Check the MSBOC Record Before You Hire, Bid or Renew
A Mississippi contractor license lookup should do more than find a familiar company name. You need to match the official MSBOC record with the license type, Certificate of Responsibility, classification, expiration, business name, project value and permit route.
This guide is written for Mississippi homeowners, commercial owners, builders, remodelers, roofers, subcontractors and out-of-state contractors who need the correct state record before signing, bidding, pulling permits or paying.
Quick Answer: Use the Official Mississippi State Board of Contractors Search
Use the official MSBOC search to check a Mississippi contractor by name or license number. Open the exact record, then compare the license type, classification, status, expiration, business name and any violation history with the bid, contract, permit application and payment name.
Official Mississippi State Board of Contractors License Search Screenshot
This screenshot is best placed near the lookup steps because it shows the official MSBOC search page users should recognize before checking a contractor record.
Official Mississippi Contractor Lookup and Action Links
Use these official sources for final action. This guide explains the checks, but MSBOC’s live database and current forms control license status, applications, renewals, complaints, classifications and fees.
Search a contractor record
The basic MSBOC search accepts a contractor name or license number. The advanced search helps when you need contractor type, city, county, ZIP, DBA, issue date or expiration-date filters.
Apply, renew or check forms
Contractors should use current MSBOC forms and instructions. The Board notes that completed forms may need to be printed and mailed for processing.
How to Search a Mississippi Contractor License Record
The MSBOC lookup is most useful when you search narrowly first and then compare the result with the real job documents.
Search the license number first
If the bid, contract, website, truck, proposal or permit application shows a license or Certificate of Responsibility number, search that number first. A number search avoids many similar-name problems.
Search the legal business name
If the number is missing, search the full legal name shown on the written contract or bid. Try DBA names only after checking the legal name.
Use advanced filters when names are similar
Advanced filters can help with contractor type, company name, county, city, ZIP code, DBA name, issue date and expiration date. Do not assume the nearest or first result is the contractor you met.
Open the exact record
Review the license type, classification, status, expiration and available contractor information. Then compare it with the scope of work being offered.
Recheck before signing or paying
MSBOC itself warns that circumstances may change after information is published. Search again before signing, paying a deposit, pulling a permit or letting work begin.
How to Read the MSBOC Contractor Search Result
A Mississippi contractor search result is only the beginning. The record must make sense for the property, project value, classification and person asking for payment.
| Record item | What to check | When to pause |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed name | Compare the MSBOC name with the contract, bid, invoice, permit application and payment recipient. | A different company or person is asking for payment without a clear written explanation. |
| License type | Confirm commercial Certificate of Responsibility, residential builder, remodeler, roofer, trade or specialty route. | A residential credential is being used for commercial work, or a specialty scope does not match the project. |
| Classification | Read the classification and match it to the project: building, electrical, mechanical, roofing, plumbing, solar, concrete or other scope. | The contractor offers work outside the classification shown in the record. |
| Status and expiration | Check whether the license is active and whether it will remain current through the bid, permit and work period. | The record is expired, inactive, suspended, unclear or near expiration. |
| Violations | Search commercial and residential violator records when the project risk is large or the name is unfamiliar. | There is a public violation, unresolved complaint pattern or explanation that does not fit the facts. |
Mississippi Contractor License Thresholds
Mississippi licensing depends on the work type and total project value. Count labor and materials, and do not split a project into smaller invoices just to avoid a licensing requirement.
| Project type | Common statewide trigger | Likely MSBOC route |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial construction | Over $50,000. | Commercial Certificate of Responsibility with matching classification. |
| Public fire sprinkler work | Over $5,000. | Commercial fire sprinkler route or appropriate classification. |
| Private fire sprinkler work | Over $10,000. | Commercial fire sprinkler route or appropriate classification. |
| New residential construction | Over $50,000. | Residential Builder license. |
| Residential remodeling or improvement | Over $10,000. | Residential Remodeler license or another matching residential classification. |
| Residential roofing | Over $10,000. | Residential Roofer or qualifying residential classification. |
| Residential electrical, HVAC, mechanical or plumbing subcontract work | Life-safety residential trade work may require MSBOC licensing regardless of dollar amount. | Residential electrical, HVAC, mechanical or plumbing classification as applicable. |
Commercial Certificate of Responsibility vs Residential License
Mississippi uses different licensing routes for commercial and residential work. The correct route is based on the job, not the contractor’s marketing title.
