An Overview of Obtaining Your Contractor’s License In Idaho
Why You
Need A License
You must also meet certain insurance requirements. This includes general liability insurance and worker’s compensation. If something goes awry while you’re on the job, then your insurance will offer you protection from any severe legal and financial consequences. You will also need to register your business with the state of Idaho, which helps combat fraudulent contractors.
Contractor registration laws benefit you and your clients for the following reasons:
- Customers are more likely to trust you because you possess general liability insurance
- You have the opportunity to gain legal entitlements to property liens (this comes in handy in situations of non-payment)
- Registration laws benefit the industry as a whole. It helps build your reputation and grow your business, which leads to more high-paying jobs.
We also want to mention that there are consequences to ignoring registration laws and licensing requirements. Without the proper license to operate, you could lose contracting rights and liens rights. This means that if a customer doesn’t pay you, then you’re going to encounter a lot of trouble when it comes to receiving proper compensation.
Business insurance is also going to benefit you immensely. If a customer sues you and you don’t possess business insurance, then you could end up paying out of pocket. Can you imagine paying $30,000 of your own money to cover any damages? I think we can safely assume that you would rather keep that money.
Everything You Need
When Applying For Your License
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) – You will need either an SSN or EIN to do business as a concrete contractor in the state of Idaho.
- Partner Names, Addresses – If you are the sole proprietor of your business, you will need to submit your full name and address. However, if you are filing for your license as an LLC or corporation, your partners will also need to submit their names and addresses.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance – If you plan on employing anyone, then you will need to submit proof that you possess workers’ compensation insurance.
- General Liability Insurance – Even if you don’t plan on employing anyone, you will still need general liability insurance. Your insurance plan should cover up to $300,000 for general construction operations.
- Statement of construction type – You will need to clarify the type of contracting services that you will provide (i.e., concrete repair and installation).
- Revoked licenses – Let’s say that you are reapplying for your license after having it previously revoked. The state of Idaho will need an explanation as to why this happened.
Submit Your Application & Pay
The Application Fee
Display Your Registration
The AppLication
- Place of business
- Jobsite
- Advertising materials
- Contracts
- Building permits
- Letterheads
- Purchase orders
- Subcontracts
After you receive your license, you won’t have to pay any more fees. However, you will need to renew your registration annually. The state will alert you of your renewal about six weeks in advance. You will need to fill out the application and pay the $35 fee. If you have any questions about the licensing process, you can always contact the Idaho Contractors Board or visit their website. We also recommend that you contact local insurance providers and ask for a free quote.