Wisconsin contractor license renewal rules

Full rule details

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

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

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License types: 12
Licensing boards: 2
Trades: 6

Printable renewal checklist Check a renewal deadline

Renewal guides by trade

Continuing education by trade

Electrical3 license types

Electrical Contractor (organization credential)

EC · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: June 30 every 4 years (DSPS fee table). Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $35 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Organization credential held by the business; no exam. Required to install, repair or maintain electrical wiring unless exempt under Wis. Stat. 101.862(4). The business must employ a master electrician. DSPS lists no bond or insurance requirement for this credential.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Journeyman Electrician

JOURNEYMAN · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: 24 hours
Show CE rules
Renewal requires 24 hours of approved CE; the course provider must enter the hours in LicensE (certificates from the licensee are not accepted) and renewal cannot be submitted until hours are entered. CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee.
Deadline rule: June 30 every 4 years (initial term runs to the third following June 30; first fee prorated). Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $100
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $35 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee. Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Residential Journeyman ($100, 18 hours CE) and Industrial Journeyman ($100, 18 hours CE) credentials have the same 4-year June 30 cycle.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Master Electrician

MASTER · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: 24 hours
Show CE rules
Renewal requires 24 hours of approved CE; the course provider must enter the hours in LicensE (certificates from the licensee are not accepted) and renewal cannot be submitted until hours are entered. CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee.
Deadline rule: June 30 every 4 years (initial term runs to the third following June 30; first fee prorated). Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $200
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $35 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee. Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Residential Master Electrician ($200, 18 hours CE) uses the same 4-year June 30 cycle. The Registered Master Electrician credential does not expire and has no renewal cycle.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

General contractor2 license types

Dwelling Contractor (business certification)

DC · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Anniversary of the issue date, annually. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (1 year) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $25
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (1 year) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $15 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Reinstatement is required if the credential has been expired more than 1 year (about $200 fee plus application and credential 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: $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Insurance: Not required

Notes

Required to obtain building permits for one- and two-family dwellings (resident owner-occupants exempt). The business must hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Wisconsin has no state license for commercial general contractors. Bond and insurance are alternatives; bond_amount_usd shows the bond option.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (individual)

DCQ · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Continuing education: 12 hours
Show CE rules
12 hours of DSPS-approved CE every 2 years, including 4 hours in construction laws and codes, contracts, liability and risk management (Wis. Stat. 101.654(1m)). The provider must upload hours to LicensE; certificates from applicants are not accepted; CE must be complete before renewal. $25 late CE fee if completed after expiration.
Deadline rule: Date of issuance, every 2 years. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (2 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $30
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (2 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $15 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee. Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Reinstatement is required if the credential has been expired more than 2 years (about $200 fee plus application and credential 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: Not required
Insurance: Not required

Notes

Individual credential; the business must employ a DCQ (or be one).

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

HVAC2 license types

HVAC Contractor (organization credential)

HVAC-C · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Anniversary of the issue date, every 4 years. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $160
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $15 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Organization credential (business) held through a LicensE organization account; an HVAC Qualifier must be employed or designated. No bond or insurance requirement is listed on the DSPS page.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

HVAC Qualifier

HVAC-Q · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Anniversary of the issue date, every 4 years. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $60
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $15 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Individual credential obtained by examination. No continuing education.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Pest control2 license types

Commercial Pesticide Business License (per location)

PBL · State license · Wisconsin DATCP (Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-224-4548

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Annual; valid Jan 1 - Dec 31. DATCP mails renewal packet in October; license expires Dec 31.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None; must have license in hand on Jan 1.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $90
Late fee: Applications received after Dec 31 pay a 20 percent late fee (DATCP licensing timeline).

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

Fee is $70 per location plus a $20 ACCP surcharge, $90 total; $115 if the business has bulk pesticides (bulk surcharge $25). The surcharge is set each May 1. Required for each business location, including sole proprietors. New online applications are only accepted March to October. All applicators employed must hold an individual commercial applicator license and certification. DATCP phone (608) 224-4548. DATCP's license pages do not list a bond or insurance requirement.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (3)

Individual Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

ICAL · State license · Wisconsin DATCP (Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-224-4548

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Annual; valid Jan 1 - Dec 31. DATCP mails renewal packet in October; license expires Dec 31.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $50
Late fee: Applications received after Dec 31 pay a 20 percent late fee (DATCP licensing timeline).
Reinstatement: License can be issued only if certification is current.

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

Fee is $40 plus a $10 ACCP surcharge, $50 total (surcharge reset each May 1). Structural pest control falls under the commercial applicator categories. For-hire applicators need certification, an ICAL and employment by a licensed business (PBL).

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (3)

Plumbing2 license types

Journeyman Plumber

JP · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: 24 hours
Show CE rules
Renewal requires 24 hours of approved CE; the course provider must enter the hours in LicensE. CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee.
Deadline rule: March 31 every 4 years. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $180
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $10 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee. Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance and Restricted Service are also $180 with 12 hours CE.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Master Plumber

MP · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
Continuing education: 24 hours
Show CE rules
Renewal requires 24 hours of approved CE; the course provider must enter the hours in LicensE. CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee.
Deadline rule: March 31 every 4 years. Renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiration.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (4 years) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $500
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (4 years) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $20 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). CE completed after expiration requires a $25 late CE fee. Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Reinstatement fee about $200 per DSPS fee table (SPS 305.07(2)(c)), in addition to application and credential fees; applies once more than one term has passed since expiration.

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

Master Plumber Restricted Appliance and Restricted Service are also $500 with 12 hours CE and the same March 31 4-year cycle. The DSPS fee table lists no separate plumbing contractor business credential (Utility Contractor is a different credential).

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Roofing1 license type

Dwelling Contractor Restricted (certificate of financial responsibility by bond under $25,000)

DCR · State license · Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 608-266-2112

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: Anniversary of the issue date, annually (valid one year).

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: No penalty-free grace period. Renewal is accepted up to one term (1 year) after expiration with the application fee; after that the credential must be reinstated.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $25
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
A credential may be renewed up to one term (1 year) after expiration by paying the renewal fee plus the about $15 application fee (SPS 305.07(2)(b)). Renewing more than one term after expiration is a reinstatement: about $200 administrative fee plus application and credential fees, and DSPS may require proof of competence (SPS 305.07(2)(c)).
Reinstatement: Reinstatement is required if the credential has been expired more than 1 year (about $200 fee plus application and credential 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: $5,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Insurance: Not required

Notes

Wisconsin has no standalone state roofing license. To obtain a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling (including re-roofs where a permit applies), the contractor needs a Dwelling Contractor or Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification and must hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (Wis. Stat. 101.654; SPS 305.31). Restricted is the same certification issued on a bond under $25,000, with the work-value cap. Local municipal rules may add requirements. Lead-safe (RRP) certification is separately required for pre-1978 housing.

MediumLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (4)

Licensing boards

Wisconsin DATCP (Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

Website: datcp.wi.gov
Online portal: Open the board portal
Phone: 608-224-4548

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Website: dsps.wi.gov
Online portal: Open the board portal
Phone: 608-266-2112

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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