Certificate of Responsibility
The commercial license is commonly called a Certificate of Responsibility. It is used for covered commercial, industrial, public and private work above the applicable Mississippi threshold.
- Commercial application fee is listed as $400 for one classification.
- Commercial liability coverage minimums apply.
- Major and specialty classifications have financial-statement requirements.
- Commercial applicants need Mississippi sales or use tax information.
Builder, Remodeler, Roofer and Trade Routes
Residential licensing covers qualifying home building, remodeling, roofing, construction management, residential solar and life-safety residential trade work.
- Residential application fee is listed as $50 for one classification.
- Residential qualifying parties may need two hours of approved continuing education.
- Residential Builder scope can include remodeling and roofing within stated limits.
- Residential Roofer is limited to residential roofing work only.
Mississippi Contractor Application Notes
Before applying, choose the route that fits the work. Do not pick commercial or residential only because the fee is lower or the form looks shorter.
Prepare before applying
- Choose commercial, residential builder, remodeler, roofer, trade, specialty, construction manager or solar route.
- Match the applicant name to Secretary of State records when using a corporation, LLC or LLP.
- Gather tax identification information required for the license route.
- Prepare references and completed-job information for the requested classification.
- Use blue or black ink if the official form is printed and mailed.
- Do not leave blank spaces where the form expects “N/A.”
Common application mistakes
- Using an outdated PDF saved from another site.
- Business name does not match the Secretary of State record.
- Insurance certificate uses a different applicant name.
- Commercial financial statement is incomplete or not prepared at the required level.
- Applicant tries to schedule PSI testing before MSBOC sends eligibility.
- Incomplete file is not completed within the application window.
Mississippi Contractor Exams, PSI and NASCLA
Do not schedule an exam before MSBOC has reviewed the application and sent eligibility to PSI. Passing an exam is not the same as receiving a license.
Business and Law
MSBOC states that all applicants are required to take the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam unless a specific recognition path applies.
Trade exam
A trade exam may be required depending on the classification. Some specialty classifications may not require a trade exam, but the classification page controls the scope.
NASCLA is not a license
A NASCLA exam may help with an exam component for certain classifications, but the contractor must still apply to Mississippi and obtain the MSBOC license.
Mississippi Contractor Renewal, Late Window and 2026 Email Notices
Commercial and residential Mississippi contractor licenses are renewed annually. MSBOC says renewal notices are a courtesy, so the license holder remains responsible for tracking the expiration date.
| Renewal item | Current rule or fee | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial renewal | $400 renewal fee. | Confirm the fee schedule and renewal form before mailing or paying. |
| Commercial late fee | $50. | Do not wait for a paper notice if the expiration date is close. |
| Residential renewal | $100 renewal fee. | Residential qualifying parties should also review continuing education requirements. |
| Residential late fee | $10. | Check the public lookup after renewal is processed. |
| Late renewal window | Up to 180 days after the expiration date. | After 180 days, MSBOC says a new application is required. |
| 2026 notice change | Annual renewal notices are email-only. | Keep the email address of record current and check spam or junk folders. |
Local Mississippi Permits Still Matter
An MSBOC license is not the same as a permit for a specific job address. Mississippi cities and counties can require local building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, floodplain or inspection approvals.
Jackson
The City of Jackson Building Permit Office issues construction, demolition and sign permits. Jackson also treats trade permits for electrical, plumbing, fuel gas and mechanical work as separate permit items.
Southaven
Southaven’s Building Department handles permits, plan examination and inspections. Its local guidance tells permit applicants for trade work to show proof of an active Mississippi state contractor license for the relevant trade.
Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg guidance says contractors and subcontractors doing business in the city must be licensed by the City and by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, subject to local rules.
Coastal and storm-repair work
For Gulf Coast storm repair, roof work, floodplain work or insurance-funded rebuilding, verify MSBOC status first and then contact the local permit office for the job address before signing.
MSBOC Complaints, Violators and Scam Warnings
MSBOC accepts complaints and reviews whether the issue falls within Board jurisdiction. A complaint can support investigation or discipline, but MSBOC states it cannot represent private citizens in court or collect money for them.
| Problem | Best first route | Evidence to save |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed contractor | Search MSBOC, save the result, then use the complaint or unlicensed-activity route. | Ad, business card, bid, license claim, job address, photos, messages and payment records. |
| Expired or inactive license | Contact MSBOC before more work is performed or paid for. | Lookup screenshot, contract, permit records and dates work occurred. |
| Poor or unfinished work | Review MSBOC complaint requirements and local inspection records. | Contract, change orders, photos, inspection notes, repair estimates and written notices. |
| License lending or wrong business name | Document the mismatch and ask MSBOC which route applies. | Invoice, payment recipient, permit applicant, messages and official license record. |
| Suspicious email or text | Do not click links or send payment; contact MSBOC using official contact details. | Sender address, phone number, screenshot, payment demand and any attachments. |
Mississippi State Board of Contractors Contact Details
Call or email MSBOC when a lookup result, classification, fee, application route, renewal, reciprocity issue or complaint jurisdiction is unclear.
MSBOC Office
Have this ready before calling
- Exact business name and DBA name.
- License number or Certificate of Responsibility number.
- Commercial, residential, roofing, trade or specialty route.
- Total project value including labor and materials.
- Classification shown in the lookup.
- Expiration date and status message.
- City or county where the work will occur.
Mississippi Contractor License Lookup FAQs
Where do I look up a Mississippi contractor license?
Use the official Mississippi State Board of Contractors search at search.msboc.us. You can search by contractor name or license number, then open the exact record.
What is a Mississippi Certificate of Responsibility?
A Certificate of Responsibility is Mississippi’s commercial contractor license route for covered commercial work. The record should match the contractor’s classification and project scope.
When is a Mississippi commercial contractor license required?
MSBOC guidance commonly points to commercial work over $50,000, including labor and materials. Fire sprinkler work has separate public and private thresholds.
When is a Mississippi residential builder license required?
A Residential Builder license is tied to new residential construction over $50,000, unless an exception applies. It can also cover remodeling and roofing within stated limits.
When is a Mississippi residential remodeler license required?
A Residential Remodeler license is commonly tied to improvements to an existing residence over $10,000. The classification scope should still be checked before hiring.
Does Mississippi require a license for residential roofing?
Residential roofing over $10,000 commonly requires a Residential Roofer route or another qualifying residential classification. The Residential Roofer classification is limited to roofing work only.
Do residential electrical, HVAC, mechanical and plumbing subcontractors need MSBOC licensing?
MSBOC materials identify residential life-safety trades such as electrical, HVAC, mechanical and plumbing as licensing-sensitive work. Confirm the classification and local permit requirements before work begins.
Does a Mississippi contractor license replace a local permit?
No. An MSBOC license and a local building permit are different. The city or county for the job address may require building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, floodplain or inspection approvals.
How long can a Mississippi contractor renew late?
MSBOC says a commercial or residential license can be processed as a late renewal for up to 180 days after expiration. After more than 180 days, a new application is required.
Does ContractorsBoard.org verify Mississippi contractors?
No. ContractorsBoard.org is an independent guide. Use the official MSBOC search and agency pages for current license status, application rules, renewals, complaints and regulatory decisions.
Final Mississippi Contractor Check
Before hiring, bidding or renewing, use the official MSBOC search, then match the license type, legal business name, classification, expiration, project value, permit route, insurance and written contract.
The safest Mississippi contractor check is simple: official record first, local permit second, written contract third, payment last.