Verify the License, Class and Business Name
Mississippi licenses commercial contractors, residential builders, remodelers, roofers, construction managers and specialty trades through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. A valid number is only useful when the company, classification and expiration also match the proposed job.
This guide explains the official search, statewide thresholds, application PDFs, examinations, qualifying parties, insurance, renewal, local permits, violator records and complaint evidence in practical steps.
Quick Answer: Search the Official MSBOC Database First
The official Mississippi search accepts a contractor name or license number. When searching by license number, enter only the numeric portion and omit any letter prefix or suffix.
After finding the record, compare its status, expiration, company name, contractor type and classification with the proposal. A company appearing in the database does not prove that every proposed trade or project is covered.
Recognize the Official MSBOC Contractor Search
The real search page includes a field for the company name or license number, the number-only instruction, a Go button, an Advanced Search option and MSBOC’s disclosure about confirming information before acting.
How to Search a Mississippi Contractor License
Begin with the exact identity shown on the estimate or contract. Truck lettering, social-media names and shortened DBAs may not match the entity licensed by MSBOC.
Ask for the complete license information
Collect the legal company name, DBA, numeric license number, qualifying-party name and classification claimed for the project.
Search the numeric license number
Enter numbers only. Remove any letter prefix or suffix printed with the credential. This normally gives the most precise first search.
Repeat the search using the business name
Search both the legal company name and DBA. A number belonging to one business should not be used by a separate person or entity.
Use Advanced Search for difficult matches
Filter by commercial or residential type, status, classification, qualifying party, city, county, ZIP, DBA, issue date or expiration date.
Open the full result
Do not stop at the name. Check license type, classifications, expiration, location and any other displayed credential details.
Compare every project document
The licensed name should align with the proposal, contract, invoice, insurance certificate, permit and payment recipient.
Check violator and permit records
Search MSBOC’s violator resources and contact the local building department about permits, inspections and local requirements.
Save and recheck the live record
Save a dated screenshot for the project file, then search again before work begins, permit issuance and final payment.
How to Read an MSBOC Search Result
A useful result must answer five questions: Is it current? Is it the same business? Is it commercial or residential? Does the classification cover the work? Is the payment going to that entity?
| Record field | What it means | What to compare | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status and expiration | Whether the license appears usable for the displayed period. | Bid, contract, permit and project-start dates. | Expired, suspended, inactive or missing status. |
| Licensed company | The legal entity authorized under the credential. | Contract, insurance, invoice and payment name. | The contractor asks for payment to an unrelated person or company. |
| Contractor type | Commercial Certificate of Responsibility or residential license. | Project type and property use. | The credential type does not match the proposed project. |
| Classification | The category of construction work covered. | Building, roofing, electrical, mechanical, highway or specialty scope. | The contractor cannot identify a classification covering the work. |
| Qualifying party | The person responsible for applicable examinations and qualification. | Employment or ownership relationship with the license holder. | The company cannot explain who qualifies its classification. |
When the contractor cannot be found
- Remove letters from the license-number search.
- Check spelling and business suffixes such as LLC or Inc.
- Search the DBA and qualifying-party names separately.
- Use Advanced Search and select commercial or residential.
- Confirm whether the job falls below the state threshold but remains subject to local rules.
- Call MSBOC before treating a missing result as a website problem.
Tool 1: MSBOC Result Safety Checker
Use this only after checking the live official record. The message is planning guidance, not MSBOC approval, insurance confirmation or legal advice.
Mississippi Commercial and Residential License Thresholds
The threshold depends on the project type. Local licensing, permits and inspections may apply even when the statewide dollar threshold is not exceeded.
| Project | Common state trigger | Likely credential | Extra check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial construction | More than $50,000 | Commercial Certificate of Responsibility in the proper classification. | Projects at or below the threshold can still require local licensing and permits. |
| New residential building | More than $50,000 | Residential Builder. | Confirm local building, trade and inspection requirements. |
| Residential remodeling or addition | More than $10,000 | Residential Remodeler or Residential Builder. | Use the full contract value, including expected change orders. |
| Residential roofing | More than $10,000 | Residential Roofer, Remodeler or Builder, depending on scope. | Storm-repair contractors still need the proper current classification. |
| Fire sprinkler work | Public project over $5,000 or private project over $10,000 | Applicable fire-sprinkler commercial classification. | The exam qualifier must meet the current NICET Level III requirement. |
| Construction management or residential solar | Special category rules apply | Construction Manager or Residential Solar classification. | Confirm classification and exam requirements directly with MSBOC. |
Important Conflict in MSBOC’s Residential Trade Guidance
Two current MSBOC pages describe residential electrical, plumbing, HVAC and mechanical work differently, so a simple under-$10,000 answer is unsafe.
