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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services.
This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Board for Licensing Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
Yes
Financial Requirements:
To obtain an unlimited license, the contractor must show $300,000 in both working capital and net worth; experience, and an audited financial statement. An audit is not required at renewal to retain this limit.
Insurance Requirements:
Contractors must provide a certificate of insurance as proof of having general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
The certificate of insurance must include policy numbers, expiration date, and the "Board for Licensing Contractors" with address must be listed as the "Certificate Holder"
The coverage minimums for general liability insurance depend on the monetary license limit requested: Contractors requesting a monetary limit of up to $500,000 need at least $100,000 of coverage, contractors requesting a limit of between $500,001 and $1,500,000 need at least $500,000 of coverage, and contractors requesting a limit of $1,500,001 or more need at least $1,000,000 in coverage.
Workers' Compensation is required for all contractors applying for a license unless:
The contractor does not have any employees; and
The license owners/employer has met the criteria to be exempt or provided proof of registration as a "Construction Services Provider" with the Secretary of State.
Bond Requirements:
There is no general bonding requirement for a contractor's license, however, in some cases contractors are permitted to submit a bond in order to meet working capital or other requirements.
Notes:
A contractor's license is required for projects worth $25,000 or more when acting as either: A prime contractor; an electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, or roofing subcontractor; a masonry subcontractor on a project worth at least $100,000; or a construction manager on projects worth at least $25,000.
Unlimited licenses are available for contractors with at least $300,000 of working capital and a net worth of at least $300,000.
The application is due 20th of the month before the Board meets. The application must be received in the office by deadline date; not postmarked, to ensure it is prepped by the staff for review. The Board meets six (6) times annually during the following months: January (Nashville); March (Nashville); May (West TN); July (Nashville); September (East TN); and November (Nashville). Meeting locations are tentative and subject to change. See “Public Meetings Calendar” on the website. For example, in order to be reviewed at the January meeting, application would be due December 20th. If 20th is on a holiday/weekend, next business day is considered the deadline.
Notarization Required?:
Required
Notes:
Applicants requesting a monetary limit of $3,000,000 or less must submit a financial statement reviewed by a CPA. Monetary limits of $3,000,001 or more require an audited financial statement prepared by a CPA.
Financial statements must be prepared according to GAAP. Compiled and income tax basis statements are not accepted.
Financial statements can be no older than 14 months.
An interview with a board member at the meeting may be required for the following: Qualifying Agent (QA) is not a majority owner and employed less than six (6) months; Experience – Insufficient amount listed for the monetary limit requested; and/or if there are issues such as: Complaint history; judgments; felony convictions; bankruptcy; etc., or failure to disclose such issues. Whenever an interview is required, the QA is required to interview. If the QA is not a majority owner, then both the QA and an owner; or QA and an officer, must both attend the board meeting. An admission letter of the time, date and location of the meeting will be sent to those required to interview.
Those required to interview, this is informal and takes no longer than 30 minutes. However, due to several contractors scheduled, there may be a timely wait. Board members in your field of expertise usually perform the interview. For example, an electrical Board member will interview those applying for an electrical license, and the mechanical contractor interviews the plumbing and HVAC contractors, etc. At the interview, the application is reviewed and general questions will be asked about contracting experience and to ensure the license classification covers your type of projects. You may use this time to ask the Board member advice or the staff questions concerning the licensing law. There is no dress code requirement.
Interview Waived – Files are reviewed prior to the Board meeting and those granted waiver of the interview will be sent a notification letter. However, the license does not get granted earlier and must be approved at the Board meeting.
Board Review - See the “Public Meetings Calendar” for the Board meeting schedule. The law requires the full Board to vote to approve all licenses in order to be issued. Contractors granted a hardship for early review are ratified at this meeting for issuance.
License Issuance Upon approval by the full Board, the license will be issued for two (2) years. After the Board meeting, these may be confirmed online at “Verify a License” on the website at: http://verify.tn.gov/ within 3 to 7 business days. The license will have your license name, ID number, classification, expiration date and monetary limit (contains same information required to be on the outside of a bid envelope for primes and subs)
Letter of Reference - to be completed by a past client or emp;loyer, who can comment about construction work and expericene, or a code official who has inspected yuor work (not from a relative).
Contractors with a monetary limit of $1,500,000 or less must submit a notarized statement that the information contained in the financial statement is true and correct with the renewal application. Contractors with a limit of $1,500,001 or more must submit a compilation prepared by a licensed public accountant or CPA.
Financial Statements can be no older than 14 months
Required Attachments:
A self-prepared financial statement if the monetary limit is $3,000,000 or less. A monetary limit of more than $3,000,000 requires a CPA-reviewed financial statement (no older than 14 months)
Certificate of insurance for General Liability in the correct format (The "Board for Licensing Contractors" must be named as the certificate holder. The policy number and current expiration date must be listed. TBD and binders are not acceptable)
Certificate of Insurance for Workers' Compensation, or Exemption Registration as a "Construction Service Provider", unless, claiming Handyman exemption
For corporate entities, proof of active status with the Tennessee Secretary of State's office
Disclosures (if applicable)
Contractors with the following designations are required to provide proof of completing the 8 hours of residential continuing education (RCE):
For classifications requiring a trade exam, attach a copy of the passing exam score; the “Business and Law” exam is not required to be taken by the new QA.
