Tennessee General Contractor License Renewal: Deadlines, Fees and CE

Tennessee has 4 General contractor license classes. Most renew every 2 years. The renewal fee is about $200. Fees change, so check the official site for the exact amount. Continuing education is 8 hours. The details for each class are below.

Full rule details

Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

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Commercial / Full Building Contractor

BC-B / BC · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

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Renew on the official site (615) 741-2241

Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: 12 months after expiration to renew late; contracting while expired is not permitted.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: About $20 per month late renewal penalty, up to 12 months (on top of about $200 renewal).
Reinstatement: Expired 12 months or more: must submit a new application and meet all initial licensure requirements; initial/reinstatement fee about $250.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: General liability insurance is required based on the monetary limit: at least $100,000 for limits up to $500,000, at least $500,000 for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000, and at least $1,000,000 for limits above $1,500,000 (Rule 0680-06-.02). Workers' compensation coverage or an exemption registration is also required. Renewal also needs a financial statement (CPA-compiled if the limit is above $1.5 million, a self-prepared balance sheet if below) and, for corporations and LLCs, proof of active status with the Secretary of State. From July 1, 2026 a Board-approved Contractors' Surety Bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit may be used instead of a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement.
Reciprocity: Tennessee does not accept other states' licenses, but has a trade exam waiver agreement for Board contractor classifications with Alabama (general, electrical, residential, HVAC), Arkansas (commercial/residential building), Louisiana (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical), Mississippi (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical unlimited), North Carolina (residential/commercial building, electrical), Ohio (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), South Carolina (commercial only) and West Virginia (building, electrical, mechanical, masonry). The other state completes the License Verification form. The NASCLA National Commercial exam is also accepted. The Business and Law exam is still required.

Notes

BC-B commercial; BC = residential, commercial, industrial (all 34 categories). Monetary limit set by financial statement (10x lesser of working capital/net worth; unlimited needs $300,000 each). Board's guaranty/bond format $500,000 ($1,000,000 unlimited) when statement deficient. CE applies only if a residential classification is held.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (5)

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Home Improvement Contractor

HI · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

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Renew on the official site (615) 741-2241

Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: A renewed license expires two years from the date the previous license expired (Rule 0680-07-.09). The renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; renew at least 30 days early.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: 3 months after expiration with a $10 per month late fee. No renewal is accepted more than 90 days after expiration (Rule 0680-07-.09).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: About $10 per month late renewal penalty, up to 3 months.
Reinstatement: Expired 3 months or more: new application and initial requirements; reinstatement fee about $250.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Required: $10,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Insurance: General liability of at least $100,000 (Rule 0680-06-.02) and workers' compensation or an exemption registration. Surety bond of $10,000 (or a cash or property bond or irrevocable letter of credit), with any bond updates submitted at renewal. Corporations and LLCs must show active Secretary of State status.
Reciprocity: Licenses from other states are not accepted, and Tennessee's trade exam waiver agreements apply only to Board contractor licenses, not to this license.

Notes

Required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999, only in the counties that have adopted the law (Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby). Initial application fee is $250, renewal fee $200.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (5)

Residential Building Contractor

BC-A · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

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Renew on the official site (615) 741-2241

Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Continuing education: 8 hours
Show CE rules
8 hours Residential Continuing Education (RCE) per two-year renewal from a Board-approved provider, required for residential classifications (BC-A, BC-A/r, BC-A,b(sm)) licensed after Jan 1, 2009 (T.C.A. 62-6-112(g)). Qualifying Agent obtains it (only one QA needed if several). Proof attached to online renewal as 'Other-Disclosures and Additional Info'; do not rely on provider to report.
Deadline rule: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: 12 months after expiration to renew late; contracting while expired is not permitted.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: About $20 per month late renewal penalty, up to 12 months (on top of about $200 renewal).
Reinstatement: Expired 12 months or more: must submit a new application and meet all initial licensure requirements; initial/reinstatement fee about $250.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: General liability insurance is required based on the monetary limit: at least $100,000 for limits up to $500,000, at least $500,000 for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000, and at least $1,000,000 for limits above $1,500,000 (Rule 0680-06-.02). Workers' compensation coverage or an exemption registration is also required. Renewal also needs a financial statement (CPA-compiled if the limit is above $1.5 million, a self-prepared balance sheet if below) and, for corporations and LLCs, proof of active status with the Secretary of State. From July 1, 2026 a Board-approved Contractors' Surety Bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit may be used instead of a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement.
Reciprocity: Tennessee does not accept other states' licenses, but has a trade exam waiver agreement for Board contractor classifications with Alabama (general, electrical, residential, HVAC), Arkansas (commercial/residential building), Louisiana (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical), Mississippi (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical unlimited), North Carolina (residential/commercial building, electrical), Ohio (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), South Carolina (commercial only) and West Virginia (building, electrical, mechanical, masonry). The other state completes the License Verification form. The NASCLA National Commercial exam is also accepted. The Business and Law exam is still required.

