Decoding the Painter’s License: What You Need to Know to Start Your Business

Starting a painting business is an exciting decision—but it can also be nerve-wracking. To get your business up and running, you will need to educate yourself about marketing, insurance, business formation, licensing, and more. While those other factors surely matter, I’ll focus on one of the most critical: licensing. 

Contractor licensing can be tricky. I would know, as I’ve been writing about contractor licenses for several years, covering all of the need-to-know information for pros looking to meet their local requirements. Read on to learn how to get a painter’s license, which will allow you to legitimately serve your clients and build a thriving painting business.  

Understanding Painter’s License Requirements

While each state and municipality maintains its own requirements, painters should, at minimum, be aware of two types: trade licenses and business licenses.

A trade license is a credential that allows the contractor to perform a specific type of work. Electricians require trade licenses to perform electrical work, just as plumbers need plumbing licenses to provide those services. Some states require painters to apply for a trade license, meet certain experience requirements, and/or pass a written test before they can obtain their painter’s licenses. 

A business license permits companies or individuals to operate a business and engage in commerce within a given jurisdiction, typically the state. All businesses, from painters to food truck operators to toy store owners, must maintain a business license.

All states require business licenses, but that’s not the case for trade licenses. Some states don’t require painters to carry trade licenses at all, while others expect them to maintain more general trade certifications, such as home improvement contractor or general contractor licenses.

State Specific License Information

Below, I break down these painting license requirements by state, as they are typically filed with the state clerk. Keep in mind that licensing regulations change all of the time. It’s important to reach out to the specific licensing board to find the latest information for your state. 

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City Requirements

Individual cities, particularly larger areas, often issue their own licenses to contractors. This means that painting contractors with state licenses will still require a city painter’s license to paint within city limits. Check with each municipality individually. 

I’ve always found city licensing regulations a bit frustrating. When working for a business or property owner in one city, they would often ask for quotes for work in nearby areas. I would have to say no, because I was not licensed with that specific municipality, despite it being in the same state. 

This is common in states like New York. While the state itself takes a relatively lax approach to licensing, its smaller cities are often more rigorous. Don’t assume that just because your state doesn’t require a painter’s license that you won’t need one.

The Application Process

As you might guess, each area’s application process varies as much as their licensing requirements. However, the following is a general overview of what most licensing bodies will require when applying for a trade contractor license.

Eligibility Verification

The first step in applying for a license is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Some states set certain minimum years of experience, education requirements, or other stipulations that you must meet. Check with the licensing body in your state. 

Gather Required Documentation

Collect all of the documents required for your painter’s license application. These may include proof of experience, financial statements, education degrees, certifications, and business registration paperwork. 

Complete the Application

With documents in hand, complete your application for the exam. The process is typically straightforward, but involves an exam fee. Years ago, exam fees were only payable by check or money order, but many licensing bodies will now allow painters to apply online and pay with a credit or debit card.

Pro Tip: Keep your receipt. Any expenses related to licensing are tax-deductible. My first year in business got a little hectic, and my organizational system wasn’t so . . . well, organized. Don’t make that mistake: File that receipt someplace safe, or use expense tracking software’s image upload capabilities. 

Schedule and Pass the Exam

Schedule your exam and study hard, so you pass it on the first try. If you don’t, you may be able to apply for re-examination, which typically costs less than the original exam fee.

Apply for Your License

Once you pass your exam, you’ll receive some form of results verification. You can use this document to apply for your license, which typically comes with an additional application fee. Again, save the receipt.

Receive Your License

After the commissioning board accepts your application, it will issue you a painter’s license. This license will allow you to perform work, as described by its designation, such as commercial, residential, home improvement, or projects over a certain value. Make sure to take note of the expiration date and any ongoing education requirements that you’ll have to meet to maintain your license. 

The Benefits of a Painter’s License

While painter’s licenses are requirements, that’s not the only reason to get one. There are actually several benefits to going through the licensing process that a new business owner might not have considered. They include:

• Increased Credibility: One of the first things that a potential client might ask is if you’re licensed and insured. By providing this information upfront, you not only show that you’re trustworthy, but you also create a strong first impression that can help secure their business.
• Access to Larger Projects: While smaller jobs might not require a license, commercial and government projects might. A license allows you to submit bids for these projects. 
• Higher Earning Potential: Unlicensed painters aren’t able to charge as much as licensed painters. When paying higher rates for quality work, clients expect the painter to be licensed. 

Consequences of Operating a Business Without a License

If you’re operating without a license in a state that requires one, you’re putting yourself and your business at risk. Here are some of the consequences of operating without a painter’s license:

• Fines: If they discover that you’re operating without a license, many states will impose hefty fines.
• Missed Opportunities: Many large, profitable projects require contractors to hold a painter’s license before submitting a bid. If general contractors hire unlicensed subcontractors, they can also be hit with fines, so licensed subcontractors become a priority.
• Lack of Legal Support: Say a client refuses to pay you. If you’re unlicensed, you may not be able to file a lien or take other legal action to recover your payment. 
• Diminished Reputation: If you operate without a painter’s license, your competition will likely know, and may spread the word to homeowners, property owners, and other clients, making them less likely to hire you. 

Maintaining Your License

Obtaining your license is just the start: you’ll need to renew it regularly. How often depends on the state, but it’s typically every two to three years. In most cases, you’ll need to complete a renewal application, provide proof of insurance, and pay a renewal fee. Some states might have additional requirements, such as logging a specific number of continuing education credits. 

Resources and Further Information

Summing up a nation’s worth of painter’s license requirements is a tall order. You probably have more questions, so here are some additional resources. For state-specific licensing requirements and updates, check out:

• State Licensing Boards: As a first stop, visit your state’s official website to verify licensing rules. 
• State Clerk or Business Administration Departments: State business licensing requirements vary, so check your local agency. 
• National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA¹): This is a private organization, not a government agency, but does offer a lot of helpful value. 
• Small Business Administration (SBA²): The SBA offers business registration and insurance guidance.

I’ve also found local code enforcement agencies to be helpful. Code enforcement inspectors know exactly which licenses you need for any type of work you’re performing in your area, and they’re often familiar with the codes in neighboring towns, as well. They’re certainly worth a call. 

Staying Compliant

Obtaining and then maintaining your painter’s license is a key step toward running a successful and legitimate business. While requirements vary by state, it’s important to understand and meet those requirements to remain in compliance. Take the time to research your state’s licensing processes to build a bright future for your company. 

1. https://www.nascla.org/ ↩︎
2. https://www.sba.gov/ ↩︎