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Tennessee contractor license renewal rules

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

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Track my Tennessee licensesHow reminders work
License types
13
Licensing boards
2
Trades
6
Printable renewal checklistCheck a renewal deadline

Renewal guides by trade

Continuing education by trade

Electrical2 license types

Electrical Contractor

CE · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
Notes

CE (full electrical) and sub-classes CE-A..CE-L. License required when electrical portion is $25,000 or more.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Limited Licensed Electrician

LLE · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (615) 741-2241
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Expires every two years on the last day of the month the license was issued (Rule 0680-03-.05). The renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration; renew at least 30 days early to avoid working on an expired license.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
3 months after expiration.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
About $10 per month late renewal penalty, up to 3 months.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Expired more than 3 months: apply again and meet all initial requirements. Reinstatement fee about $80 (about $50 application plus about $30 late penalty).

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
Not required
Notes

Required only for electricians working in a municipality that uses the Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections, and covers work under $25,000 per project. Local governments may have their own rules.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

General contractor4 license types

Commercial / Full Building Contractor

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

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
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.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Home Improvement Contractor

HI · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
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.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Residential Building Contractor

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

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (615) 741-2241
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
8 hours
Show CE rules8 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.
Notes

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

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast 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 siteBoard phone: (615) 741-2241
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
8 hours
Show CE rules8 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.
Notes

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

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (6)

HVAC2 license types

Mechanical Contractor - Full (all CMC)

CMC · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
Notes

Full mechanical classification covers HVAC and plumbing/piping categories. $25,000+ threshold.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Mechanical Contractor - HVAC, Refrigeration & Gas Piping

CMC-C · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
Notes

Board classification CMC-C (also full CMC). A state license is required when the HVAC or mechanical portion of a project is $25,000 or more, including materials and labor. Below $25,000, check the city or county for local licensing.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Pest control2 license types

Pest Control Charter (firm)

Charter · State license · Tennessee Department of Agriculture - Pesticides

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (615) 837-5148

We did not find online renewal for this license, so the link may open the board site.

Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All charters expire June 30 of odd-numbered years (next June 30, 2027). Renewal fees and materials are due on or before July 1 of the expiration year (Rule 0080-09-04-.03).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Bond/insurance lapse: charter expires immediately; 30-day grace to submit proof without charges.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $400
Late fee
A late charge under T.C.A. 43-1-703 is added if fees or materials are not received by July 16 following expiration.
Reinstatement
After the 30-day grace, firm must obtain a new charter and pay all associated fees.

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
GL at least $250,000 per occurrence / $500,000 aggregate; errors & omissions $100,000/$300,000 if charter has a WDO licensee. Bond $10,000 minimum; new structural-category charters (WDO, GRC, FUM, BDC) $50,000 for first 3 years. Documents must show charter physical address.
Notes

The charter fee is a Tier 9 biennial fee under T.C.A. 43-1-703(f), shown by the Department as $200 per year and pro-rated in the first term. A charter is required for each business location. Phone 615-837-5148.

Confidence: MediumMostly confirmed from official pages, some details are older or partly confirmedLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (3)

Pest Control Operator License (individual) and Commercial Applicator Certification

PCO · State license · Tennessee Department of Agriculture - Pesticides

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (615) 837-5148

We did not find online renewal for this license, so the link may open the board site.

Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
21 hours
Show CE rulesCommercial applicators recertify each 3-year cycle by testing or by earning CEUs before the certification expires: 21 CEUs for C07 (industrial, institutional, structural and health-related), 18 for C03 ornamental and turf, other categories 6 to 18. At least two-thirds of C07 CEUs (half for other categories) must be external training. One CEU equals 50 minutes; credits do not carry over; requirements are pro-rated for those certified mid-cycle (Rule 0080-09-04-.05).
Deadline rule
Pest control operator licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years (next June 30, 2027); renewal fee and proof of current applicator certification are due by July 1 of the expiration year (Rule 0080-09-04-.04). Commercial applicator certification runs on a separate 3-year cycle ending June 30, 2026, then June 30, 2029.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
A late charge under T.C.A. 43-1-703 is added if the fee is not paid by July 16 following expiration.
Reinstatement
Lapsed certification requires retesting; license not activated within 1 year of passing requires retest.

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
Not required
Notes

The license fee is a Tier 2 biennial fee per license under T.C.A. 43-1-703(f), listed as $50 for two years by the University of Tennessee PSEP and as $20 per license category per year (pro-rated) by the Department. Exam fee $150. Contact 615-837-5148 or [email protected].

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

Plumbing2 license types

Limited Licensed Plumber

LLP · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (615) 741-2241
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Expires every two years on the last day of the month the license was issued (Rule 0680-04-.05). The rule asks that renewal be filed at least 30 days before expiration; the renewal option appears in CORE within 90 days of expiration.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
3 months after expiration.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
About $10 per month late renewal penalty, up to 3 months.
Reinstatement
Expired 3 months or more: new application and initial requirements; initial/reinstatement fee about $75.

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
Not required
Notes

Required only for plumbers working in a municipality that uses the Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections, and covers work under $25,000 per project. General maintenance work under $500 is exempt. Rule 0680-04-.05 describes a 10% per month late penalty capped at twice the renewal fee and a 90-day late window; the Board's current fee and renewal pages list $10 per month for up to 3 months.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

Mechanical Contractor - Plumbing & Gas Piping

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

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
Notes

CMC-A plumbing and gas piping (exam needed; CMC-B process piping, CMC-J fuel gas piping have no exam). $25,000+ threshold.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Roofing1 license type

Roofing Contractor (BC-21 specialty)

BC-21 · State license · Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (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.
Notes

Roofing is building category BC-21 ('Roofing over $25K, including gutters and vinyl siding'); BC-12 roof decks. A BC-A residential contractor needs BC-21 or BC-B to do roofing over the threshold. Exam requirement for BC-21 unclear on board page - confirm with board.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Licensing boards

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Tennessee Department of Agriculture - Pesticides

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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