Contractor Registration
Required in many Wisconsin municipalities for contractors performing work within city limits. Separate from the statewide Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) credential issued by DSPS, municipal contractor registration typically requires proof of insurance, bonding, and state credentials. Some cities maintain a registered contractor list and prohibit unregistered contractors from pulling permits.
When Is a Contractor Registration Required?
- General contractors performing work in municipalities that require registration
- Specialty contractors (roofing, siding, etc.) in regulated municipalities
- Out-of-state contractors working in Wisconsin municipalities
When Is a Contractor Registration NOT Required?
- Homeowners performing work on their own property
- Contractors working in municipalities that don't require local registration
Related Permits You May Also Need
Required Licenses
The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.
Contractor Registration Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for contractor registration permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $75/yr | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $65/yr | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $55/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $60/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $50/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $50/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $65/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $45/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $40/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $40/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $53/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $43/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $40/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $55/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $39/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $60/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $55/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $35/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $53/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $54/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $53/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $36/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $43/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $48/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $48/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $36/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $40/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $53/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $55/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $63/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $50/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $35/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $34/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $33/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $43/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $39/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $34/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $36/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $33/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $45/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $38/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $33/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $29/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $36/yr | 5-10 days | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — Contractor Registration
Do contractors need to register with the city in Wisconsin?
Many Wisconsin municipalities require contractors to register locally before pulling permits or performing work. Registration typically requires proof of the state DCQ credential (for residential work), general liability insurance ($500K–$1M minimum), and sometimes a surety bond. Cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay all have contractor registration requirements.
What is the difference between a contractor license and registration?
Wisconsin issues the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) credential at the state level through DSPS — this is the 'license.' Municipal contractor registration is a separate local requirement that verifies insurance, bonding, and state credentials. You may need both: the state credential and a local registration for each municipality you work in.
Can an out-of-state contractor work in Wisconsin?
Yes, but out-of-state contractors must obtain the appropriate Wisconsin credentials (DCQ for residential, applicable trade licenses) and register with each municipality that requires local registration. They must also carry Wisconsin-compliant insurance and may need to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax purposes.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
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