Trade business resources for Kentucky.

Kentucky regulates trade contractors at the state level through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), which oversees licensing for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other mechanical trades. General contractors in Kentucky are not licensed at the state level for most residential and commercial work; instead, licensing and registration requirements often fall to local jurisdictions.

State licensing board

Kentucky requires state licensure for electricians (apprentice, journeyman, and master levels), plumbers (apprentice, journeyman, and master levels), and HVAC/mechanical contractors through the DHBC. Electrical and plumbing licenses are issued after passing a state exam and meeting experience requirements. HVAC contractors must hold a refrigeration/air conditioning license. General contractors do not have a statewide license requirement for most work, though Jefferson County (Louisville) and some other localities impose their own GC registration. Roofing contractors are not separately licensed at the state level, though a business registration with the Secretary of State is required to operate legally. Any contractor performing work on state-regulated systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) must hold the appropriate DHBC-issued license regardless of project dollar amount.

Business registration