Wisconsin general contractor license & renewal
The requirements, the timing and the official sources. Everything we’ve verified, in one place.
License fee
$25.00
Required hours
—
Not verified yet
Exam
—
Not verified yet
Renewal
Date of Issuance
Before you begin
Agency guidance
To obtain one- and two-family dwelling building permits, hold Dwelling Contractor or restricted certification and hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier; the resident owner exception applies.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Holds a Dwelling contractor certification or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted Certification issued by the Department. Holds or engages, as an employee a person who holds a certification issued by the Department as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Per Wisconsin Administrative code the above does not apply to an owner of a dwelling who resides or will reside in the dwelling and who applies for a building permit to work on that dwelling.Official source
Agency guidance
The listed application and license fees apply to the business Dwelling Contractor credential. The individual qualifier is a separate credential.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Dwelling Contractor (Business) | $25 | $15 Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (Person) | $30 | $15Official source
Agency guidance
The individual qualifier renews every two years and must complete 12 approved CE hours, including four hours in construction laws/codes and contracts, liability and risk management.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
This license renews every 2 years. You must complete 12 hours of relevant department approved continuing education. 4 hours must be in "Construction laws and codes and contracts, liability, and risk management."Official source
How to get this license
Use the agency’s requirements below to plan your next steps. Missing details stay marked.
Start with the licensing authority
Licensing board
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Official agency page
Check the qualifications
Education
The individual Dwelling Contractor Qualifier completes at least 12 approved initial-course hours in dwelling construction.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Complete at least 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction.
Official sourceBond
The business must have a surety bond of at least $25,000 OR general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
A Dwelling Contractor must have: A bond of at least 25,000 endorsed by a surety company authorized to do business in Wisconsin. OR A policy of general liability insurance of at least 250,000 per occurrence.
Official sourceReview fees and apply
Application fee
$15.00
Exam fee
Not verified yet
License fee
$25.00
Apply with the agency
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
You can pay all fees associated with your credential by going to LicensE.
Official source
Reciprocity
Not verified yet
Official sources and verification (14)
Last verified 2026-10-24. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Holds a Dwelling contractor certification or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted Certification issued by the Department. Holds or engages, as an employee a person who holds a certification issued by the Department as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Per Wisconsin Administrative code the above does not apply to an owner of a dwelling who resides or will reside in the dwelling and who applies for a building permit to work on that dwelling.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Dwelling Contractor (Business) | $25 | $15 Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (Person) | $30 | $15Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
This license renews every 2 years. You must complete 12 hours of relevant department approved continuing education. 4 hours must be in "Construction laws and codes and contracts, liability, and risk management."Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Complete at least 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
A Dwelling Contractor must have: A bond of at least 25,000 endorsed by a surety company authorized to do business in Wisconsin. OR A policy of general liability insurance of at least 250,000 per occurrence.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Dwelling Contractor (Business) 1 Date of Issuance N/A $25 N/A $200Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Dwelling Contractor (Business) 1 Date of Issuance N/A $25 N/A $200Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
There are no continuing education (CE) requirements for this credential.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
There are no continuing education (CE) requirements for this credential.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
You can pay all fees associated with your credential by going to LicensE.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Keep exploring.
Same license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Last verified 2026-10-24.
Official sources (4)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.