Current FAQ wording
The FAQ states that subcontractors performing residential electrical, mechanical, HVAC or plumbing work on a residential construction or improvement project are required to be licensed by MSBOC.
How Do I page wording
The separate threshold page says residential electrical, plumbing or HVAC work under $10,000 does not require a state license but directs users to the local building or permit office.
Tool 2: Mississippi License Route Helper
Select the project and total value. This tool gives a starting route only; MSBOC and the local permit authority control the final answer.
Certificate of Responsibility vs Residential License
Mississippi uses different names and application paths for commercial and residential credentials.
Commercial Certificate of Responsibility
The official name of Mississippi’s commercial contractor credential. It must contain a classification that covers the work.
Residential license
Used for covered residential building, remodeling, roofing, construction management, solar and residential specialty trades.
Local authority
Cities and counties can impose business-license, permit and inspection requirements, including on projects below statewide thresholds.
Limited commercial work under a Residential Builder license
MSBOC’s FAQ states that a license holder with the Residential Builder classification may work on a commercial project when the job does not exceed 7,500 square feet. Confirm the project details and classification with MSBOC before relying on this exception.
Major and Specialty Classifications
A contractor is licensed for listed classifications rather than every form of construction automatically.
Major commercial classes
- Building Construction.
- Heavy Construction.
- Highway, Street and Bridge Work.
- Mechanical Work.
- Electrical Work.
- Municipal and Public Works Construction.
Specialty classifications
Specialties authorize narrower work such as roofing, drywall, demolition, excavation, paving, process piping, fire protection, solar and other defined trades.
One classification is included with the application fee. The posted additional-classification charge is $100 for each added class.
How to Apply for an MSBOC License in 2026
MSBOC’s online application is not yet available. Applicants currently download the commercial or residential PDF, complete the required notarized section and mail the form with the fee and supporting records.
Select commercial or residential
Choose the application according to the project type and classification. Do not choose only by fee or exam difficulty.
Match the Secretary of State name
A corporation, LLC or LLP must be registered and in good standing. The application and attachments must use the exact legal name.
Choose the qualifying party
The qualifier must be an owner, officer, executive staff member or responsible managing employee who meets examination or reciprocity requirements.
Prepare references and experience
Both current applications require three reference letters—one from a bank and two construction-related references—and at least three completed jobs in each requested classification.
Prepare insurance and tax information
Submit liability coverage, workers’ compensation coverage when five or more employees are used, and the tax identifiers required by the selected application.
Print, sign, notarize and mail
Use the current form. Complete every question, enter “N/A” where appropriate and include all signatures, supporting documents and non-refundable payment.
Wait for PSI authorization
MSBOC sends qualifying-party eligibility to PSI. Testing cannot be scheduled until PSI emails confirmation.
Complete the file within 180 days
Current applications state that incomplete files are destroyed after 180 days and fees are non-refundable.
Allow final Board processing
Once documentation and passing scores are complete, MSBOC says final Board processing and issuance usually take about seven to ten working days.
