How to Get Your Utah Contractor License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Utah Code §58-55-102 defines a contractor as any individual who, for compensation other than wages as an employee, performs or offers to perform construction, plumbing, or electrical work that requires a license. If you fall within this definition, you must obtain a Utah contractor license before providing services in the state.

To work as a contractor in Utah, you must obtain a Utah contractor license from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Licensure is granted only after you meet state requirements, which typically include registering your business, completing the required pre-licensure education, securing a contractor license bond, and maintaining general liability insurance.

This guide walks you through each step of the Utah contractor licensing process so you can apply with confidence.

1. Register Your Business

Before applying for a Utah contractor license, you must establish your business structure. Contractors may operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

If you operate as a sole proprietor under your legal name, you generally do not need to register a separate business entity with the state. However, if you choose any other structure or operate under a business name, you must register the entity with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

Sole proprietors typically provide a Social Security Number, while registered business entities must provide a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

2. Determine the Appropriate License Classification

There are two main Utah contractor license categories: general contractor classifications and specialty contractor classifications.

General contractor classifications include:

• E100 General Engineering Contractor – Performs or oversees large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and industrial facilities.
• B100 General Building Contractor – Oversees construction of buildings and structural components.
• R100 Residential/Small Commercial Contractor – Manages construction of residential properties and limited-size commercial buildings.

Specialty contractor classifications apply to specific trades and limited scopes of work. These include, for example:

• E200 General Electrical Contractor
• E201 Residential Electrical Contractor
• P200 General Plumbing Contractor
• P201 Residential Plumbing Contractor
• Roofing, fire suppression systems, landscape and recreation, carpentry, flooring, and many other defined specialty trades.

3. Meet the Utah Contractor License Requirements

Both general and specialty contractors must meet the following Utah contractor license requirements as established by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL):

• Federal employer identification number (EIN), if applicable
• Contractors with employees must provide unemployment registration issued by the Department of Workforce Services, state withholding tax registration on file with the Utah State Tax Commission, and a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance naming the Division of Professional Licensing as the certificate holder
• Contractors without employees must submit a workers’ compensation coverage waiver obtained from the Utah Labor Commission
• Certificate of general liability insurance meeting Utah contractor insurance requirements of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate
• Surety bond: $15,000–$50,000, depending on license classification
• Fee: $50 per qualifier and $175 per license classification
• 25-hour pre-licensure course for specialty contractors and 30-hour course for general contractors

Beyond these baseline requirements, general contractors must also satisfy:

• At least 4,000 hours (two years) of paid construction experience
• The Division may consider certain qualifications as meeting the experience requirement, subject to review and approval. These may include:
  • A construction management degree
  • Serving as the qualifier on an active or prior license
  • Successful completion of the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination
  • Licensure as a Professional Engineer in Utah
  • Business and Law examination (exemptions may apply based on prior licensure or reciprocity, subject to Division review)

Applicants seeking a plumbing contractor license must designate a licensed Master Plumber as the qualifier. Electrical contractors must designate a licensed Master Electrician as the qualifier.

4. Secure a Utah Contractor License Bond

Contractors are required to file a surety bond as part of the licensing process. The bond protects consumers and the public by ensuring compliance with Utah contractor laws.

Required bond amounts vary by license classification:

• $50,000 – B100 General Building Contractor and E100 General Engineering Contractor
• $25,000 – R100 Residential/Small Commercial Contractor
• $15,000 – All other specialty classifications

Contractors do not pay the full bond amount. Instead, you pay a premium based on your credit and financial profile. Well-qualified applicants often receive rates in the 1% to 3% range.

5. Pass the Utah Contractor License Exam

Most Utah contractor license applicants must pass the Utah Contractor Business and Law Exam, administered by Prov. The exam tests knowledge of business practices, contract law, financial responsibility, and state regulations.

You can schedule your exam through the Prov website or by contacting the testing provider directly. Exam results are sent to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

You may qualify for an exam exemption if:

• You were listed as a qualifier on a Utah contractor license before May 9, 2017, or
• You have at least one year of active, licensed contractor experience in another U.S. jurisdiction in a similar scope of practice and are in good standing

6. Apply for a Utah Contractor License 

You may apply for a Utah contractor license through the UtahID online portal, in person, or by express delivery (such as FedEx or UPS) to:

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
160 E 300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Applications may also be mailed via U.S. Postal Service to:

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Processing times generally range from four to six weeks, depending on application volume and whether all required documents are submitted correctly.

Utah Contractor License Renewal

Utah contractor licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of the original issue date. Renewal notices are typically sent approximately 60 days before expiration, and renewals are completed through the UtahID online portal.

The current renewal fee is $119. Contractors must have an active surety bond and general liability insurance in force at the time of renewal to maintain good standing.

City-Specific Utah Contractor License Requirements

While Utah contractor licenses are issued at the state level by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), many cities require contractors to obtain a local business license and complete registration before performing work.

Salt Lake City: Contractors must obtain a city business license before operating. State-licensed trades must provide proof of active Utah licensure, and contractors must register with the city before pulling building permits.

Provo: Contractors are required to secure a Provo city business license prior to operating. Proof of state licensure (if applicable) and compliance with zoning and permitting requirements are required before construction begins.

Ogden: Contractors must obtain a city business license to operate within the city limits. State trade licenses must be verified, and proper building permits must be secured before starting work.

West Valley City: Contractors must hold a valid city business license and complete local registration before requesting permits. Proof of Utah licensure and compliance with local codes is required.

St. George: Contractors must obtain a St. George business license and secure required building permits before performing work. State license verification is required for regulated trades.

FAQs

Can the contractor license bond amount in Utah be adjusted?

Utah law establishes minimum contractor license bond amounts based on license classification. Under Utah Code §58-55-306, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) may require a higher bond amount in certain circumstances, such as prior disciplinary history, unpaid judgments, or other financial risk factors.

Who is exempt from Utah’s contractor licensing requirement?

Certain entities and activities may be exempt from Utah contractor licensing requirements under Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55. Exemptions may apply to public utilities performing work incidental to their primary operations, certain government entities, owner-builders under limited conditions, and other statutory exceptions. Applicants should review the Construction Trades Licensing Act to determine whether an exemption applies to their situation.

When can a contractor license be suspended or revoked in Utah?

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing may suspend, revoke, restrict, or refuse to issue a contractor license if a licensee engages in unlawful or unprofessional conduct. Grounds for discipline may include submitting false information on an application, failing to obtain required building permits, violating construction standards, or allowing unlicensed individuals to perform work that requires licensure.

What should a contractor do when ceasing operations in Utah?

Contractors who plan to stop performing work in Utah may submit a Surrender of License or request to place the license on inactive status through the Division of Professional Licensing. This formally notifies the state that contracting activities are ending, either temporarily or permanently, and helps prevent future compliance issues.