Notes

1-4 family residences up to 3 stories; $25,000+ threshold.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (6)

Restricted Residential Contractor

BC-A/r · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site (615) 741-2241

Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Continuing education: 8 hours
Show CE rules
8 hours Residential Continuing Education (RCE) per two-year renewal from a Board-approved provider, required for residential classifications (BC-A, BC-A/r, BC-A,b(sm)) licensed after Jan 1, 2009 (T.C.A. 62-6-112(g)). Qualifying Agent obtains it (only one QA needed if several). Proof attached to online renewal as 'Other-Disclosures and Additional Info'; do not rely on provider to report.
Deadline rule: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: 12 months after expiration to renew late; contracting while expired is not permitted.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: About $20 per month late renewal penalty, up to 12 months (on top of about $200 renewal).
Reinstatement: Expired 12 months or more: must submit a new application and meet all initial licensure requirements; initial/reinstatement fee about $250.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: General liability insurance is required based on the monetary limit: at least $100,000 for limits up to $500,000, at least $500,000 for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000, and at least $1,000,000 for limits above $1,500,000 (Rule 0680-06-.02). Workers' compensation coverage or an exemption registration is also required. Renewal also needs a financial statement (CPA-compiled if the limit is above $1.5 million, a self-prepared balance sheet if below) and, for corporations and LLCs, proof of active status with the Secretary of State. From July 1, 2026 a Board-approved Contractors' Surety Bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit may be used instead of a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement.
Reciprocity: Tennessee does not accept other states' licenses, but has a trade exam waiver agreement for Board contractor classifications with Alabama (general, electrical, residential, HVAC), Arkansas (commercial/residential building), Louisiana (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical), Mississippi (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical unlimited), North Carolina (residential/commercial building, electrical), Ohio (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), South Carolina (commercial only) and West Virginia (building, electrical, mechanical, masonry). The other state completes the License Verification form. The NASCLA National Commercial exam is also accepted. The Business and Law exam is still required.

Notes

Residential work under $125,000 based on financial statement; approved course in lieu of exam.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (6)

The hours, required topics, approved providers and reporting rules for each license are on the Tennessee General contractor continuing education page.

How to renew

1Check your Commercial / Full Building Contractor deadline: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).
2Confirm your insurance meet the board requirements and are not expiring.
3Renew online at https://access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/portal/public
4Pay the renewal fee on the official site. Expect about $200, but fees change.
5If you miss the deadline: About $20 per month late renewal penalty, up to 12 months (on top of about $200 renewal).
6Check your Home Improvement Contractor deadline: A renewed license expires two years from the date the previous license expired (Rule 0680-07-.09). The renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; renew at least 30 days early.
7Confirm your bond and insurance meet the board requirements and are not expiring.
8If you miss the deadline: About $10 per month late renewal penalty, up to 3 months.
9Check your Residential Building Contractor deadline: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).
10Complete 8 continuing education hours before renewing. 8 hours Residential Continuing Education (RCE) per two-year renewal from a Board-approved provider, required for residential classifications (BC-A, BC-A/r, BC-A,b(sm)) licensed after Jan 1, 2009 (T.C.A. 62-6-112(g)). Qualifying Agent obtains it (only one QA needed if several). Proof attached to online renewal as 'Other-Disclosures and Additional Info'; do not rely on provider to report.
11Check your Restricted Residential Contractor deadline: Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages).

Tennessee General contractor renewal questions

Answers come from the records above. Informational: verify with the issuing board.

When does a Tennessee general contractor license expire?

Commercial / Full Building Contractor: renews every 2 years. Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages). Home Improvement Contractor: renews every 2 years. A renewed license expires two years from the date the previous license expired (Rule 0680-07-.09). The renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; renew at least 30 days early. Residential Building Contractor: renews every 2 years. Biennial. Renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; board asks that renewals be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date (exact expiration date is printed on each license and is not fixed to a calendar date on the board's pages). Check with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before you rely on it.

How many CE hours does a Tennessee general contractor license need?

Commercial / Full Building Contractor: no CE required. Home Improvement Contractor: no CE required. Residential Building Contractor: 8 hours per renewal. Check with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before you rely on it.

Is there a grace period for a Tennessee general contractor license?

12 months after expiration to renew late; contracting while expired is not permitted. Check with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before you rely on it.

How much does it cost to renew a Tennessee general contractor license?

Commercial / Full Building Contractor: About $200. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

What happens if a Tennessee general contractor license expires?

About $20 per month late renewal penalty, up to 12 months (on top of about $200 renewal). Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Does Tennessee accept general contractor licenses from other states?

Tennessee does not accept other states' licenses, but has a trade exam waiver agreement for Board contractor classifications with Alabama (general, electrical, residential, HVAC), Arkansas (commercial/residential building), Louisiana (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical), Mississippi (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical unlimited), North Carolina (residential/commercial building, electrical), Ohio (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), South Carolina (commercial only) and West Virginia (building, electrical, mechanical, masonry). The other state completes the License Verification form. The NASCLA National Commercial exam is also accepted. The Business and Law exam is still required. Check with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before you rely on it.

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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