Painting Contractor Licensing — by State
Compare painting contractor license requirements across the top 10 US states. Fees, exam structure, experience requirements, bond minimums, insurance, and reciprocity — all in one place.
Painting contractor licensing varies wildly by state. Some (California, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan) require a state-issued license with experience, exam, and bond. Others (Texas for roofing, New York and Pennsylvania for HVAC) have no state license — only local registration. Pick your state below for the full breakdown.
California
State licenseContractors State License Board (CSLB)
Application: $450Renewal: biennialExam: YesTexas
Local rulesNo state-level painting license. Local permits and EPA RRP for lead work.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoFlorida
Local rulesFlorida does not specifically license painting at the state level. Painting falls under local handyman/general contractor rules unless the project value exceeds residential thresholds.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoNew York
Local rulesNo state-level painting license. NYC requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for residential painting over $200.
Application: $100Renewal: biennialExam: YesPennsylvania
Local rulesNo state painting license. HICPA covers residential.
Application: $50Renewal: biennialExam: NoIllinois
Local rulesNo state painting license. Cities like Chicago require contractor registration.
Application: $75Renewal: biennialExam: NoOhio
Local rulesNo state painting license. Cities like Cleveland, Columbus require contractor registration.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoGeorgia
Local rulesNo state painting license unless project value exceeds $2,500 (then GA Residential or General Contractor required).
Application: $200Renewal: biennialExam: YesNorth Carolina
Local rulesNo state painting license unless project value exceeds $30,000 (then GC license required).
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoMichigan
State licenseMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
Application: $195Renewal: triennialExam: Yes
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