Verify a Mississippi Contractor Before You Hire or Bid
Use the official Mississippi State Board of Contractors search to check a contractor by name or license number, confirm active status and classification, and compare the record with the bid, contract, permit and payment name.
Contractors can use this guide to choose commercial or residential licensing, prepare the current application, understand exams and insurance, use reciprocity correctly, renew annually and organize a complaint or unlicensed-activity report.
What Does the Mississippi State Board of Contractors Do?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors, commonly called MSBOC, licenses and regulates commercial and residential contractors and roofers. A Mississippi commercial contractor license is officially called a Certificate of Responsibility.
Homeowners and project owners should use the official database before hiring. Contractors should determine the project type, dollar amount and classification before bidding, signing a contract or pulling permits.
Mississippi Contractor License Lookup by Name or Number
The official MSBOC database accepts a contractor name or license number. When searching by license number, enter numbers only and leave out any letter prefix or suffix.
| Information available | Best search method | What to verify afterward |
|---|---|---|
| License number | Enter numbers only. Remove letter prefixes, suffixes, spaces and punctuation. | Business name, license type, classification, status and expiration date. |
| Legal business name | Search the exact company name shown on the bid or contract. | Match the official name with the estimate, invoice, permit and payment recipient. |
| DBA or trade name | Use the advanced search DBA field and try reasonable spelling variations. | Confirm the DBA is connected with the licensed legal entity. |
| Location | Use city, county or ZIP filters to narrow similar company names. | Do not assume the nearest record is the company that submitted the bid. |
| Only an advertisement | Ask for the exact licensed name and number in writing before proceeding. | Treat refusal, delay or mismatched names as a reason to pause. |
Advanced search filters
The advanced database can also filter by contractor type, county, city, state, ZIP code, DBA name, minority status, expiration date and issue date. These filters are useful when several businesses have similar names.
Tool 1: MSBOC Search Route and Number Cleaner
This helper prepares information for the official lookup. It does not reproduce or cache a contractor’s status.
How to Read an MSBOC Contractor Record
A matching name is only the beginning. Compare the record with the actual company, project type and work being offered.
| Record item | Why it matters | When to pause |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Shows whether the license is current, expired, inactive, suspended or otherwise unavailable. | The record does not show an appropriate active status. |
| Licensed name | The contractor should conduct business under the name shown on the certificate. | The contract or payment request uses an unrelated company or person. |
| License type | Commercial and residential licenses apply to different project routes. | A residential record is presented for work requiring a commercial license without a clear exception. |
| Classification | The authorized classification should match the project scope. | The contractor offers roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or another specialty not reflected in the record. |
| Expiration date | Mississippi licenses are renewed annually. | The record will expire before bidding, permitting or work begins. |
| Violations | MSBOC maintains separate commercial and residential violator searches. | A violation, suspension or disciplinary issue needs explanation. |
Mississippi Contractor License Thresholds
Mississippi uses different monetary thresholds for commercial work, new residential construction, residential remodeling and residential roofing.
| Project type | Common statewide trigger | Likely license route |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial work | Work over $50,000. | Commercial Certificate of Responsibility with matching classification. |
| New residential construction | Construction over $50,000. | Residential Builder license. |
| Residential remodeling or addition | Improvements over $10,000. | Residential Remodeler license. |
| Residential roofing | Roofing over $10,000. | Appropriate residential roofing license or classification. |
| Residential electrical, plumbing or HVAC | State licensing can depend on price and scope. | Check MSBOC classification and local permit-office requirements. |
| Work below the state threshold | May not require this state license. | City, county, permit, trade, tax and business requirements may still apply. |
Tool 2: Mississippi License Threshold Checker
Use the total project value, not a deliberately divided invoice. This is a planning screen only; local requirements can apply below state thresholds.
Commercial Certificate of Responsibility vs Residential License
The correct application depends on the property, project and classification—not simply whether the business calls itself a general contractor.
Certificate of Responsibility
This is the official name for Mississippi’s commercial contractor license. It is used for covered commercial, industrial, public and private work.
- $400 application including one classification.
- Reviewed or audited CPA financial statement.
- Commercial liability minimums apply.
- Mississippi sales or use tax number required.
Builder, Remodeler or Roofing Route
Residential licensing covers qualifying new-home construction, remodeling, additions, roofing and listed residential trades.
- $50 application including one classification.
- Current general liability coverage required.
- Two hours of approved continuing education for qualifying parties where applicable.
- Annual residential renewal fee is $100.
Can a residential builder perform commercial work?
MSBOC’s official quick-answer page states that a Residential Builder license holder may work on a commercial project when the job does not exceed 7,500 square feet and three floors in height. Confirm the exact classification and project before relying on this rule.
How to Apply for a Mississippi Contractor License
Start with the current 2026 form. The application cannot be completed entirely online because required signatures and application procedures must be followed before MSBOC sends testing eligibility to PSI.
Choose commercial or residential licensing
Use the property type, project value and work classification. Do not select a route only because its application fee is lower.
Match the legal business name
Corporations, LLCs and LLPs should match Mississippi Secretary of State records. Insurance, tax records, application documents and the license name must align.
