General Contractor license in Tennessee

Application requirements

Working as a general contractor in Tennessee typically requires submitting an application packet to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — including proof of experience, exam scores, and insurance.

• Proof of relevant trade experience or apprenticeship hours
• Passing score on the state trade exam(s)
• General liability insurance + workers' comp
• Surety bond filed with the board (when required)
• Business entity registration with the Secretary of State
• Background check + license fee submitted with packet

This is the standard packet most U.S. state boards require. Verify the exact list with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before applying — requirements change by trade classification.

Fees and renewal cycle

Total cost to become a licensed general contractor in Tennessee ranges from $5,000 to $90,000 (typical $28,000). The range covers application + exam fees, bond + insurance premiums, and the first year of business registration.

Most state boards renew on a 1-3 year cycle and require continuing education credits. Verify the exact renewal window and CE requirement with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — late renewal typically triggers a reinstatement fee.

Reciprocity with neighboring states

Tennessee borders 8 other launched states ProFix Directory tracks. Reciprocity is set by each state board individually — check the destination state for the current rule before relying on it.

• General Contractor license in Alabama →
• General Contractor license in Arkansas →
• General Contractor license in Georgia →
• General Contractor license in Kentucky →
• General Contractor license in Mississippi →
• General Contractor license in Missouri →
• General Contractor license in North Carolina →
• General Contractor license in Virginia →

Where to apply

Why ProFix verifies every general contractor

Every pro we list in Tennessee is matched against the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors record, the Secretary of State business registry, and OSHA inspection data. We surface license status, revocation history, and bond filings on every profile so homeowners can shortlist verified pros without trusting a single review-platform score.

See the full verification methodology →

Common questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires general contractor contractors to hold a Tennessee General Contractor license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Apply through https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/consumer/verify-qa.html with a typical $28,000 total fee (range $5,000-$90,000) and a 1-3 year renewal cycle. Verify the exact classification with the board before submitting.

Which board handles general contractor licensing in Tennessee?

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors is the relevant authority shown in the Tennessee licensing seed for this page. The verification or application URL in the loader is https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/consumer/verify-qa.html.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Tennessee?

The recorded licensing cost range is $5,000-$90,000, with a typical total around $28,000. That range comes from the page loader and covers application, exam, bond, insurance, or registration costs where they apply.

What requirements should Tennessee general contractor applicants verify?

Required for projects $25,000 or more (or swimming pool $5K+).

When does TN require a GC license?

Any project of $25,000 or more (or swimming pool $5K+) requires a state contractor license. $3K–$25K residential = Home Improvement license in metro counties.