Oklahoma Contractor License

Do you want to be an authorized contractor in Oklahoma but don’t know where to start? We researched and collected the needed data on obtaining a contractor’s license in the state, all the state-specific requirements, means of checking the licensed contractors, and more.

How do you get a general contractor’s license in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, general contractors don’t have to hold a license or register their business to perform their work. Although if your work includes tasks and services on one of the following mentioned fields you need to be licensed:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• HVAC
• Roofing

Additionally, if you are an out-state contractor, you need to be registered with Oklahoma Tax Commission and obtain EIN and post an adequate bond. Further details are posted here.

Specialty contractors who fall under one of the categories listed above should hold a license to legally work in Oklahoma.

The general requirements of earning your specialty license in the state are as follows:

• Indicate education or experience on the scope of your work
• Pass an evaluation exam according to your specialty
• Register your business: If your business is LLC you must be registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
• Obtain general liability insurance if your specialty is in roofing or plumbing
• Get worker’s compensation insurance if you have employees
• Show proof of bond
• Submit the application form and pay the processing fee

For each contractor’s specialty the requirements and licensing, processes may differ. The application forms and the exams also vary according to the scope of your work. Here, we will break down the requirements and procedures of each specialty licensing separately.

Roofing specialty license

Since the roofing specialty work is relatively dangerous, the insurance coverage gets higher. Roofing contractors in Oklahoma must have $500,000 general liability coverage and $1,000,000 coverage if the work is on commercial projects. Residential roofer pays only $75 to apply for a license while commercial roofing contractor should pay $230.

Plumbing specialty license

To earn your plumbing specialty license in Oklahoma you must pass plumbing business and law exams. Additionally, you should demonstrate 2-3 years of work experience depending on the type of license you are applying for.

Electrical specialty license

To obtain your electrical specialty license in Oklahoma, you should meet education, experience, and exam requirements.

There are 3 types of electrical licenses each having its subcategory.

For instance, if you choose an unlimited electrical contractor’s license within the electrical contractor type you must possess its own requirements. The unlimited electrical contractors must have 12,000 of proved experience in their field to perform any type of work.

To avoid damages and harms to your projects or business, make sure to work with licensed specialty contractors. You can check the status of the licensee or the registered contracting business by visiting Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Does a general contractor need to be licensed in Oklahoma?

To perform construction services in Oklahoma, you don’t have to be a licensed contractor or a subcontractor. State licensing is not required in Oklahoma when working on projects of commercial or residential buildings, roads, bridges, or highways, installation of utilities, or other renovating, remodeling, or repairing services.

If your general contracting work falls under the below-mentioned categories you can easily operate in Oklahoma, without any obstacles.

You don’t need a license if your work tasks  include the following:

• House framing
• Painting, touch-ups
• Fence installations
• Drywall
• Concrete
• Carpentry