Being a contractor is a great gig. I mean, what other job lets you learn new tools, meet people, and work a flexible schedule? Very few.
If you love construction or handyman work, I’m here to help you get your Mississippi contractors license. There’s a lot of information on the web, and it can be pretty confusing. This guide will help you get through the steps, quickly and easily.
Ready to get started?
I’m not a fan of paperwork. Who is? And getting your license requires filling out a lot of paperwork. So you might be wondering, is applying for your contractors license even worth the effort?
Trust me, it is.
In Mississippi, you can earn much more if you’re a licensed contractor. A license opens the doors to commercial and residential projects that are worth over $50,000 in value. Say goodbye to small jobs and hello to big contracting work—and big bucks.
Plus, a license:
Does a license sound like a good idea yet? I hope so. Now, let’s talk about how the process works.
You may need to show proof of business insurance to get your license in Mississippi.
That’s where we come in. Compare free insurance quotes for policies as low as $19.58/month.*
Start Here >Remember, not everyone needs to get licensed with the state. You only need a license if you work on:
If you work on smaller jobs, like handyman projects, you don’t need a license at the state level. You also don’t need a license if you do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work that is less than $10,000.
That being said, many cities and towns in Mississippi require you to get a local license. Call your local municipal department to ask first. You don’t want a hefty fine.
First off, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors’ website has a quick video that explains the process of getting your license and helps answer questions. I suggest watching it first.
Then decide if you’re applying for a commercial or residential license. Remember, the two licenses let you work on different types of projects. To apply for either license, you’ll need:
Possibly, but it depends on your line of work and where you live. For example, if you’re an electrician or plumber, you’ll want to ask your local municipal department about licensing. Each city and town in Mississippi handles it a little differently.
If you’re a general contractor, it makes sense to call your city or town too. Make sure they don’t have special requirements (like taking an exam) before you can work.
Once you complete the application form and gather materials, it’s time to take the licensing exam. The state requires that you take a Law and Business Management exam as well as your trade exam.
Once the state receives your application, they’ll send you the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and exam registration instructions. It’s as easy as that.
Time to start studying!
Even if you don’t get your license, explore buying business insurance. In the construction industry, you never know what can happen. Just imagine if there was an accident or injury, or if something happened to your equipment.
Having Mississippi business insurance can benefit your business in a lot of ways. Securing liability coverage can help you:
Be prepared by getting a general liability insurance plan and workers compensation if you have employees. Investing in workers compensation insurance can help protect you and your employees in the event they get injured or become sick while on the job.
While walking through the steps to get a Mississippi contractors license takes time, effort, and maybe even an exam--its an investment in your business that's well worth the sweat. With your contractors license in hand you can move forward doing what you love while knowing your hard work is protected.
Written by
Emily Thompson
I earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison (go Bucky). After realizing my first job might involve carrying a police scanner at 2 am in pursuit of “newsworthy” crimes, I decided I was better suited for freelance blogging and marketing writing. Since 2010, I’ve owned my freelance writing business, EST Creative. When I’m not penning, doodling ideas, or chatting with clients, you’ll find me hiking with my husband, baby boy, and 2 mischievous mutts.
Emily writes on a number of topics such as entrepreneurship, small business networking, and budgeting.
This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer
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