Trade business resources for Idaho.

In Idaho, contractor licensing is administered by the Division of Building Safety (DBS), which oversees public works and specialty trade contractors at the state level. General residential and commercial contractors are not required to hold a state license for private work, but public works contractors and certain specialty trades must be licensed through DBS.

State licensing board

Idaho does not require a statewide general contractor license for private residential or commercial construction, making it less restrictive than most states. However, electrical contractors and electricians must be licensed through the DBS Electrical Bureau, with separate licenses for journeyman, master, and contractor classifications. Plumbing contractors and journeyman/master plumbers must be licensed through the DBS Plumbing Bureau. HVAC work is regulated under the DBS HVAC Bureau, requiring licensure for contractors and technicians performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work. Public works contractors (those bidding on government-funded projects) must hold a Public Works Contractor License, with tiers based on project value (Class AAA for unlimited, down to smaller classifications for projects under set dollar thresholds). Roofing contractors performing work on public works projects must also be licensed, but roofing on private property does not require a separate state roofing license. Thresholds and specific fee amounts should be verified directly with DBS, as they are subject to legislative updates.

Business registration