New Hampshire Contractor License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

New Hampshire takes a distinctive approach to contractor licensing. Unlike most states, there is no state-level general contractor license. If you are a general contractor, roofer, siding installer, or similar trade professional, you do not need a state-issued license to operate. Instead, you pull permits from the local building department in each city or town where you work.

However, New Hampshire does require state licenses for specific specialty trades that impact public safety. Electricians, plumbers, and fuel gas fitters must all be licensed through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Two separate boards within the OPLC oversee these trades: the Electricians' Board and the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing (which covers plumbing, fuel gas fitting, and related mechanical trades).

Additionally, contractors performing residential home improvement work must register under RSA 332-A as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) through the OPLC. All businesses operating in the state must also register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. This guide covers every requirement you need to know to work legally in the Granite State.

Table of Contents

1. Types of Contractor Licenses
2. Electrician Licensing Requirements
3. Plumber Licensing Requirements
4. Fuel Gas Fitter Licensing Requirements
5. Home Improvement Contractor Registration
6. Application Process
7. Examination Requirements
8. License Fees and Costs
9. Insurance and Bond Requirements
10. License Renewal and Continuing Education
11. Reciprocity with Other States
12. How to Verify a Contractor's License
13. Penalties for Working Without a License
14. Local Licensing and Permit Requirements
15. Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Contractor Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's licensing structure is trade-specific rather than broad. There is no "general contractor" license at the state level. Here is what the state does regulate:

Electrician Licenses (Electricians' Board)

• Apprentice Electrician — Entry-level registration. Must work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Journeyman Electrician — Can perform electrical installations independently. Requires 8,000 hours of practical experience plus 576 hours of approved electrical schooling.
• Master Electrician — Can own/operate an electrical business, supervise journeymen and apprentices, and pull permits. Requires a current journeyman license plus 2,000 additional hours of work experience.
• High/Medium Voltage Electrician — Specialty license for work on electrical systems above 600 volts.

Plumbing Licenses (Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing)

• Apprentice Plumber — Works under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber.
• Journeyman Plumber — Can perform plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair independently. Requires completion of a 4-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours on-the-job training plus 576 classroom hours).
• Master Plumber — Can own a plumbing business, supervise journeymen and apprentices, and train new plumbers. Requires a valid NH journeyman license held for at least 6 months.

Fuel Gas Fitter Licenses (Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing)

• Fuel Gas Fitting Trainee — For persons working toward full licensure under direct supervision of a licensed gas fitter.
• Fuel Gas Piping Installer — Can install fuel gas piping systems. Requires 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience and 60 hours of approved education.
• Hearth System Installation & Service Technician — Installs and services hearth products (fireplaces, wood stoves, gas inserts).
• Liquefied Propane Installation/Service Technician — Works specifically with LP gas systems.
• Natural Gas Installation/Service Technician — Works with natural gas systems.

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration

Under RSA 332-A, any contractor performing work on residential properties (1-4 dwelling units) must register with the OPLC as a Home Improvement Contractor. This is a registration, not a full license, but it is legally required.

Electrician Licensing Requirements

All electrical work at 30 volts or higher in New Hampshire requires a licensed electrician. The Electricians' Board within the OPLC administers these licenses. New Hampshire adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective July 1, 2025, with state-specific amendments.

Apprentice Electrician

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
• No prior experience required
• Must work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician
• Must complete a minimum of 150 hours of approved electrical schooling during each 12-month period
• Apprentice ID card is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually

Journeyman Electrician

• Experience: 8,000 hours of practical experience as a registered apprentice working under a licensed journeyman or master electrician
• Education: 576 hours of approved electrical schooling (144 hours per year across 4 years)
• Exam: Must pass the journeyman electrician exam administered by Prov, Inc.
• Alternative path: 10 years of experience as a journeyman or master electrician licensed in another jurisdiction

Master Electrician

• Prerequisite: Must hold a current NH journeyman electrician license
• Experience: Minimum 2 years (2,000 hours) of work experience as a licensed journeyman
• Exam: Must pass the master electrician exam (125 questions: 50 on design/installation, 50 on electrical code, 25 on electrical law)
• Background check: Required

Plumber Licensing Requirements

Plumbing licenses are issued by the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing within the OPLC. The board oversees apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber certifications.

