LSLBC: Frequently Asked Questions

All work bid, contracted, or performed in the amount of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for mold remediation and hazardous) in the State of Louisiana must be in the exact name as shown on the current records (Section 109 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board).

If the firm has changed its name unrelated to a merger or conversion, the following information must be submitted before the license may be updated:

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION, OR LLC:

1. Copy of the amendment to the charter reflecting registration of the name change with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office [The LA Secretary of State’s office may be reached at (225) 925-4704.];

2. Copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting (if available - corporations only) authorizing the name change;

3. Original current license certificate;

4. Check for $100 for the name change fee; and (if applicable)

5. Email to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov a revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $100,000 and worker's compensation insurance in the new name (required of residential contractors only); or

6. Email to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov a revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $50,000 and worker’s compensation insurance in the new name (required of mold remediation contractors only); and

7. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

GENERAL PARTNERSHIP:

1. Legal documentation signed by all partners consenting to the name change;

2. Original current license certificate;

3. Check of $100 for the name change fee; and

4. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

INDIVIDUAL (SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP):

1. Legal documentation reflecting the name change such as a copy of a marriage license or court order changing the name of the sole proprietor;

2. Original current license certificate;

3. Check for $100 for the name change fee; and

4. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

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How do I report a change of address, phone or fax number, email address or website address?

In order to report any of the above changes, you must complete an Information Change Request Form. This form can be filled out online, printed and faxed or mailed to the LA State Licensing Board for Contractors.

If you need to report any of these changes, click here to be directed to the appropriate form.

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My firm has undergone a conversion. What do I do?

Although there may be additional requirements, the following must be submitted before the license may be updated:

1. Copy of the signed, executed plan of conversion;

2. Copy of the certificate from the domiciliary Secretary of State (if outside Louisiana) reflecting registration of the conversion;

3. Copy of the amendment to the charter reflecting registration of the conversion with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office [The LA Secretary of State’s office may be reached at (225) 925-4704.] OR you may submit a copy of the La. Sec. of State's "Unofficial Detail Record," which may be accessed via the Sec. of State's website at http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov/app1/paygate/crpinq.jsp, reflecting registration of the conversion;

4. Copy of the Articles of Incorporation (if the converted entity is a corporation), the Articles of Organization (if the converted entity is an LLC), or a copy of the partnership agreement (if the converted entity is a partnership);

5. Copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting (if applicable - corporations only ) authorizing the conversion;

6. Original current license certificate;

7. Check for $100 for the structure change fee; and (if applicable)

8. A revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $100,000 and worker's compensation insurance in the new name (required of residential contractors only); or

9. A revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $50,000 and worker’s compensation insurance in the new name (required of mold remediation contractors only); and

10. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

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My firm has undergone a merger. What do I do?

Although there may be additional requirements, the following must be submitted before the license may be updated:

1. Copy of the signed, executed plan of merger;

2. Copy of the certificate from the domiciliary Secretary of State (if outside Louisiana) reflecting registration of the merger;

3. Copy of the amendment to the charter reflecting registration of the merger with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office [The LA Secretary of State’s office may be reached at (225) 925-4704.] OR you may submit a copy of the La. Sec. of State's "Unofficial Detail Record," which may be accessed via the Sec. of State's website at http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/app1/paygate/crpinq.jsp, reflecting registration of the merger;

4. Copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting (if available - corporations only) authorizing the merger;

5. Written verification of the status of the qualifying party(ies);

6. In-house balance sheet on the firm post-dating the merger; and

7. Check for $100 for the structure change fee.

8. If an entity other than the licensed firm survives the merger, the following additional information is needed:
a. Original current license certificate;

b. Copy of the Articles of Incorporation (if the surviving entity is a corporation), the Articles of Organization (if the surviving entity is an LLC), or a copy of the partnership agreement (if the surviving entity is a partnership) as well as a Certificate of Authority or Existence reflecting registration of the surviving entity with the La. Secretary of State's office; and (if applicable)

c. email to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov a revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $100,000 and worker's compensation insurance in the new name (required of residential contractors only); or

d. email to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov a revised original certificate of insurance for both general liability in the amount of $50,000 and worker’s compensation insurance in the new name (required of mold remediation contractors only); and

9. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

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My firm has undergone an ownership change. What do I do?

Although there may be additional requirements, the following must be submitted before the license may be updated:

1. Copy of the signed, executed change of ownership document (sale, divorce decree, donation, will, transfer of ownership, etc.);

2. Copy of the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting (if available - corporations only) authorizing the change in ownership;

3. Written verification of the status of the qualifying party(ies);

4. Check for $100 for the structure change fee; and

5. Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.

New / Different Company / Entity

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How do I transfer my license from one company to another?