Select the classification and qualifying party
The qualifying party takes the required exam and must be an owner, officer, executive staff member or responsible managing employee. Prepare proof of employment when required.
Gather insurance, references and job history
Both application routes require liability insurance, three references and examples of completed work in the requested classification. Workers’ compensation proof is required when the applicant has five or more employees.
Submit the application before scheduling exams
MSBOC reviews the application, sends eligibility information to PSI and PSI emails the candidate. The exam cannot be scheduled until that confirmation is received.
Complete testing and Board review
All applicants take Mississippi Law and Business Management. A trade exam may also be required. Once the file and passing scores are complete, MSBOC submits the application for Board review.
Wait for issuance before bidding or working
MSBOC says completed applications are processed weekly. Do not treat an application, exam pass or payment receipt as an issued license.
Commercial Contractor Application Requirements and Fees
The current commercial application was revised in February 2026. Use that version rather than an older saved PDF.
| Commercial requirement | Current application detail | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $400 including one trade classification; $100 for each additional classification. | Counting Mississippi Law and Business as a trade classification. |
| Payment | Check or money order; cash is not accepted. | Sending cash or assuming the fee is refundable. |
| Financial statement | Reviewed or audited statement prepared by a CPA within the previous 12 months. | Submitting a compilation, which the application says is not accepted. |
| Net worth | $50,000 for a major classification; $20,000 for other classifications. | Assuming the unlimited license has no financial requirement. |
| General liability | $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. | Insurance name does not exactly match the application name. |
| Workers’ compensation | Coverage certificate when the applicant has five or more employees. | Failing to review separate employer obligations outside the licensing form. |
| References | Three letters: one bank reference and two construction-related references. | Providing general character references with no construction context. |
| Experience | At least three completed jobs in each requested classification. | Listing projects unrelated to the classification. |
| Tax numbers | Mississippi sales or use tax number plus Mississippi income-tax or federal tax ID. | Submitting the application before tax numbers are available. |
Residential Builder, Remodeler and Roofing Application
The current residential application separates the lower application fee from the applicant’s insurance, references, experience, exam and business-name responsibilities.
Residential application basics
- $50 application fee includes one classification.
- Add $100 for each additional trade classification requested.
- Provide current general liability insurance.
- List MSBOC as certificate holder for cancellation notice.
- Provide workers’ compensation proof when there are five or more employees.
Experience and identity documents
- Three references, including one bank reference.
- At least three jobs in the requested classification.
- Qualifying-party employment proof where required.
- Secretary of State good standing for corporations, LLCs and LLPs.
- Mississippi, federal or Social Security tax identification as applicable.
Mississippi Contractor Exams and Qualifying Party Rules
Submit the MSBOC application before attempting to schedule an exam. PSI will not permit scheduling until MSBOC sends eligibility and PSI issues the confirmation email.
Business and Law
All applicants must take the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination unless a separate statutory recognition route specifically applies.
Trade examination
A trade exam may be required based on the classification. MSBOC’s current testing guidance says the exams are open book.
NASCLA option
Applicants for major Building Construction or Electrical classifications may be able to choose the applicable Mississippi or NASCLA accredited examination.
Who can be the qualifying party?
The qualifying party is the person who takes the required examination. The current application permits an owner, officer, member of executive staff or responsible managing employee. Proof of employment can include a check stub, W-2 or Secretary of State owner/officer record.
- Different qualifying parties may cover different classifications.
- A qualifying party can generally serve no more than three separate entities without special Board permission.
- MSBOC requires replacement of a departing qualifier within the allowed period to avoid license problems.
- Use a valid email because MSBOC and PSI send testing notices electronically.
Mississippi Contractor License Reciprocity
Reciprocity is not automatic permission to work in Mississippi. The contractor must submit a Mississippi application and obtain an MSBOC license.
Current application routes
The February 2026 commercial application lists agreements involving boards in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The exact classification, exam history, license duration and disciplinary conditions vary by agreement.
| Reciprocity step | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Confirm the board and classification | Make sure the current Mississippi agreement covers the issuing board and requested classification. |
| Request verification | Have the other licensing board complete the current verification form. |
| Pay waiver fee | The current application lists $50 for each examination waived by reciprocity. |
| Complete Mississippi requirements | Submit the correct application and all supporting documents. |
| Take Business and Law | Plan for the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam unless an applicable statutory recognition route changes the requirement. |
Renewing a Mississippi Contractor License
Commercial and residential licenses are valid for one year. Renewal notices are a courtesy, so the contractor remains responsible for tracking the certificate expiration date.
| Renewal item | Current fee or rule |
|---|---|
| Commercial renewal | $400. |
| Commercial late fee | $50. |
| Residential renewal | $100. |
| Residential late fee | $10. |
| Late renewal window | Up to 180 days after the expiration date. |
| Expired over 180 days | Cannot be renewed; a new application is required. |
| Residential continuing education | Two approved credit hours for each qualifying party where the requirement applies. |
Tool 3: Mississippi Renewal Window Checker
Enter the expiration date printed on the license. The result estimates whether the license is upcoming, in the late-renewal window or beyond 180 days.