Apprentice Plumber

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber
• Must complete a structured apprenticeship program including classroom instruction

Journeyman Plumber

• Experience: Completion of a 4-year apprenticeship with a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
• Education: 576 classroom hours (144 hours per year for 4 years)
• Exam: 100-question exam with a 3-hour time limit; 70% passing score required
• Exam topics: Calculations, drainage, fixtures, fundamentals, scope/administration, traps, venting, and water distribution
• Supervision letter: A letter from the supervising master plumber confirming competency is required

Master Plumber

• Prerequisite: Valid NH journeyman plumber license held for at least 6 months
• Exam: 100-question exam with a 3-hour time limit; 75% passing score required
• Documentation: Letter from supervising master plumber, supervised work experience records, exam results, and passport photo
• A master plumber is automatically qualified as a journeyman plumber

Fuel Gas Fitter Licensing Requirements

Fuel gas fitter licenses are also administered by the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing. Multiple license categories exist depending on the type of gas work performed.

Fuel Gas Piping Installer

• Experience: Minimum 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience in the trade within 60 consecutive months. Up to 500 hours may be credited from relevant experience with oil-fired equipment.
• Education: 60 hours of approved educational training
• Exam: Must pass the fuel gas piping installer exam
• Note: A New Hampshire licensed plumber in good standing is qualified for a fuel gas piping installer license after completing the educational requirements (the experience requirement is waived).

Fuel Gas Fitting Trainee

• For individuals working toward full licensure
• Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed fuel gas fitter

Other Gas Fitter Categories

Additional license categories include hearth system installation and service technicians, liquefied propane installation and service technicians, and natural gas installation and service technicians. Each has specific experience and education requirements. Contact the OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing applications page for details on each category.

Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Under RSA 332-A, any contractor performing work on residential properties (structures with 1 to 4 dwelling units) must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the OPLC. This law was enacted to protect homeowners from contractor fraud.

Requirements

• Proof of general liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 in coverage
• Registration through the OPLC online portal
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number

Scope

• Applies only to residential properties (1-4 dwelling units)
• Commercial work, multi-family buildings with 5+ units, and industrial projects are not covered
• Property owners acting as their own general contractor on a single-family residence they occupy (or intend to occupy) are exempt from HIC registration — but licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing) still requires a licensed tradesperson

Application Process

The application process differs slightly between the Electricians' Board and the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing, but both are administered through the OPLC.

Electrician License Applications

1. Download the appropriate application form from the OPLC Electricians' Applications page
2. Complete the application with all required documentation (proof of experience, education transcripts, supervision verification)
3. Submit via mail with payment by personal check, money order, or cashier's check
4. Mail to: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
5. Once approved, schedule and pass the required exam through Prov, Inc.
6. Renewals can be completed online through the OPLC online portal

Plumber and Gas Fitter License Applications

1. Download the appropriate application from the OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing applications page
2. Complete the application with all required documentation (work experience verification, education records, competency letter from supervising master)
3. Submit via mail with payment
4. Mail to: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
5. Once approved, schedule and pass the required exam
6. Renewals are available online

Business Registration

In addition to trade licensing, all businesses operating in New Hampshire must register with the Secretary of State and comply with Department of Revenue Administration requirements.

• LLC: File a Certificate of Formation with a $100 filing fee ($102 online)
• Sole proprietor using a trade name: File Form TN-1 (Trade Name Registration) with a $50 filing fee
• Sole proprietor using legal name: No state registration required

Examination Requirements

Electrician Exams

Electrician exams in New Hampshire are administered by Prov, Inc. All exams are open-book and timed, requiring a 70% passing score.

Plumber Exams

Plumber exams are 100 questions with a 3-hour time limit. Topics include calculations, drainage, fixtures, fundamentals, scope/administration, traps, venting, and water distribution.

Gas Fitter Exams

Fuel gas piping installer candidates must pass the fuel gas piping installer exam after completing 60 hours of approved education and 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Contact the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing for current exam scheduling and format details.