A license is not transferable from one entity to another (LA R.S. 37:2156, Paragraph D).

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I want to get my license and then form a corporation, LLC or partnership. What do I do?

If you intend to form a legal entity such as a corporation, partnership, or LLC, you should form the entity and make application in the name of the entity. It is not advisable to apply for an individual license if the intent is to ultimately form a corporation or other legal entity. A license is not transferable from one entity to another (LA R.S. 37:2156, Paragraph D).

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I have a license in my name. Can I use it for my LLC?

An individual license is issued to and may only be used by the owner of the sole proprietorship. Any firm (corporation, LLC, or partnership) owned by the holder of an individual license would need to obtain a separate license in the name of the firm. Therefore, a sole proprietor may not allow his license to be used by a firm which he owns.

Application & Licensing

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How long will it take to get a license?

On average, it takes 4-6 weeks for an in-state license to be issued and 9-10 weeks for an out-of-state license to be issued. There is a sixty-day waiting period for out-of-state contractors which begins on the date the application is received. The amount of time required to process a license depends on several factors, including whether or not all required paperwork and fees are submitted and how promptly bank and contractor/material supply dealer references are returned. It is advisable to contact all references to assure that responses will be submitted timely.

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My firm has submitted an application but I have to bid a job/start work before the license can be issued. Is this okay?

No. A contractor’s license is required to bid, contract, or perform work in the amount of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for hazardous) in the State of Louisiana.

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Can I pay and extra fee to get a temporary license?

There are no provisions in the Louisiana Contractor’s License Law to allow for a “temporary” license.

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How can I obtain a copy of my license certificate?

Mail or fax (225-765-2690) a written request signed by the sole proprietor for an individual license or an officer for a corporate license or a member for an LLC license or a partner for a partnership license.

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I want to do a joint venture with a licensed Louisiana contractor. How does that work?

All parties in a joint venture are required to be licensed at the time the bid is submitted. Each party to the joint venture may only perform within the applicable classifications of the work of which he is properly classified to perform (Section 1103 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board).

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Does a subcontractor need to be licensed at the time of the bid?

A subcontractor who wishes to submit a bid of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for hazardous) must be properly licensed at the time of the bid.

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As a supplier/manufacturer, do I have to have a license?

If you are just furnishing material or equipment, you are considered a manufacturer or supplier and no license is required. Under normal circumstances, a supplier can ship the product to a jobsite with no further involvement on the project. However, if you bid to furnish and install, even if you plan to hire a licensed contractor to do the installation for you, your firm is required to hold a license.

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Who is eligible to be a qualifying party?

A qualifying party is the person who holds the exam scores and who meets one of the eligibility requirements.
No limit is set on the number of qualifying parties a company may have.
You may be considered a qualifying party for a company if you meet ONE of the following requirements:

Sole Proprietor (Individual) No additional documentation required.
Spouse of Sole Proprietor (Individual) (Provide a copy of your marriage license).
Partner

(Provide a copy of the partnership agreement in which you are listed as a partner.)

Original Member of LLC

(Provide a copy of the original Articles of Organization and Initial Report identifying you as a member. If these documents do not identify you as a member, you must also submit a copy of the operating agreement which identifies you as a member.)

Original Incorporator

(Provide a copy of the original Articles of Incorporation in which your name is listed as one of the original incorporators. If your name is not listed in these documents you must also submit a copy of the initial report or by-laws which identify you as an incorporator/director.)

Employee

(You must be a FULL-TIME employee. The evidence of employment should demonstrate that the employee received an average gross income for the preceding 120 consecutive days at least equal to the federal minimum wage for the number of hours worked an average of at least 32 hours per week for the preceding 120-day period and that each payroll check in said period was negotiated within 30 days of the end of the pay period. Further, the employee must demonstrate that he meets the criteria to be classified as an employee as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. All such evidence must be submitted in a verifiable format, through records acceptable to the Board.)

Provide payroll documentation for four (4) months prior to this application as given below:
DIRECT DEPOSIT:

Provide a letter from an officer of the company stating that you are a full-time employee and that you receive payroll by direct deposit.
Provide a register that shows gross wages, FICA payroll deductions for EACH payroll period for four consecutive months.
Provide one recent paycheck stub that verifies your check was directly deposited into your bank account or a computer printout that verifies the direct deposit transmittal information (an ACH Transmittal).

COMPANY CHECK:

Provide a register that shows gross wages, FICA payroll deductions for EACH payroll period for four consecutive months.
Provide copies of each canceled payroll check (front and back). If your bank returns only small images of the canceled payroll checks, you must provide a copy of the page returned by the bank that shows each check has been cancelled. (Year-to-date, quarterly, and cumulative information is not acceptable.

An original owner of a company may be the qualifying party for any company that he/she owns.
A qualifying party as an employee may only qualify one (1) parent company and two (2) subsidiaries.

