required to have coverage according to the labor law.
II. Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) (for projects less than $25,000)
Steps to Applying for an LLP Licenses (Plumber Resource Website)
NOTE: limited licensed plumber (LLP) may not use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license! An LLP cannot be utilized in local governments with their own license as a master or journeyman. A contractor's license with a CMC-A is required for plumbers performing projects $25,000 or more.
III. Home Improvement License (for projects $3,000 to less than $25,000)
Steps to Applying for a Home Improvement License Effective August, 2010, all HI applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board at their regular Board meeting (see "Calendar" for schedule).
Renewal (Home Improvement) - Form
NOTICE! Home Improvement license renewal form sent out for April had the "old" one year fee and information. The current renewal form may be downloaded and printed; or send it with the $200 two (2) year fee; or contact our office for a new one to be mailed. We appologize for this inconvenience.
Check with your local municipality and codes office. There is not a specific state license HVAC license for projects less than $25,000; a contractor's license with CMC-C classification is required for HVAC projects $25,000 or more. A Home Improvement license may be required in the above counties, where there is not a separate HVAC trade license required.
Local jurisdiction may have their own permit, licensing and inspectionsProjects $25,000 or more must obtain a contractor's license with the CMC or CMC-C classification, as a prime or subcontractor.
Effective July 1, 2008, HVAC contractors bidding Geothermal projects may need to list their TDEC license classification on the outside of the bid envelope. (Well Driller Information)
V. Contractor Pre-License Course Providers
Complaint forms and information relative to the complaint process, as well as, tips to hiring a contractor is available from the Consumer Resources section of our website.
Deadline Dates:
Contractor's License - Must be received by the 20th of the month prior to the Board meeting. This includes new, reinstatements, second or additional license requests, and mergers/reorganziations applicants for a new contractor's license to be issued.
Renewals - Due 30 days prior to the expiration date (to prevent working on an expired license). If fee is submitted prior to the expiration, your renewal status will remain active, however, you cannot contract or perform work where a license is required, until the expiration date is updated showing the license was approved and issued. Licenses with a deliquent status are typically those who owe a late fee.
Contractor Revisions - Contractor's requests to revise or upgrade their license are due by the last day of the month prior to the Board meeting. If Board meets in January, the deadline would be December 31st. Revision requests for Board approval include: Add Classifications; Increase Monetary Limit; Change Mode of Operation; and Name Changes.
Home Improvement Licenses- Must be received by the 20th of the month prior to the Board meeting to ensure it is reviewed at the next meeting.
The only applications with a deadline for receipt, are those which require Board approval and are presented at their regular meetings listed on the "Calendar". "Contractors" and "Home Improvement" are the only license applicants requiring Board approval, unless, there have been complaints, felony convictions; or reinstatements of LLE or LLP to waive the exam. Pre-License Exam Course Provider applications are also approved by the Board. A personal interview is not required unless notified to appear.
A deadline date is required due to the timely review process it takes by staff to ensure the file is in correct order and complete to present at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. (Rule 0680-1-.02) Those who cannot make the deadline or need the license prior to the next Board meeting, may provide a "Hardship" request if it meets the criteria as a hardship to an owner/consumer.
See "Calendar" for meeting dates.
If you have suggestions for other forms and information, please send an email to: Contractor Suggestion
Return to "Contractor's Home Page"
"Laws and Rules" (Check for changes relative to bidding, licensing and insurance)
Sign up on the website to be notified of important changes in legislation at: Email Notification List
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure: You are required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) which will be used for identification purposes, only, and will not be a part of public record. This is under the authority of 42 USC 666.