In Missouri, contractors must obtain a contractor license bond as a requirement for obtaining a contractor license. This bonding & licensing requirement varies depending which city in Missouri requires the bond. The bond serves two purposes. Firstly, to ensure that contractors who provide construction work adhere to state laws in Missouri. Secondly, to provide compensation to the public of Missouri in the event of financial harm resulting from the contractor's violation of licensing regulations.
Check out our list of Missouri counties that require a contractor license bond. If you practice in any of the areas below, then you will need to obtain a contractor license bond. Our bonds provide the assurance for contractors and their customers across Missouri.
In Missouri, a state-issued contractor's license is not enforced. Even though there are no rules, the state has various requirements, just not set by the state government. Missouri doesn't require a Missouri contractor license, but the state does require businesses to register with the Missouri Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are exceptions, but all other businesses (including those using a fictitious name) must register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
Missouri offers a user-friendly registration process. Contractors can visit the Missouri Secretary of State's website and use the Business Portal for convenient online registration. The contractor must set up a login, but the steps are easy to follow. Registration fees range from $30 to $205, varying based on the business's structure and the number of partners involved.
In Missouri, the regulation of contractor licensing is generally overseen by local municipalities and city authorities. Every city or county within Missouri might enforce its unique rules, regulations, and licensing prerequisites for contractors. Suppose you're interested in details about contractor licensing in Missouri. In that case, contacting your local city office or the relevant department in the specific city or county where you plan to operate as a contractor in Missouri is advisable.
While the state of Missouri might not mandate individuals to obtain a contractor license, certain cities within it might require it. Below are instances of Missouri cities where individuals must secure a contractor license, along with the associated procedures.
In St. Louis, all contractors and subcontractors engaged in construction work within the city must acquire a license. However, the procedure is notably less complex when compared to larger metropolitan areas. Although the city labels it as a license, it bears a closer resemblance to a registration.
Here are the requirements to obtain a contractor license in St. Louis, Missouri:
0 to 2 employees: $200
3 to 5 employees: $325
6 to 10 employees: $675, and so forth.
Applicants should complete the contractor application and send it to:
Office of the License Collector
1200 Market Street
City Hall, Room 102-104
St. Louis, MO 63103
Like St. Louis, Springfield adopts a registration approach instead of a traditional license. All enterprises functioning within the city's boundaries are expected to register through the city's Finance Department.
In Springfield, several application options are available for contractors, with the appropriate choice contingent upon the specific circumstances.
The city will likely stipulate the need for liability and worker's compensation insurance, although this determination is made on a case-by-case basis. The Finance Department will also determine the exact application fees.
Columbia, Missouri, requires all businesses within its jurisdiction to apply for a business license via the city's Finance Department. Applicants have the convenience of utilizing the Citizen Self-Service portal for online applications.
The prerequisites are straightforward. For electrical, plumbing, or mechanical contractors, the city requires applicants to provide the name of a trade-licensed supervisor. Additionally, construction industry businesses with at least one employee, excluding the business owner, must provide evidence of worker's compensation insurance. There are also specific stipulations for various trades:
Regarding application fees, they vary but generally encompass the following:
The annual gross receipts determine the license fee:
Individuals can submit the application online or mail it to this address:
City of Columbia
Business License Division
PO Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Separate municipalities across Missouri establish most regulations regarding Missouri contractor prerequisites. Similarly, these municipalities will also define their fines, fees, and legal penalties for contractors undertaking work without a license. Remember that fines will increase for each day of unlicensed work; a first offense could result in a maximum jail term of one year.
