Painting Contractor (Commercial) License Requirements by State
Find the licensing requirements, exact fees, and training hours required to work actively as a painting contractor (commercial) in your state. Map out the regulatory environment across the country and launch your home business legally.
License Requirements by State
22 states require a license, 29 states do not.
All States Comparison
| State | License Required | Fee | Training | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required | $492 | 2.2 months | 2 |
| Alaska | Required | $350 | N/A | N/A |
| Arizona | Required | $596 | 2 years | 2 |
| Arkansas | Required | $180 | 1 year | 1 |
| California | Required | $579 | 4 years | 3 |
| Colorado | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Connecticut | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Delaware | Not Required | — | — | — |
| District of Columbia | Required | $654 | N/A | N/A |
| Florida | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Georgia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Hawaii | Required | $694 | 4 years | 2 |
| Idaho | Required | $50 | N/A | N/A |
| Illinois | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Indiana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Iowa | Required | $50 | N/A | N/A |
| Kansas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Kentucky | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Louisiana | Required | $400 | 0 days | 2 |
| Maine | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Maryland | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Massachusetts | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Michigan | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Minnesota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Mississippi | Required | $640 | 2.2 months | 2 |
| Missouri | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Montana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nebraska | Required | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nevada | Required | $1,040 | 4 years | 2 |
| New Hampshire | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New Jersey | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New Mexico | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New York | Not Required | — | — | — |
| North Carolina | Not Required | — | — | — |
| North Dakota | Required | $100 | N/A | N/A |
| Ohio | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oklahoma | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oregon | Required | $310 | 4 years | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Rhode Island | Required | $200 | N/A | N/A |
| South Carolina | Required | $250 | 2 years | 1 |
| South Dakota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Tennessee | Required | $307 | N/A | 1 |
| Texas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Utah | Required | $405 | 4 days | N/A |
| Vermont | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Virginia | Required | $320 | 2 years | 1 |
| Washington | Required | $117 | N/A | N/A |
| West Virginia | Required | $141 | N/A | 1 |
| Wisconsin | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Wyoming | Not Required | — | — | — |
Getting Started
Ready to start your painting contractor (commercial) business? Here is what you need to do:
- Click on your state above to see specific requirements
- Apply for a professional license if required by your state
- Register your business with your state Secretary of State
- Obtain a home occupation permit from your county
- Get business insurance to protect yourself and clients
- Set up your home workspace and start taking clients
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Get a personalized breakdown of your startup expenses.
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