How to Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin: Step-by-Step
January 22, 2026
Wisconsin does not have a statewide general contractor license. Instead, contractor licensing is handled at the municipal level, with requirements varying significantly across jurisdictions. However, the state does license specific trades — electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers — through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This guide covers both the state-level trade licenses and the most common municipal contractor registration requirements.
State-Level Trade Licenses (DSPS)
Wisconsin requires state licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Electrical licenses are issued under Wis. Stat. § 101.862 and require passing the DSPS exam, providing proof of qualifying experience (4 years for journeyman, 2 additional years for master), and maintaining liability insurance. The current application fee is $60 with a $60 biennial renewal. Plumbing licenses follow a similar structure under Wis. Stat. § 145.06 with a $75 application fee and 4-year journeyman experience requirement. HVAC credentials require a $40 application fee and qualifying coursework or experience.
Municipal Contractor Registration
Most Wisconsin municipalities with populations over 10,000 require some form of contractor registration. Milwaukee requires all contractors to hold a City of Milwaukee Contractor Certificate, which involves a $125 application, proof of insurance ($500,000 general liability minimum), and a background check. Madison requires contractor registration for projects over $2,000, with a $100 annual fee. Smaller municipalities like Waukesha, Appleton, and Green Bay have their own registration requirements. Our jurisdiction pages list the specific requirements for each municipality.
Insurance Requirements
Insurance minimums vary by municipality but generally follow this pattern: General liability insurance at $500,000–$1,000,000 per occurrence is required in all major municipalities. Workers' compensation insurance is required by state law for any employer with 3 or more employees (Wis. Stat. § 102.28). Vehicle insurance at state minimums ($25,000/$50,000/$10,000) is required if using vehicles for business purposes. Some municipalities additionally require a surety bond ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
The Application Process
Step 1: Determine which licenses you need — check both state (DSPS) and municipal requirements for every jurisdiction where you work. Step 2: Obtain required insurance and bonds. Step 3: For state trade licenses, schedule and pass the required exam through DSPS. Step 4: Submit applications with required documentation (insurance certificates, experience affidavits, exam results). Step 5: For municipal registrations, allow 2–4 weeks for processing. Step 6: Post your license/registration numbers on all advertising and contracts as required by Wis. Stat. § 101.654.
Renewal and Continuing Education
State trade licenses renew biennially (every 2 years) on the licensee's birth month. Continuing education requirements: electricians need 24 hours per renewal period, plumbers need 16 hours, HVAC professionals need 8 hours. Municipal registrations typically renew annually, with fees ranging from $50–$150. Failure to renew results in a lapsed license, and most municipalities require a new application (not just a renewal) if the lapse exceeds 12 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common licensing mistake is assuming a state trade license covers municipal registration — it does not. Contractors working in 5 municipalities need 5 separate registrations plus any applicable state licenses. Another frequent issue is letting insurance lapse: most municipalities require continuous coverage, and a gap of even one day can void your registration. Finally, out-of-state contractors often overlook Wisconsin's reciprocity limitations — Wisconsin has no blanket reciprocity agreements for trade licenses, though individual municipalities may accept equivalent out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis.
Data note: The permit data referenced in this article was verified against official municipal sources as of February 2026. Fee schedules and requirements can change at any time. Always confirm current requirements directly with your local permit office before submitting applications. Use our Fee Calculator to get the latest fee estimates for your specific jurisdiction and project type.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin require a general contractor license?
Wisconsin does not have a statewide general contractor license. Contractor licensing is handled at the municipal level, with requirements varying by jurisdiction. However, the state does require licenses for specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
How much does a contractor license cost in Wisconsin?
Costs vary by license type. State trade licenses: electrician $60, plumber $75, HVAC $40 (application fees). Municipal contractor registration: $50–$150 annually depending on the municipality (Milwaukee $125, Madison $100). You may need multiple municipal registrations if you work across jurisdictions.
What insurance do I need for a contractor license in Wisconsin?
Most municipalities require general liability insurance at $500,000–$1,000,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation is required by state law for employers with 3+ employees. Some municipalities require a surety bond of $5,000–$25,000. Vehicle insurance at state minimums is required if using vehicles for business.
Never miss a permit change in your jurisdictions
Fee updates, code changes, and new requirements — delivered to your inbox when they happen. Built for contractors managing projects across multiple Wisconsin municipalities.