Complete guide to general contractor requirements in Louisiana. State license required for projects over $50,000 through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
State license required for projects over $50,000 through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Issued by: Louisiana SLBC. A licensing exam is required.
Visit official licensing websiteLicense Type
General Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Louisiana requires verifiable experience in the trade. Check with the licensing board for specific requirements.
Louisiana requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Check if Louisiana or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
File your application with Louisiana SLBC along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for Louisiana sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in Louisiana.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Louisiana's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.