Before Hiring a Mississippi Contractor
The safest hiring decision combines license verification, references, insurance, a detailed written contract, permit confirmation and controlled progress payments.
Verify before signing
- Search the exact business and numeric license number.
- Match the official name with the contract and payment name.
- Confirm active status through the expected work period.
- Match the classification to the complete project.
- Check commercial or residential license type.
- Review violator records and ask about unclear results.
Verify the project plan
- Get at least three written references.
- Compare bids using the same scope and materials.
- Identify who obtains permits and inspections.
- Confirm subcontractors and trade licenses.
- Use written change orders.
- Do not pay far ahead of completed work.
Storm and disaster-repair warning
Hurricane, tornado, hail and wind damage can create pressure to sign quickly. Verify the contractor before paying, do not rely on an out-of-state license alone and confirm the Mississippi license and local permit requirements for the damaged property.
File an MSBOC Complaint or Report Unlicensed Work
MSBOC accepts complaints involving residential and commercial contractors, including unlicensed work, gross negligence, license lending, expired or suspended licenses, bidding without a license and failure to verify subcontractors.
| Problem | Evidence to preserve | Best first action |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed contracting | Advertisements, job address, bid, license claimed, phone numbers, photos and payment records. | Search the database, save the result and use the complaint or unlicensed-activity route. |
| Gross negligence or misconduct | Contract, photos, inspections, expert estimates, timeline and written notices. | Notify the contractor in writing and organize copies for the complaint. |
| Expired or suspended license | Saved lookup result, bid, contract, permit and dates work occurred. | Contact MSBOC before allowing more licensed work. |
| License lending | Identity mismatch, advertisements, invoices, payment name and communications. | Document which person or entity actually offered and performed the work. |
| Payment or lien dispute | Invoices, canceled checks, lien papers, subcontract documents and written demands. | File within Board jurisdiction and seek legal advice for private recovery or court deadlines. |
Complaint-form document checklist
- Copies of every page of the contract, including front and back.
- Proposals, invoices, receipts and canceled checks, including front and back.
- Advertisements, business cards and website screenshots.
- Correspondence and written notice sent to the contractor.
- Permits, inspections, photographs and correction estimates.
- Copies of lien documents where applicable.
Mississippi State Board of Contractors Contact, Forms and Office
Call when a license record, threshold, classification, application, renewal or complaint route is unclear. Have the exact business and license information ready.
Phone and email
Local: 601-354-6161
Toll-free: 800-880-6161
Email: info@msboc.us
Office
2679 Crane Ridge Drive
Suite C
Jackson, MS 39216
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mississippi State Board of Contractors
P.O. Box 320279
Jackson, MS 39232-0279
Fax: 601-354-6715
Have these details ready before calling
- Exact business and DBA name.
- License or Certificate of Responsibility number.
- Commercial or residential project type.
- Total project value and work description.
- Classification shown in the lookup.
- Expiration date or status message.
- Application, renewal or complaint form name.
Contractor licensing outside Mississippi
For work in another state, use the site’s contractors license board directory or the construction contractors board directory to locate the correct official agency.
Mississippi State Contractors Board FAQs
How do I look up a Mississippi contractor license?
Use the official MSBOC contractor search at search.msboc.us. Search by contractor name or license number. When using a license number, enter numbers only without a letter prefix or suffix.
What is a Mississippi Certificate of Responsibility?
A Certificate of Responsibility is the official name for a Mississippi commercial contractor license issued by MSBOC.
When is a commercial contractor license required in Mississippi?
MSBOC states that a commercial contractor license is required for commercial work over $50,000. Local city or county requirements may still apply below that amount.
When is a residential contractor license required in Mississippi?
A Residential Builder license is generally required for new residential construction over $50,000. Residential remodeling, additions or roofing over $10,000 generally require the appropriate residential license.
How much is a Mississippi commercial contractor application?
The current commercial application fee is $400 and includes one trade classification. Each additional requested classification adds $100.
How much is a Mississippi residential contractor application?
The current residential application fee is $50 and includes one classification. Each additional requested classification adds $100.
What exams are required for a Mississippi contractor license?
All applicants generally take the Mississippi Law and Business Management examination. A trade examination may also be required based on the requested classification.
How long is a Mississippi contractor license valid?
A Mississippi commercial or residential contractor license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. A late renewal may be processed for up to 180 days after expiration.
Does reciprocity automatically let an out-of-state contractor work in Mississippi?
No. Reciprocity may waive an eligible trade exam, but the contractor must still apply for and obtain a Mississippi license and meet the remaining MSBOC requirements.
Can MSBOC force a contractor to finish work or refund my money?
No. The official complaint form states that MSBOC cannot direct a contractor to complete or correct a project, represent a private citizen in court or collect money. Court or legal remedies may be necessary for private recovery.
Search First, Then Match the License to the Project
Homeowners and project owners: verify the exact contractor, active status, license type, classification and expiration date before signing or paying.
Applicants and license holders: use the current 2026 application, submit complete matching documents, wait for PSI eligibility, renew every year and contact MSBOC before bidding when the correct route is unclear.