License Fees and Costs

Electrician License Fees

Source: OPLC Electricians' License Fees

Plumber License Fees

Source: OPLC Mechanical Safety License Fees

Business Registration Fees

Insurance and Bond Requirements

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Under RSA 281-A:5, every employer with any employees — full-time, part-time, or seasonal — must carry workers' compensation insurance. There is no minimum hours threshold; even one employee triggers the requirement.

• Sole proprietors without employees are generally exempt, but a general contractor may require subcontractors to carry workers' compensation coverage regardless.
• Important for LLC owners: New Hampshire treats sole proprietors of single-member LLCs as employees of their own LLC for workers' compensation purposes. This is an unusual distinction that differs from most other states.
• Penalties for non-compliance: A one-time fine of $2,500 plus $100 per employee per day of non-coverage. The state may also suspend your authority to conduct business.

General Liability Insurance

While there is no single overarching state statute mandating general liability insurance for all contractors, it is required in practice by most municipalities, clients, and licensing boards. The standard across New Hampshire's market is $1 million per occurrence. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration under RSA 332-A requires a minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage.

Surety Bonds

New Hampshire does not require a statewide contractor bond for general construction work. However:

• Public works projects: Under RSA 447:16, a payment bond is required on all government projects valued at $125,000 or more.
• Local requirements: Some municipalities require bonds. For example, Manchester requires a $5,000 surety bond for contractors working in the city.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

Electrician License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years from date of issuance (changed from a 3-year cycle effective July 15, 2023)
• Continuing education: 15 hours of CE required per renewal cycle for journeyman and master electricians
• CE topics: Must cover changes to the latest published edition of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code). At least 1 hour must cover changes to RSA 319-C, administrative rules, and installation concerns for electrical installations.
• 2026 update: Starting with the 2026 NEC Code Update, all licensed NH electricians must complete the Code Update in the same calendar year it is published.
• CE tracking: Proof of completion is submitted via CE Broker
• Renewal method: Online through the OPLC portal
• Apprentice renewal: Annual renewal of ID card ($33 per year)

Plumber License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Individual licenses expire biennially (every 2 years) on the last day of the licensee's birth month. Business licenses expire January 31.
• Continuing education: 6 hours total per renewal cycle (3 hours of code update required each year)
• CE providers: Must be completed through an approved provider
• Renewal method: Online through the OPLC portal

Fuel Gas Fitter License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Biennial (every 2 years)
• Continuing education: 6 hours total per renewal cycle (3 hours per year from an approved provider)
• Required documentation: Application renewal form, proof of continuing education, and applicable fees
• Contact OPLC Mechanical Licensing at oplclicensing5@oplc.nh.gov for specific renewal questions

Reciprocity with Other States

Electrician Reciprocity

New Hampshire has reciprocity agreements with three neighboring states for electrician licenses:

• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Vermont

Requirements for reciprocal licensure:

• Must hold an active license in good standing from the reciprocal state
• Must have at least 1 year of professional experience in the licensure category sought
• Licensed electricians from these states may obtain an NH license without passing the NH exam
• Apply through the OPLC Electricians' Board with documentation of your out-of-state license

Plumbing and Gas Fitting Reciprocity

The Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing evaluates out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis. Applicants holding a master or journeyman plumber license from another state may qualify based on demonstrated experience and licensing history. Contact the board directly for current reciprocity agreements.

New Hampshire does not participate in the NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) accredited exam program, as the state does not have a general contractor licensing framework.

How to Verify a Contractor's License

The OPLC provides a free online license verification tool that allows you to look up any licensed electrician, plumber, gas fitter, or other professional regulated by the state.

Online Verification

• License Lookup Tool: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/license-lookup
• License Verification (formal): https://www.oplc.nh.gov/license-verification
• NH Online License Verification: https://forms.nh.gov/licenseverification/

You can search by the contractor's name, business name, or license number to verify their license type, status, and expiration date.

Contact the OPLC Directly

• Phone: (603) 271-2152
• Email: customersupport@oplc.nh.gov
• Address: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
• Website: www.oplc.nh.gov

Penalties for Working Without a License

New Hampshire treats unlicensed specialty trade work as a criminal offense, not just a civil violation.