If the QA is a full time employee only, with no ownership or not a majority owner (less than 20% ownership interest), the “Power of Attorney” form must also be signed by the owner, notarized and attached to the application.
If the license classification does not require a trade exam, list their experience or attach a resume of the QA.
Tennessee Fire Sprinkler Contractor License
Agency:
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance - Licensing & Regulations
Electrical License applications are not available online. To apply for a license, go in person to the Codes Division at the Cookeville Municipal Building.
Davidson County/City of Nashville Gas & Appliance Contractor License Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville HVAC&R Contractor License Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville Metropolitan Master Mechanical Contractor Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville Metropolitan Master Plumber Contractor Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Individuals over the age of 65 are exempt from the annual renewal fee
Due:
Annually by December 31
Required Attachments:
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville Septic Tank & Overflow Contractor
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
State of Tennessee Qualifying Agent License with photograph
State of Tennessee Company License showing all classifications with the State of Tennessee Alarm Contractors Board
Davidson County Business License
Davidson County/City of Nashville State Electrical Contractor Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
A penalty of 10% per month of the fee due will be added to the total for all applications submitted after April 1
If a registration is not renewed within 1 year of its expiration, it will be considered void and any application will be treated as new
Required Attachments:
State of Tennessee License
State of Tennessee Qualifying Agent Affidavit
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville State Gas/Mechanical Contractor Registration
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
A penalty of 10% per month of the fee due will be added to the total for all applications submitted after April 1
If a registration is not renewed within 1 year of its expiration, it will be considered void and any application will be treated as new
Required Attachments:
State of Tennessee License
State of Tennessee Qualifying Agent Affidavit
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville State Plumbing Contractor License
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Annually by the associated state-level license renewal
Notes:
If a license is in good standing, license holders have the option of requesting to "prepay" for an additional year of licensure
This cannot be done online. License holders must call or go in-person to the Memphis and Shelby County licensing section to make this request
Shelby County and the City of Memphis run on an annual license cycle, while the State of Tennessee runs on a biennial cycle. The expiration of this registration, although annual, will still follow the month and day of the associated state-level license
Individual Licenses
Tennessee Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses
Tennessee Alarm Employee Registration
Agency:
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?
No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
Each applicant must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be of good moral character.
Submit a signed, notarized application along with the appropriate non-refundable application fee of $100.
Submit copy of receipt for electronically scanned fingerprints.
Submit two 1" x 1" color passport-style photos with the name of the applicant printed on the back of each.
If a criminal history exists applicants must disclose all arrests/charges and provide certified court documents showing the final disposition of all charges. Criminal history that could disqualify an applicant:
(a) Conviction by any local, state, federal or military court of any crime involving the illegal use, possession, sale, manufacture, distribution or transportation of a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, drug or narcotic; (b) Conviction of a crime involving felonious assault; (c) Conviction of a crime involving unlawful breaking or entering, burglary, larceny or arson; (d) Conviction as an habitual criminal; or (e) An addiction to alcohol or a narcotic drug.
Conviction means and includes the entry of a plea of guilty, plea of no contest or a verdict rendered in open court by a judge or jury.
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance - Fire Prevention/State Fire Marshal's Office
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?
No
Requirement Notes:
This application must be accompanied by: 1. Proof of completion of course of instruction/study from a manufacturer school or other program (including date and type of course.) 2. A written affidavit from the firm for which you work, supporting your competency to act as an extinguisher specialist. Pursuant to Rule 0780-2-14.05 (1) (a) 3. Application Fee
1. Proof of completion of course of instruction/study from a manufacturer school or other program (including date and type of course.)
2. A written affidavit from the firm for which you work, supporting your competency to act as an extinguisher specialist. Pursuant to Rule 0780-2-14.05 (1) (a)
3. Must present citizenship evidence listed on the application
There is no application for renewal. A renewal reminder will be emailed prior to the expiration of the license. A license will be renewed with the payment of the renewal fee.
City of Chattanooga Class III Electrical Contractor License
Agency:
City of Chattanooga - Public Works Department - Land Development Office (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by the State of Tennessee
There is no application for renewal. A renewal reminder will be emailed prior to the expiration of the license. A license will be renewed with the payment of the renewal fee.
City of Chattanooga Journeyman Sign Electrician License
Agency:
City of Chattanooga - Public Works Department - Land Development Office (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by the State of Tennessee
There is no application for renewal. A renewal reminder will be emailed prior to the expiration of the license. A license will be renewed with the payment of the renewal fee.
City of Knoxville Plans Review and Inspections Department (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Notes:
This license is issued through reciprocity with a valid State of TN CE contractors license and will carry the same rights and limitations as set forth by the State of TN.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?
No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
Must hold a valid State of Tennessee CE contractors license
Davidson County/City of Nashville Electrical Equipment Installer - Individual
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville Low Voltage Wiring Installer License - Individual
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
Bond (must use permit bond form provided by the Department of Codes Administration)
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Davidson County Business License
Bond Amount:
$40,000
Davidson County/City of Nashville Master Electrician License - Individual
Agency:
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County - Codes & Building Safety (TN)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:
No
Insurance Requirements:
General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $300,000 per occurrence with combined single limit bodily injury and property damage coverage
The certificate holder must be listed as Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, c/o of Metro Codes, 800 2nd Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37219-6350
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