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How do I report a change in a qualifying party?

In accordance with Section 103 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board, when the qualifying party terminates employment with the licensee, the licensee must notify the Board, in writing, within 30 days of the disassociation and another party must qualify within 60 days of the disassociation.

If your firm has undergone a qualifying party change, please contact the Board for specific instructions. Although there may be additional requirements, the following must be submitted before the license may be updated:

Letter notifying Board of the disassociation of the qualifying party signed by an authorized representative of the firm;
Completed Application for Qualifying Party form which has been signed and notarized; and
Payroll or ownership documentation along with exam fees.

Click here for more information.

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How do I add a classification to a commercial license?

There is no limit to the number of classifications that may be added.

Click here to download the form or write a letter:

Notifying Board that the company wants to add classification(s). The form or letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the firm; and
Listing the name(s) of the Qualifying Parties who will be taking the examinations.

You may not add the residential or mold remediation classification to a commercial license.

Click here for more information.

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How do I reschedule an exam that I failed?

RESCHEDULING FAILED EXAMINATIONS

If you have failed an examination, you MUST send a request IN WRITING asking to be rescheduled. Exams will NOT be rescheduled over the telephone.

A FEE OF $120.00 FOR EACH FAILED EXAM MUST BE SENT WITH THE LETTER ASKING FOR A DATE TO RETAKE THE TEST. (For example, the business and law and one trade exam will be $240.00.) Exams will NOT be rescheduled without the required exam fees.

If this is the first time you have failed the exam, you will have to wait 30 DAYS before retaking the exam again. After the second time you fail, you will have to wait 60 DAYS before retaking the exam.

All rescheduling requests should be sent to:

State Licensing Board for Contractors
Attention: Exams Department
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Reciprocity

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Does Louisiana have reciprocity agreements with other states?

Yes, click here for a listing of current reciprocity agreements.

If you are applying for a waiver based on reciprocity, please submit a written request for consideration, along with the License Verification Form filled out by the respective state Board. The License Verification Form can be found at by clicking HERE.

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I am applying for reciprocity with another state. The other state has requested that I have the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors fill out their reciprocity license verification form. What must I do to get this form filled out?

Sign the form and send it to us with a letter requesting that we fill out the form, along with a check for $85. When we receive the form, we will fill it out for you and return the form to you or to the other state, according to your instructions.

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I am licensed and domiciled in Florida. I also hold a Tennessee license. Do I qualify for reciprocity?

No. You must be domiciled and licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, or Utah to be considered for reciprocity.

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I am domiciled and licensed in Alabama. I qualify for reciprocity. Can I use my license to bid and perform work in Louisiana?

You must hold a Louisiana license in the appropriate classification(s) to bid, contract, or perform work in the amount of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for hazardous).

Miscellaneous

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How can I get information on the Louisiana Public Bid Law?

Contact the Louisiana Attorney General’s office at 225-326-6000 to obtain information on LA R.S. 38:2211-2296.

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What are the steps to add the classification of Solar Energy Equipment to my Commercial License?

In order for a contractor to add the specialty classification of Solar Energy Equipment to an existing Commercial License, the Contractor must complete an adding a classification form and pay all required fees associated with the additional classification.

All contractors applying for the specialty of Solar Energy Equipment must have completed and provide proof to this Board of training in the design and installation of solar energy systems by an entity accredited by this Board.

Click here for a list of approved Solar Energy Training Providers

In addition, a contractor must have at least one of the following classifications on the license at the time the “Solar Energy Equipment” classification is issued:

Building Construction

Electrical Work (Restricted)

Electrical Work (Statewide)

Mechanical Work (Restricted)

Mechanical Work (Statewide)

Electrical or Mechanical work as issued under the grandfathering clause of ACT 725 of the 2008 Louisiana Legislature.

IMPORTANT

When installing photovoltaic panels, a contractor holding Building Construction and/or a Mechanical Work license must either also hold an Electrical Work license or use a subcontractor holding an Electrical Work license to do the electrical hookups, when the total cost of the photovoltaic installation is $10,000 or more.

When installing solar thermal equipment, a contractor holding Building Construction and/or an Electrical Work license must either also hold a Mechanical Work license or use a subcontractor holding a Mechanical Work license to do the plumbing or mechanical hookups, when the total cost of the solar thermal installation is $10,000 or more.

When a contractor holds the classification of Solar Energy Equipment, the property owner may be eligible for certain major state tax incentives. This is in addition to certain federal tax incentives.

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My company has recently completed EPA's Lead Training & Certification course and are now certified renovators. Does this permit us to undertake lead abatement projects in Louisiana?

No. Your company would have to hold a Louisiana contractor’s license with the classification of LEAD BASED PAINT ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL. This requires a letter of approval from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for this work, among other requirements.