Commercial Application PDF: Requirements That Common Guides Miss
The commercial application revised in February 2026 contains detailed financial, insurance, employment, tax and examination requirements.
| Requirement | Current PDF detail | Common rejection risk |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $400, including one trade classification; add $100 for each additional classification. | Incorrect payment or cash instead of check or money order. |
| Secretary of State | Corporations, LLCs and LLPs must provide good-standing details using the exact registered name. | Application, insurance and business records use different names. |
| Tax identifiers | Mississippi sales or use tax number plus Mississippi income-tax or federal tax ID. | Leaving required tax fields blank. |
| Liability insurance | $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, with MSBOC listed for cancellation notice. | Insured name differs from the application. |
| Workers’ compensation | Proof required when the applicant has five or more employees. | Employee count and coverage information are inconsistent. |
| Financial statement | Reviewed or audited CPA statement completed within the previous 12 months; a compilation is not accepted. | Old, unsigned or compilation-only statement. |
| Net worth | $50,000 for a major classification and $20,000 for other applicants. | Financial statement does not demonstrate the required amount. |
| References and jobs | Three reference letters and at least three jobs in each requested classification. | Generic references or projects unrelated to the classification. |
MSBOC issues an unlimited commercial license
The current application says MSBOC offers an unlimited commercial license rather than financial bid-limit classes. The required reviewed or audited financial statement and minimum net worth therefore cannot be replaced with a lower license tier.
Exact licensed-name rule
Estimates, contracts and permits must be handled under the name appearing on the certificate. MSBOC warns that operating in another name can result in discipline and can affect contract or lien enforcement.
Residential Application PDF: Builder, Remodeler, Roofer and Trade Details
The residential application revised in 2026 separates the available categories and lists the examination, insurance, experience and supporting-document requirements.
| Residential class | Scope shown in the application | Testing direction |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder | New construction, construction management, remodeling and roofing. | Law and Business plus Residential Builder exam. |
| Residential Remodeler | Residential remodeling and roofing. | Law and Business plus Residential Remodeler exam. |
| Residential Roofer | Residential roofing only. | Law and Business plus Residential Roofer exam. |
| Construction Manager | Residential construction-management work. | Residential Building exam. |
| Residential Mechanical | Residential HVAC and plumbing. | Residential HVAC and Plumbing exams. |
| Residential Solar | Residential solar work. | Solar exam. |
Residential insurance differs from commercial coverage
Residential applicants must provide current general liability insurance and list MSBOC for cancellation notice, but the Board’s FAQ says there is no stated minimum coverage amount for residential license holders. The insured name must still exactly match the application.
References, jobs and worker coverage
The current application requires one bank reference, two construction-related references and at least three completed jobs for each requested classification. Workers’ compensation proof is required when the applicant has five or more employees.
Law and Business, Trade Exams, NASCLA and Reciprocity
Examination approval begins with MSBOC, not PSI. Passing an exam does not by itself issue a Mississippi license.
Law and Business
Required for applicants. MSBOC sends the qualifying-party information to PSI after reviewing the application.
Trade examination
Required when assigned to the requested classification. The current applications describe the examinations as open book.
NASCLA option
Building Construction and Electrical applicants may be able to choose the Mississippi exam or the corresponding NASCLA accredited examination.
Fire sprinkler qualifier
The commercial application states that the examination qualifier for the Fire Sprinkler classification must hold NICET Level III certification.
Reciprocity only waives an eligible trade exam
Reciprocity does not issue a Mississippi license automatically. Applicants must still submit the complete application, pass Mississippi Law and Business, meet financial and insurance requirements and pay the posted $50 fee for each waived examination.
Military and universal-recognition routes
The application includes separate supplemental forms for eligible military members and families under the Military Family Freedom Act and qualifying Mississippi residents under the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act. These routes do not guarantee automatic issuance.
Qualifying Party Rules and the 90-Day Replacement Deadline
The qualifying party is the individual who satisfies applicable examination and experience requirements for a classification.
Who can qualify
An owner, officer, executive staff member or responsible managing employee with documented employment or ownership status.
Entity limit
The current applications state that a qualifying party may serve no more than three separate entities without appearing before the Board and obtaining special permission.
When the qualifier leaves
MSBOC must be notified immediately in writing, and the license holder generally has 90 days to replace the qualifying party.
