How to Get a Rhode Island Contractor License [Guide]

There are three different types of contractor licenses and registrations in the state of Rhode Island.

If you want to engage in commercial or home construction, or to perform alterations, remodeling, or repair works, you will need a contractor registration.

To work on sewer, water or storm drainage lines and any other related services, individuals must get an underground utility contractor license.

To perform construction, renovation, or any other work on or about the roof of a nonresidential structure or a similar building, you will need to apply for a commercial roofing contractor license.

The application requirements for these contractors differ somewhat but include the need to pass an education course or an exam, to obtain insurance as well as a Rhode Island contractor license bond, and several others.

To learn about how to get a Rhode Island contractor license or registration, see our full guide below!

1. Pick Your Rhode Island Contractor License Type

The Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB) is the agency that is responsible for issuing and regulating both contractor licenses as well as registrations. It offers the following three options:

• Underground utility contractors license
• Commercial roofing contractor license
• Contractor registration

Based on the type of work you wish to perform, you will need to follow the licensing/registration processes detailed in the following sections.

2. Register Your Business in the State

You will need to obtain some kind of business registration prior to applying for a contractor license. To determine the exact type of registration you need to undergo, go to the Rhode Island Business Portal Assistant.

The Assistant will provide you with all the necessary information you need about your registration and which agencies you need to contact to complete it. When you are done with this step, you can proceed with your contractor license application.

3. Complete the Rhode Island Contractors License and Registration Requirements

Depending on whether you’re applying for a license or a registration, you will need to cover the following requirements.

Underground Utility Contractor License Requirements

To begin your application, complete the Rhode Island underground utility contractor license application form.

In addition, you will need to attach the following supporting documents, prior to submitting the form:

• Proof of a successfully passed written exam with PSI Services
• Combined single limit, bodily injury, and property damage liability insurance in an amount of at least $1,000,000
• Workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable)
• A $20,000 Rhode Island contractor license bond

These are the main requirements you need to cover before you can submit your license application and fee to the Registration and Licensing Board. See below for full information about how to submit.

Commercial Roofing Contractor License Requirements

First, complete the commercial roofing contractor license application form. In addition, you must also provide proof of satisfying the following requirements:

• Proof of a successfully passed written exam with PSI Services
• An insurance certificate in an amount of $1,500,000 per occurrence
• Workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable)
• A certificate of completion of all field personnel of a 10-hour OSHA safety course (business applicants only)

Once you have covered these requirements, you can submit your application packet and fee to the Board. See below for more details about the submission.

Contractor Registration Requirements

For your registration, start by completing the Rhode Island contractor registration application form. You must also attach proof of having satisfied the following requirements:

• Proof of completion of 5 credit hours of pre-registration education
• Combined single limit, bodily injury, and property damage liability insurance in an amount of least $500,000
• Workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable)

If you’ve covered the above requirements, you can submit your registration application, along with a fee.

4. Get a Rhode Island Contractor License Bond (only for underground utility contractors!)

Applicants for an underground utility contractor license are required to post a Rhode Island contractor license bond in the amount of $20,000. The bond serves as a guarantee for their compliance with the laws and regulations of the state that apply to them.

You can get a free quote on your bond by clicking on the banner below!

5. Submit Your Application Packet and Fee to the Board

Regardless of the type of license or registration you are applying for, once you’ve covered the requirements, you must submit your documentation to the Board. Along with your application packet, you need to include an application fee in one of the following amounts:

• $200 for underground utility contractors and contractor registration applicants
• $400 for commercial roofing contractors

Attach the fee in the form of a check or money order, made payable to RICRLB.

To submit your application, mail it to the following address:

RI Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
560 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, RI 02886

Your application documents will then be reviewed by the Board and you will be notified within a short amount of time whether they have been approved.

Want to know more about the licensing or registration process for Rhode Island contractors? Get in touch with the Board at (401) 921-1590!