Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

LOUISIANA STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS


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Frequently Asked Questions

Report of Changes

How do I report a NAME CHANGE?

How do I report a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, FAX NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS OR WEBSITE ADDRESS?

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

My firm has undergone a MERGER.  What do I do?
My firm has undergone an OWNERSHIP CHANGE.  What do I do?
New / Different Company / Entity
How do I TRANSFER MY LICENSE from one company to another?

I want to get my license and then form a CORPORATION, LLC, OR PARTNERSHIP.  What do I do?

I have a license in my name.  Can I use it for my LLC?
Application & Licensing
How long will it take to get a LICENSE?

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

Can I pay an extra fee to get a TEMPORARY LICENSE?

How can I obtain a COPY OF MY LICENSE certificate?

I want to do a JOINT VENTURE with a licensed Louisiana contractor.  How does that work?

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

As a SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER, do I have to have a license?

Who is eligible to be a QUALIFYING PARTY? 

How do I report a CHANGE IN QUALIFYING PARTY? 

How do I ADD A CLASSIFICATION to a commercial license?

How do I RESCHEDULE AN EXAM that I failed?
Reciprocity

Does Louisiana have RECIPROCITY agreements with other states?

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

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

Miscellaneous

How can I get information on the Louisiana PUBLIC BID LAW?

Can INMATE LABOR be used to do construction work on projects of $50,000 or more?
Project Classification

Who CLASSIFIES projects?

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

When must a project be classified as ELECTRICAL or MECHANICAL?

How do I know if the project is PRIVATE OR PUBLIC?
Owner / Builder

I OWN MY OWN PROPERTY and want to build my own office.  Can I do that?

As an OWNER, can I hire contractors to perform the trades that are less than $50,000 and assume the role of general contractor myself for the rest of the work?
 
How do I report a name change?

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 $75 for the name change fee; and (if applicable)

5.  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.  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 $75 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 $75 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 NUMBER, 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.  |back to questions|

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

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)

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 $75 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. |back to questions|

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

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)

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 $75 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.  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.  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. |back to questions|

 
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.  In-house balance sheet on the firm post-dating the change in ownership;

5.  Check for $75 for the structure change fee; and

6.  Cover letter with license number(s), contact person, and contact telephone number, including extension.  |back to questions|

 
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).  Except in the case of an INDIVIDUAL license (which is issued to the owner of a sole proprietorship - in which the firm holds the license, not the qualifying party).  To obtain a license application for the new entity, please contact the Board.   |back to questions|
 
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) |back to questions|

 

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.  |back to questions|

 
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.  |back to questions|

 
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 |back to questions|

 
Can I pay an extra fee to get a TEMPORARY LICENSE?

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

 
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.  |back to questions|

 
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) |back to questions|

 
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.  |back to questions|

 
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.  |back to questions|

 
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:

  1. Sole Proprietor (Individual) or Spouse of Sole Proprietor (Individual license).

  2. Partner – Partner listed in partnership agreement.

  3. Limited Liability Company – Member listed in original Articles or Operating Agreement.

  4. Corporation – Incorporator or Stockholder.  (You must provide documentation which shows ownership.)

  5. Employee – Full-time employee for the last four (4) months.  (You must provide payroll documentation verifying employment.)

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 a parent company and two (2) subsidiaries.

Click here for more information.

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How do I report a CHANGE IN 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:

  1. Letter notifying Board of the disassociation of the qualifying party signed by an authorized representative of the firm;

  2. Completed Application for Qualifying Party form which has been signed and notarized; and

  3. 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: 

  1. 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

  2. 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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