Contractors doing construction work in Louisiana need to be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors. As well a Business and Law examination is required in order be licensed by the State of Louisiana.

Building Contractor License

Licensing includes:

• Providing the board with a financial statement to within 12 months of the date of filing (This must be prepared by an independent auditor and signed by the applicant and auditor before a notary public stating the assets of the applicant). This information is to be used by the Licensing Board to determine the fiscal maturity of the applicant to perform work for $50,000 or more. The assets should show $10,000 net worth.
• Contractors working or placing a bid on a commercial project of $50,000.00 or more.
• Stating the classification of work that the contractor applicant desires to perform. There is a list of major classifications.

Plumbing Contractor License

Plumbers need licensing in the state of Louisiana. The Licensing Board for Contractors issues both master and journeyman licenses. Both types of applicants must pass an exam to get a license.

• Master Plumber: Applicant must have a journeyman license in Louisiana.

• Journeyman Plumber: Apprentice must verify at least five (5) years or 8,000 hours of work experience regarding installing, repairing and/or maintaining waiter and drainage. The Board does not recognize reciprocity agreements with other states. However, if a plumber from another state has a valid plumbing license this can be used to qualify for  the journeyman plumber exam in Louisiana.

Water Well Driller  Contractor License

A contractor license from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is required to do well drilling work in the state of Louisiana. Exemptions include gas and oil drilling. Applicants need to:

• Pass an exam
• Have two (2) years of approved well drilling experience.
• Two letters of reference with the application.
• Appear in person before the Advisory Committee for Regulation and Control of Water Well Contractors and be interviewed by the Committee. After the Committee approves your application, you can take their exam.

A valid driller's license from another state allows the applicant to get a Louisiana driller's license if they are equal to those for a Louisiana driller license. In addition, the state that the applicant is from must allow a Louisiana driller license holder to receive a license in that state in the same way.

Consumers are advised to also check for municipal contractor license requirements as contractor laws can differ from county to county. It is also advised to double check with the state’s requirements before hiring a contractor.