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General Contractor
Governing Authority
NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) - Trade Licensing
Official website →No
License Required?
0 years
Experience Required
No
Bonding Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours
New Hampshire Does Not Require a State-Level General Contractor License
Licensing is handled at the city or county level. Check with your local building department for specific requirements. New Hampshire does NOT have a state general contractor license. However, the state DOES license 5 specific construction trade categories through OPLC: Electricians, Plumbers, Fuel Gas Fitters, Well Drillers, and Mechanical Licensees (HVAC). General contracting is regulated at the local level only. Some cities (notably Manchester) require a contractor bond. NH has a Home Improvement Contractor law (RSA 359-B) requiring written contracts for work over $1,500.
Experience & Documentation
Verified0
Years Required
Not Required
Documented Project History
Journeyman/Trade Experience
No state-level experience requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
Trade Exam
Not Required
Business & Law Exam
Trade Exam Details
No state examination required
Business & Law Exam Details
No business/law examination required
Retake Policy
No exam required
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Contractor Licensing Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Bonding Requirements
VerifiedSurety Bond Not Required
Surety bonds protect consumers by providing financial recourse if a contractor fails to complete a project or violates licensing regulations. Bond costs are typically 1-3% of the bond amount annually.
Insurance & Workers' Comp
VerifiedNot Required
General Liability
Required
Workers' Compensation
Minimum Coverage
No state-mandated minimum coverage
Additional Insurance Requirements
Workers' Comp Threshold
Required for employers with 1 or more employees
Workers' Comp Details
New Hampshire requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 1 or more employees. Sole proprietors may be exempt but coverage is recommended.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees | Varies |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedRenewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Regulatory Board
Contractor licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require continuing education covering building codes, safety practices, business law, and energy efficiency standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
ICC Certification Not Accepted
Reciprocity Type
Not applicable
Transfer Details
No state-level licensing in New Hampshire. Check local jurisdiction requirements for out-of-state contractors.
General contractor license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Some states recognize ICC certifications, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials. Always verify current policies with the state licensing board.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Hampshire with other states →
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New Hampshire has no state GC license but does license 5 construction trades (electricians, plumbers, fuel gas, well drillers, HVAC) through OPLC. Manchester requires a contractor bond. RSA 359-B requires written contracts for residential work over $1,500.
New Hampshire does NOT require state-level general contractor licensing.
The state DOES license 5 construction trades through OPLC: Electricians, Plumbers, Fuel Gas Fitters, Well Drillers, and Mechanical Licensees (HVAC).
General contracting is regulated locally — check city/town requirements.
Manchester requires a contractor bond for work within city limits.
RSA 359-B (Home Improvement Contractor law) requires written contracts for residential work over $1,500.
Workers' compensation insurance is required at the state level for 1 or more employees.
No state exam, experience, or CE requirements for general contractors.
Lien Law Basics
Preliminary Notice: Not Required
Lien Deadline: 120 days after completion
New Hampshire construction lien law: No preliminary notice required to preserve lien rights. Lien filing deadline: 120 days after completion.
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Official Sources
General Contractor requirements in New Hampshire verified against NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) - Trade Licensing, March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-06
General Contractor Schools in New Hampshire
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.