How to Get a Colorado Contractor License [2024 Guide]

To legally operate as a contractor in the state of Colorado, you need to get a contractor license.

Depending on the type of work you will do, the licensing process for contractors in Colorado is regulated by different institutions:

• To become a plumber or an electrical contractor, you will need to get your plumbing or electrical contractor license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
• To become a general contractor, you will need to apply for a general contractor license at your local city licensing office.

Below are the steps you need to take to get your Colorado contractor license.

1. Register Your Business in the State

If you plan on launching your own business, instead of working for someone else, you will need to register your business entity with the Secretary of State (SoS).

After completing the business registration process with the SoS, you can proceed with the licensing application.

2. Determine Your Colorado Contractor License Classification

The main license classifications for contractors in Colorado are as follows:

• General contractor license – this type of license, as well as any specialty sub-type, is issued on a municipality level and the licensing requirements are determined on that level.

• Plumbing contractor license – this license is issued and regulated by the DORA. There are several stages of plumbing contractor licensing, starting with a residential plumber license, a journeyman plumber license, and a master plumber license. Separately, there is a plumbing contractor business license that you can apply for to start a business and hire other plumbers to work for you. To acquire this type of license, you already need to hold a master plumber license or have an employee with such authorization.

• Electrical contractor license – this license is also issued and regulated by the DORA. Depending on your experience, electrical contractor licensing has three stages. These are a residential wireman license, a journeyman electrician license, and a master electrician license. You can also apply for an electrical contractor business license. For the purpose, you must hold a master electrician license or employ someone who has such authority.

3. Comply With The Colorado Contractor License Requirements

Depending on the type of license you are applying for, you will be required to meet a different set of requirements. See the sections below for the different license types.

Colorado contractor license application

General and other contractors in Colorado are licensed on a municipal level. For the purpose, you must contact your local development or licensing authority to learn about the licensing requirements.

For example, in the City and County of Denver, there are several different types of contractor licenses. The application requirements for these licenses are fairly similar and include:

• 5 years of verifiable experience in your trade
• Completing a Denver contractor license application form
• Submitting a Colorado contractor license bond
• Providing a copy of your certificate of liability insurance with the city and county
• Attaching a list of the construction equipment (owned or leased) by your business (if applicable)
• Paying an application fee

Once you cover these requirements, you can submit your application with the Community Planning and Development Department. The application will be evaluated and you will be notified of the result. Much like in Denver, other counties and cities will have similar licensing requirements for contractors.

If you need to get a surety bond for your license application, complete the form below to get a free quote on your bond!

If you want to get a plumbing or electrical contractor license in the state of Colorado, see the sections below!

Colorado plumbing contractor license application

Plumbing licenses are issued by the Plumbing Board at the DORA. License applications are completed and submitted through the online service of the Board. To apply for a plumbing license, regardless at which level you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Provide information about any plumbing licenses that you hold
• Upload other state plumber licenses, if applicable
• Upload an Affidavit of experience, if applicable
• Identify current employer
• Complete an Affidavit of eligibility (in the application)
• Answer general and criminal background history questions
• Upload transcripts, if applicable
• Pay an application fee

If you apply by examination or endorsement there are some differences in the application process. You will either have to pass a test or provide a copy of an equivalent qualifying license acquired from another state.

If you wish to apply for a plumbing contractor business license, you will need to:

• Pay a $210 application processing fee
• Provide Unemployment and Worker’s Compensation insurance information (if you have any employees)
• Complete an Acknowledgement of Responsibility form
• Possibly complete other local requirements

Colorado electrical contractor license application

Electrical contractor licenses are issued and regulated by the Electrical Board at the DORA. License applications are submitted online through the Department’s website. To apply for your electrical contractor license, you need to comply with the following requirements:

• Provide information about any other electrician licenses that you hold
• Upload an electrician license from other states, if applicable
• Upload an Affidavit of experience, if applicable
• Identify your current employer and show active apprenticeship registration
• Complete an Affidavit of eligibility (in the application)
• Answer general and criminal background history questions
• Upload transcripts, if applicable
• Pay a non-refundable application fee

If you want to apply for an electrical contractor business license, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Pay an application processing fee
• Provide information about your Unemployment and Worker’s compensation insurance policies (if you have any employees)
• Submit an Acknowledgement of responsibility form
• Complete other local requirements (if applicable)

4. Getting Your Colorado Contractor License Bond

Some counties and cities in the state require contractors to get a Colorado contractor license bond before issuing their license.

The purpose of the bond is to guarantee that the licensed contractor will comply with local rules and regulations, such as the Building code.

When you apply for a bond, you will need to pay only a fraction of its total amount. This is called your bond premium. Click on the link below and complete the bond form, to request a free quote on your contractor license bond!

If you have any questions about getting bonded as a contractor in Colorado, call us at 866.450.3412!