Thinking of becoming a general contractor in Missouri? Here's the most important truth: unlike many states, Missouri does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Instead, licensing is handled at the city and county level, meaning your requirements will depend entirely on where you plan to work. This guide uses Kansas City, MO – the state's largest city – as a definitive example to walk you through the precise steps, requirements, and costs you can expect for local contractor licensing.
Is a General Contractor License Required in Missouri?
No, Missouri does not require a statewide general contractor license; however, most cities and counties mandate local contractor licenses for general contractors working within their jurisdictions. All local authorities are required by state law to verify that contractors have adequate workers' compensation insurance before issuing a license. Per Missouri Revised Statute §287.061, any city or county issuing an occupational license to a construction contractor must require proof of this coverage or an official exemption.
General Contractor License Tiers & Classifications in Missouri (Kansas City Example)
Kansas City, MO licenses contractors by trade rather than by a single general-contractor tier. The Residential Building Contractor category — the closest fit for general-contracting work — authorizes construction, structural alteration, or enlargement of one- or two-family detached dwellings or townhouses, including accessory buildings over 400 square feet. Larger commercial or multi-family projects, and specialty trades like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, fall under their own separate license categories and are outside this license's scope.
Missouri General Contractor License Requirements (Kansas City Example)
To obtain a contractor license in Kansas City, MO, applicants must meet several requirements set by the City Planning & Development department, including passing an exam and providing proof of insurance.
Minimum Age & Eligibility
Every licensed contracting company must employ a full-time, qualified supervisor to oversee tradeswork. That designated supervisor must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED (additional experience may sometimes substitute for the education requirement).
Experience Requirements
Kansas City does not set a fixed number of years of experience. Instead, the designated supervisor's application must include notarized reference questionnaires documenting their skills, knowledge, and experience, which Development Services staff review for adequacy alongside the exam result.
Exam Requirements
The designated supervisor must submit examination results from a recognized examination agency, such as PROMETRIC or ICC. If the supervisor has already passed a comparable exam elsewhere, the department may accept it as an equivalent substitute if the applicant provides official verification of the exam date, sponsor, type, and score.
- Exam Provider: PROMETRIC or ICC (or an equivalent accepted by the department).
- Exam Topics: The specific exam required for the Residential Building Contractor supervisor certificate should be confirmed directly with City Planning & Development – Development Services.
- Registration: Exam registration is handled through the named testing agency.
How to Apply for a General Contractor License in Kansas City, MO
The application process for a general contractor license in Kansas City involves submitting a completed form, supporting documents, and the required fees to the City Planning & Development department.
- Verify Local Requirements: Confirm you meet all current eligibility, experience, and examination requirements with the Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development department.
- Pass the Required Exam: Have your designated supervisor schedule and pass the required examination through PROMETRIC, ICC, or an equivalent accepted testing agency, and obtain the official score report.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the official Residential Building Contractor license application form provided by Kansas City, MO.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documentation, which typically includes:
- Proof of the supervisor's passing exam score, age (21+), and education (HS diploma or GED).
- A certificate of insurance for workers' compensation and general liability.
- Proof of business registration with the Missouri Secretary of State.
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
- Obtain Required Insurance: Secure a liability policy meeting the $1,000,000 per-occurrence minimum, naming the City as additional insured (no cash deposit applies to Residential Building Contractors).
- Submit Application and Fees: Submit your complete application package along with all required fees to the City Planning & Development department.
General Contractor License Costs & Fees in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City charges a $60.00 application fee and a $181.00 license (issuance) fee for the Residential Building Contractor license, according to the city's official fee schedule.
- Application Fee: $60.00 (nonrefundable)
- License/Issuance Fee: $181.00
- Quadrennial Renewal: The license renews every 4 years; confirm the current renewal fee with City Planning & Development.
- Other Costs: Be prepared for additional costs, including exam fees paid directly to the testing agency and premiums for required insurance policies.
Payment methods are specified by the city; confirm accepted payment types before submitting your application.
Insurance & Bond Requirements for Missouri Contractors
All contractors in Missouri must comply with state-level workers' compensation requirements, and local jurisdictions like Kansas City add their own insurance and deposit mandates.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Per Missouri Revised Statute §287.061, any city or county issuing a license for a contractor in the construction industry must require "a certificate of insurance for workers' compensation coverage or an affidavit, the form of which shall be developed by the division, signed by the applicant attesting that the contractor is exempt."
Other Insurance Requirements (Kansas City Example)
Residential building contractors (along with plumbing, demolition classes I/II, fire protection classes I/II, and sign contractors) must provide a current insurance certificate before receiving a new or renewed license. The certificate must include a minimum aggregate liability limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence, name the City of Kansas City as additional insured, and require at least 30 days' notice before any policy change or cancellation (10 days if the cancellation is for nonpayment).
Bonding Requirements
Residential building contractors are not subject to Kansas City's cash-deposit requirement — that applies only to fire protection contractors (classes I and II) and plumbing contractors, who must post a minimum $500.00 cash deposit. No bond requirement for Residential Building Contractors was identified in the sources reviewed.
Renewing Your General Contractor License in Kansas City, MO
The Residential Building Contractor license renews quadrennially (every 4 years); the city's fee schedule states a $181.00 renewal fee, while a separate city bulletin (IB118) states $167.00 — confirm the current amount with City Planning & Development. The designated supervisor's certificate of qualification follows the same 4-year cycle. If the supervisor's certificate lapses for more than 2 years, they must requalify by reapplying and retaking the exam. No continuing education requirement was identified for either the contractor license or the supervisor's certificate.
Reciprocity & Endorsement for Missouri General Contractors
Reciprocity for general contractor licenses is not addressed at the state level because there is no statewide license. Any reciprocity or endorsement agreements would be handled at the local level. The sources reviewed do not specify whether Kansas City, MO, offers reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
Missouri state law (Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 324) includes provisions for military licensure reciprocity for certain professions, but its application to local general contractor licenses should be verified directly with the specific city or county.