Unlicensed Electrical Work (RSA 319-C:15)

Under RSA 319-C:15, the following acts are punishable as a misdemeanor (for individuals) or a felony (for business entities):

• Making electrical installations without a valid license
• Employing an unlicensed person (other than an apprentice) to make electrical installations
• Fraudulently obtaining or procuring a license
• Falsely representing oneself as a licensed electrician
• Violating any provision of the chapter or board rules

Unlicensed Plumbing Work (RSA 329-A:18)

Under RSA 329-A:18, employing an unlicensed person (who is not a registered apprentice) to perform plumbing work is a misdemeanor. If the employee's license has been expired for 12 months or less, the violation is reduced to a lesser "violation" classification.

Penalty Amounts Under New Hampshire Law

Under RSA 651:2, criminal penalties in New Hampshire are:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B misdemeanor: Fine of up to $1,200 (no jail time)
• Felony (for business entities): Higher fines and potential business suspension

Homeowner Exception

New Hampshire law allows homeowners to perform their own electrical work on a one- or two-family residence that they own and occupy as their primary residence (RSA 319-C:15). This exception does not apply to rental properties, and all work must still comply with the NEC and be inspected.

Workers' Compensation Non-Compliance

Failure to carry required workers' compensation insurance can result in a one-time fine of $2,500 plus $100 per employee per day without coverage. The state may also suspend your ability to conduct business.

Local Licensing and Permit Requirements

Since New Hampshire does not issue a state general contractor license, local municipalities are the primary regulatory authority for most construction work. Requirements vary by city and town.

What to Expect Locally

• Building permits: Required for most construction, renovation, and demolition work. Obtained from the local building department.
• Contractor registration: Some cities require contractors to register with the local building department before pulling permits.
• Bonds: Some municipalities require surety bonds (e.g., Manchester requires a $5,000 bond).
• Insurance: Most cities require proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation (if you have employees).

Key Municipal Building Departments

Always check with the local building department in each municipality where you plan to work. Requirements can differ significantly from one town to the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state license to be a general contractor in New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire does not require a state-level general contractor license. You will need to pull building permits from the local municipality where you work, and you must register your business with the Secretary of State. If you perform residential home improvement work, you must register as a Home Improvement Contractor under RSA 332-A.

What trades require a state license in New Hampshire?

Electricians, plumbers, and fuel gas fitters must hold state licenses issued by the OPLC. These are the only construction trades that require state-level licensure. Other trades (roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, etc.) are regulated at the local level, if at all.

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in New Hampshire?

A minimum of 4 years. You must complete 8,000 hours of practical experience as a registered apprentice plus 576 hours of approved electrical schooling before you can sit for the journeyman exam. After becoming a journeyman, you need an additional 2 years (2,000 hours) to qualify for the master electrician license.

Does New Hampshire have reciprocity with other states for electrician licenses?

Yes. New Hampshire has reciprocity agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. If you hold an active electrician license in good standing from one of these states and have at least 1 year of experience, you can obtain an NH license without taking the exam.

What insurance do I need to work as a contractor in New Hampshire?

At minimum, you need general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence is the practical standard). If you have any employees — even one part-time worker — you must carry workers' compensation insurance under RSA 281-A:5. Home Improvement Contractors must carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage for HIC registration.

Can a homeowner do their own electrical or plumbing work in New Hampshire?

For electrical work, yes — homeowners may perform their own electrical installations on a one- or two-family residence they own and occupy as their primary dwelling (RSA 319-C:15). The work must still comply with the NEC and pass inspection. For plumbing, the rules are more restrictive — check with the Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing for current homeowner exemptions.

Conclusion

New Hampshire's contractor licensing landscape is straightforward once you understand the structure: no state general contractor license, but mandatory state licenses for electricians, plumbers, and fuel gas fitters through the OPLC. If you do residential work, register as a Home Improvement Contractor under RSA 332-A. Beyond that, your primary interaction will be with local building departments for permits.

For the most current information, contact the relevant board directly:

• Electricians' Board: www.oplc.nh.gov/find-board/electricians-board
• Board of Mechanical Safety and Licensing: www.oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-board
• OPLC General: (603) 271-2152 | 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
• Secretary of State (Business Registration): www.sos.nh.gov/corporations-0