New Hampshire

Learn More

Applications

Locations

Masonry

Client Type

Concrete Contractors: How To Obtain Your License In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of several states that doesn’t regulate its licensing process for general contractors. However, what this means is that you will need to obtain your license through your local municipal or county jurisdictions. Each office has a unique set of requirements and you will need to meet all of them. (Certain specialty trades, however, will need to obtain their license through the state, such as electricians and plumbers.)

We want to first mention very quickly that you can’t begin the licensing process without having insurance or possessing surety bonds. If you plan on employing multiple contractors and working on bigger projects, then insurance/bonds are an absolute must. You will need to contact your local regulators to learn more about the specific requirements. The city of Manchester, for example, requires a surety bond of $5,000 and a payment bond of $10,000.

If you plan on providing services as a concrete contractor, then you will also need a business license. This will ensure that you will have met all the necessary requirements to earn your contractor’s license, including unemployment and general liability insurance.

Concrete Contractors

In New Hampshire

General contractors aren’t required by the state of New Hampshire to have a license. That being said, you will still need to apply for a license through a local county or municipal source. Only people in specialty trades will need to undergo a state-regulated licensing process.

What Do You

Need To Become Licensed?

Most cities and counties in New Hampshire have a department that reviews and approves your license when it comes to building, construction, renovation, and any other general contracting services. The state will still require you to meet certain business and tax requirements. For more information on registering your business, we recommend that you visit the website for the New Hampshire Economic Development.

State Business

Licensed And Registration

New Hampshire, like any other state, has certain requirements that you need to meet when applying for your business license. The state’s Division of Economic Development doesn’t require everyone to possess a business license. However, you are not going to be approved for a contractor’s license without one. To learn more about registration and the fees associated with having a business license, visit the New Hampshire Employment Security website.

Tax Identification Numbers And

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

New Hampshire does not have a general sales tax or an income tax on an individual’s reported W-2 wages. However, not every business is exempt from not paying income taxes. If you are unsure about the tax requirements, then we recommend that you

check out New Hampshire’s Department of Revenue Administration website. There you can learn everything you need to know about how you should set up the structure of your business.

Also, any business with multiple employees will need to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Insurance plans are available through either a commercial provider or state Workers’ Compensation programs. If you want to learn more about insurance requirements, then we advise that you visit the website for New Hampshire’s Department of Labor.

Verifying

Your Business License

Once you are registered and receive your business license, clients can then go online and look you up in the New Hampshire Online Licensing database. It features businesses that work in specific fields, such as real estate services, geological services, or contracting services. When you are consulting with potential clients, you can recommend that they look you up in the state’s online database to confirm that you have your business license. We strongly recommend that you utilize this platform to help establish trust with your clients.

Many reputable contractors are also listed in the database of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association. Associations in general are a great way to elevate industry standards and ensure quality customer service. As we mentioned earlier, the state of New Hampshire doesn’t regulate the licensing process for general contractors. However, the New Hampshire Home Builders Association will require you to uphold a certain standard of service.

Conclusion

We understand that the process of obtaining your license can be a little confusing and at times tedious. That being said, we can assure you that it will be well worth it in the end. Having all the proper licensing will allow you to take on higher-paying jobs and grow your business. It will also help improve your reputation and establish profitable partnerships in your local community.

5687

Happy Clients

905

Projects Done

3569

Consultation

576

Cups of Coffee