Project Classification

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Who classifies projects?

It is the responsibility of the architect, engineer, or awarding authority to classify public projects.

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What if I think a public project has been classified incorrectly?

Once the project has been classified by the architect, engineer, or awarding authority, anyone objecting to the classification must send a certified letter to both the Board and the architect, engineer, or awarding authority. The letter must be received at least ten working days prior to the date on which bids are to be opened. (LA R.S. 37:2163, Paragraph D).

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When must a project be classified as electrical or mechanical?

A project must be classified as Electrical or Mechanical when the majority of the work falls under that classification. The monetary value of the electrical or mechanical material and/or equipment furnished by the owner or builder, if any, is used in determining the amount of electrical or mechanical work involved.

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How do I know if the project is private or public?

The easiest way to determine if a project is public is if tax money is a means of revenue for the project.

Owner / Builder

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I own my own property and want to build my own office. Can I do that?

No. Any construction project of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for hazardous) must be performed by a licensed contractor. There are no provisions in the law to prevent an owner from applying for and being issued a contractor’s license.

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As an owner, can I hire contractors to perform the trades that are less than $50,000 and assume the role of general contractor for myself and the rest of the work?

Owners are allowed to enter into one contract with a properly licensed general contractor for the entire cost of the project. All other contracts must be executed between the general contractor and subcontractors.

Completing the Application

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What are specific requirements for "Type of Business" in Section 1 of the application

Corporation:

Articles of Incorporation. Send a copy of the articles of incorporation signed by the original organizers. Include all amendments or name changes with the original articles.

Certificate of Good Standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State

General Partnership

Partnership Agreement. You must provide a copy of the partnership agreement which includes the names of the partners and the date of organization.

Limited
Liability
Corporation
(LLC)

Articles of Organization. You must provide a copy of the articles or organization which lists the MEMBERS (not managers or managing members) and gives the date of organization.

Limited
Liability
Partnership
(LLP)

Partnership Agreement. You must provide a copy of the partnership agreement which includes the names of the partners and the date of organization.

Certificate of Good Standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State

Sole Proprietorship

no additonal documentation

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What are the specific requirements for Residential license?

Proof by certificate of current general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 (emailed by your agent to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov). This certificate must show effective/expiration dates and limits of coverage and worker's compensation insurance in the same name in which you are applying for a Residentail license:

Under the heading of "Description" your agent must state that the Commercial General Liabitlity Policy represented on this Certificate of Insurance provides general liability coverage for residential home contracting operations subject to the terms and conditions of the policy and the holder must be listed in the format as shown below:

Email to Insurance@LSLBC.louisiana.gov

State Licensing Board for Contractors
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

We encourage you to email this proof of insurance to Insuarance@lslbc.louisiana.gov.

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What are the specific requirements for Mold Remediation license?

Proof by certificate of current general liability insurance in the amount of $50,000 and
worker's compensation insurance (email to Insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov) in the same name in which you are applying for a Mold Remediation license.

Under the heading of "Description" your agent must state that your general liability policy covers mold remediation contracting. This certificate must show effective/experiation dates and limits of coverage and the holder must be listed in the format as shown below:

State Licensing Board for Contractors
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Proof by certificate that your qualifying party has completed twenty-four hours of board-approved course work in mold remediation and basic mold assessment and four hours of instruction in Louisiana's "Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law."

Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law Seminar
The State Licensing Board for Contractors is offering a four (4) hour course on Louisiana's "Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law."

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What are the specific requirements for Commercial license?

Orignal application completed in its entirety, signed by either the President, Vice President, or Secretary-Treasurer and notarized with all applicable fees in the form of a personal/company check, cashier's check or bank money order.

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I want to take on Construction Management jobs. What must I do?

If you will be signing contracts to perform Construction Management, you will need the appropriate classification to perform the work. For example, if you want to sign a contract to perform Construction Management to build a building, you would need the classification of Building Construction.

Alternatively, there are classifications available that are for Construction Management. It is unnecessary to hold these Construction Management classifications to perform Construction Management jobs if you hold the requisite classification for the work, as just described. However, since some owners/awarding authorities require a “Construction Management” classification, we have them available. You would still have to take the appropriate examination; for example, for the classification of Construction Management (Electrical Work), you would have to take the examination for Electrical Work (Statewide).

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What must I do to get the major classification of Plumbing?

If applying for a new application, submit the application, choose the classification of Plumbing, and submit the application with a copy of your Master Plumber’s License with the Louisiana State Plumbing Board.

If applying for an additional classification, submit a request or form to request the classification of Plumbing, along with the applicable fee, and a copy of your Master Plumber’s License with the Louisiana State Plumbing Board.

Louisiana State Licensing Board For Contractors
2525 Quail Drive ~ Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2301 ~ Fax: (225) 765-2431
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