What Are The Missouri Contractor License Requirements? 

If you’ve decided to work as a general contractor in Missouri, you’ve chosen a lucrative path. With requirements and regulations varying from state to state, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the state of Missouri general contractor license requirements. 

Who issues a general contractor license in Missouri?

In accordance with Missouri contractors license requirements, you need to apply for approval at the local level, as the state does not provide a statewide general contractors license. This means that the application process, requirements, and fees for obtaining a license will vary depending on the local issuing authority in your city. Here is a quick overview of the licensing process in two major cities in Missouri:

• Kansas City, MO: All contractors licenses in KC will be issued through the Kansas City, MO City Planning and Development – Developmental Services department. 
• St. Louis, MO:  All contractors in St. Louis must go through the  St. Louis Building Division – Permit Section  to obtain a building permit to perform contracting work in the city. 

  Basic state of Missouri general contractor license requirements

• Register your business: To operate a business in Missouri, you need to register it with the Missouri Secretary of State and secure all necessary tax ID numbers, a certificate of insurance, and contractor bonds for all projects.
• Obtain workers comp insurance: If you have employees, you are required to obtain workers' compensation insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, self-insured basis, or the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
• Apply for a  Missouri Tax Identification Number: To comply with tax regulations, you also need to apply for a Missouri Tax Identification Number and obtain any required licenses or permits from the Missouri Department of Revenue, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller's permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue for more information regarding business registration and your tax obligations.

How to get your general contractor’s license in Kansas City

Before submitting your application to the Kansas City City Planning and Development – Developmental Services division, you must meet the following Missouri general contractor licensing requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Provide evidence of relevant experience and skills.
• Designate a supervisor who must pass an exam accredited by Prometric or ICC.
• Register your business with the Missouri Secretary of State.
• Secure general liability insurance.
• Acquire workers' compensation insurance.
• Fill out and sign the application form.
• Pay all applicable licensing and application fees.

How to get your general contractor’s license in St. Louis

To perform contracting services in St. Louis, all contractors and subcontractors must obtain a Graduated Business License. The requirements for this license, set by the City of St. Louis, are as follows:

• Register for a state sales tax number through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• Obtain the Graduated Business License application from the License Collector’s office or download it online.
• Get clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s Office to ensure compliance with St. Louis City Ordinance.
• Obtain an Occupancy Permit from the Building Division if your business is located in St. Louis.
• Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage.
• Complete the Contractor Business License Application.
• Pay all relevant application and licensing fees.
• Provide the address for the project.
• Disclose information about the building owner, occupant, architect, and general contractor.
• Submit five sets of professionally prepared, signed, and dated construction drawings, two sets of project specifications, structural calculations, and geotechnical soils reports, and one set of site and/or building photographs.

How much does licensing cost in Missouri?

The cost of licensing varies depending on the local authority. In Kansas City, the fees for a general contractors license include a $55 application fee and a $167 fee for the issuance of the license. This license must be renewed every four years, with a renewal fee of $167. In St. Louis, the fee for a building permit is based on the estimated cost of construction. The application fee for a building permit is fixed at $25. To get more details about the costs of obtaining a building permit in St. Louis, visit the St. Louis Building Division – Permit Section site.

Penalties for unlicensed contractors in Missouri

Each local government may impose its own fines, fees, and penalties for contractors who engage in work without a license. This may include fines of up to $1,000 per day spent working illegally and the possibility of serving up to a year in jail for a first offense.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know the requirements to get a general contractor’s license in Missouri, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients.

Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.