What If My State Does Not Require a License?

What If My State Does Not Require a Contractor License?

A handful of states and some trade categories do not require a state-level contractor license. Here is what that means for your invoices and business.

States With No Statewide General Contractor License

As of 2026, states with no statewide general contractor license requirement include: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Missouri, and a few others.

Note: "No statewide license" does not mean you can operate without any license — most counties and cities in these states have local licensing requirements.

Local License Requirements Still Apply

Even if your state has no statewide license, check your city and county requirements. Many municipalities require:

• A business license
• A local contractor registration
• Trade-specific permits for each job

What to Put on Your Invoice

If you do not hold a state license, you can still display your:

• Business license number
• Local registration number
• Any trade certifications (e.g., EPA, OSHA, manufacturer certifications)

In JobsPaid, go to Settings → Business Profile and enter whatever credential number is most relevant in the License Number field, or add a note on invoices explaining your qualifications.

Building Trust Without a State License

In unlicensed states, customers may still ask about your qualifications. Consider displaying:

• Years in business
• Insurance certificate number
• Trade association memberships
• Bonding information

Always Pull Permits

Even without a license requirement, most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires permits. Pulling permits protects you legally even when it is not strictly required.