MSBOC Application, Renewal and Status Fees
The fee PDF remains labeled effective January 1, 2016 but is still the fee schedule posted by MSBOC in 2026. Confirm the amount before mailing or paying online.
| Transaction | Posted fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial application | $400 | Includes one classification. |
| Commercial renewal | $400 | Annual renewal. |
| Commercial late fee | $50 | Added to the renewal amount. |
| Additional classification | $100 | Charged for each additional class. |
| Residential application | $50 | Includes one classification. |
| Residential renewal | $100 | Annual renewal. |
| Residential late fee | $10 | Added to renewal. |
| Active or inactive status change | $25 | Applies in each direction. |
| Change qualifying party | $25 | Current form must be submitted. |
| Exam waiver or reciprocity | $50 | Per exam waived under the current application. |
Annual Renewal, Late Renewal and Inactive Status
Both commercial certificates and residential licenses must be renewed every 12 months. Beginning in 2026, renewal notices are sent by email only.
| Situation | MSBOC rule | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| About 60 days before expiration | A courtesy renewal email is normally sent to the address on file. | Update email details and check spam or junk folders. |
| Renewing online | Payment and required documents must both be uploaded through the online process. | Do not mail duplicate documents separately after online payment. |
| Expired up to 180 days | A late renewal can generally still be processed. | Submit the renewal and applicable late fee promptly. |
| Expired more than 180 days | The credential cannot be renewed normally. | Submit a new application for licensure. |
| Inactive status | Annual renewal remains required, but the holder cannot bid, contract, pull permits or perform work. | Return to active status before resuming contracting activity. |
Returning from inactive status
The current status-change form requires a written request, $25 fee and liability insurance. Residential licensees may also need continuing-education proof; commercial licensees may need current financial information.
Residential continuing education
Each qualifying party for a residential license must complete two hours of Board-approved continuing education to maintain the license.
Why Pulling the Permit for an Unlicensed Contractor Is Risky
MSBOC warns homeowners not to pull an owner permit merely because an unlicensed person says it will save money or avoid licensing requirements.
What can shift to the owner
- Responsibility for permit compliance.
- Inspection corrections and delays.
- Liability for unsafe or incomplete work.
- Problems involving uninsured workers.
- Difficulty proving who controlled the project.
Safer response
- Verify the license first.
- Ask the permit office who should pull the permit.
- Require the licensed name on the application.
- Check insurance and workers’ compensation.
- Do not sign an owner-builder form without understanding the consequences.
Before Hiring a Mississippi Contractor
MSBOC recommends comparing estimates, checking the license and obtaining written references. The safest review also matches insurance, permits, payment identity and classification.
Verify before signing
- Search the current MSBOC license.
- Confirm commercial or residential type.
- Match the classification to the written scope.
- Compare the license name with the contract and payment name.
- Obtain current liability and workers’ compensation information.
- Check permits and inspections with the local office.
- Contact at least three recent references.
- Review commercial or residential violator records.
Red flags that require clarification
- No license for work above the applicable threshold.
- A borrowed or mismatched license number.
- Classification does not fit the work.
- Large cash deposit or full payment before progress.
- No written change-order procedure.
- The contractor asks the owner to hide the real project value.
- The contractor discourages permits or inspections.
- Storm-repair pressure immediately after a disaster.
Contract details that reduce disputes
| Contract item | What it should explain |
|---|---|
| Scope | Included and excluded work, demolition, disposal and restoration. |
| Materials | Brand, model, grade, finish and substitution approval. |
| Payments | Deposit, progress milestones and final-payment conditions. |
| Permits | Who applies, pays, schedules inspections and corrects failures. |
| Changes | Written approval for cost, scope and schedule changes. |
| Completion | Punch list, cleanup, warranties, releases and final inspection. |
File an MSBOC Complaint or Report Unlicensed Work
MSBOC accepts complaints involving licensed and unlicensed contractors. The Board determines jurisdiction, may investigate and can impose discipline, but it cannot represent a private citizen in court or collect money.
| Problem | Likely starting route | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed contracting | MSBOC complaint or unlicensed-activity report. | Advertisement, proposal, license claim, project value, address, photos and payment records. |
| Expired, suspended or borrowed license | MSBOC enforcement complaint. | Search result, contract, invoices and proof of who performed the work. |
| Work outside classification | MSBOC complaint. | Classification record, written scope, permits and photographs. |
| Abandonment or poor workmanship | MSBOC plus local inspections, insurance or civil remedies. | Contract, timeline, notices, inspection reports, photos and corrective estimates. |
| Failure to pay subcontractor or supplier | MSBOC complaint and legal or lien guidance where applicable. | Invoices, payment records, contract, notices and lien documents. |
Build the evidence package before submitting
The official complaint PDF requests copies of all pages of contracts, proposals, cancelled checks, invoices, receipts, advertisements, business cards, correspondence and permits. It also asks about change orders, inspections, written notice to the contractor, corrective estimates, payments and liens.
- Send copies, not originals.
- Include front and back of relevant checks and documents.
- Sign the complaint and complete every applicable field.
- Attach written notice previously sent to the contractor.
- Include inspection reports and corrective estimates.
- Keep an identical copy of the entire submission.
Online or mailed complaint
The online form accepts PDF, JPG, GIF and PNG supporting files. The paper complaint can be printed, signed and mailed with copies of supporting documents.
What MSBOC can and cannot do
The Board can investigate licensing violations and discipline a contractor. The complaint PDF states that MSBOC cannot direct the contractor to complete or correct the project, represent private citizens in court or collect money.
MSBOC Phone, Address, Email and Forms
Contact the Board when a classification, threshold, result, qualifier, application, renewal or complaint route remains unclear.
Phone
Local: 601-354-6161
Toll-free: 800-880-6161
Fax: 601-354-6715
Do not send sensitive identity, password or payment information in response to an unsolicited email.
Office and mail
Office:
2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C
Jackson, MS 39216
Mail:
P.O. Box 320279
Jackson, MS 39232
Information to have ready when calling
- Exact legal company and DBA names.
- Numeric license number.
- Commercial or residential project type.
- Requested or displayed classification.
- Total project value and project address.
- Search status and expiration information.
- Application, renewal or complaint reference details.
Mississippi Contractor License Search FAQs
How do I search a Mississippi contractor license?
Use the official MSBOC contractor search. Search the exact business name or enter only the numeric portion of the license number without letter prefixes or suffixes.
What is a Mississippi Certificate of Responsibility?
A Certificate of Responsibility is Mississippi’s commercial contractor credential. Covered commercial work over $50,000 generally requires the certificate in a classification that covers the work.
When is a residential contractor license required?
New residential building over $50,000 generally requires a Residential Builder license. Residential remodeling, additions or roofing over $10,000 generally require the appropriate residential license.
Are residential electrical, plumbing and HVAC subcontractors always licensed?
MSBOC’s current FAQ says residential electrical, mechanical, HVAC and plumbing subcontractors are required to be licensed, while another MSBOC page gives different guidance for work under $10,000. Contact MSBOC and the local permit office for a project-specific answer.
How much is a Mississippi contractor application?
The posted fee schedule lists a $400 commercial application and a $50 residential application. Each includes one classification, with additional classifications currently costing $100 each.
Can I submit an MSBOC license application online?
MSBOC currently says its online application is not yet available. Applicants must download the appropriate PDF, complete the notarized section and mail the application with the required documents and fee.
What insurance is required for an MSBOC license?
Commercial applicants need at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate general liability coverage. Residential applicants need current liability coverage, but MSBOC’s FAQ states no minimum amount. Workers’ compensation proof is required when the applicant has five or more employees.
What exams are required for a Mississippi contractor license?
Applicants take Mississippi Law and Business Management and any trade exam required for the requested classification. Reciprocity can waive an eligible trade exam but does not waive the Mississippi application or Law and Business requirement.
How long can an expired Mississippi contractor license be renewed?
A commercial or residential license can generally be processed as a late renewal for up to 180 days after expiration. After more than 180 days, a new application is required.
Can an MSBOC complaint force a contractor to refund me?
No guarantee exists. MSBOC can investigate and discipline contractors, but it cannot represent private citizens in court, collect money or order a contractor to finish or correct a project.
Verify More Than the License Number
Before hiring: check the live MSBOC record, company identity, credential type, classification, expiration, insurance, permits and violator information.
Before applying: use the current PDF, exact legal name, correct qualifier, three references, three classification-specific projects, insurance, tax details and all required financial documents.