Nebraska Contractor License

All the contractors, handymen, builders in Nebraska, must apply to the Nebraska Department of Labor and get licensed. Nebraska Contractor License enables you to work officially and earn more than $5000 per year. Those contractors who earn up to $5000, may not obtain a contractor license. Now let’s check together what you need to become a contractor.

In fact, people who are in the business of construction, work, and arrange the performance of work on real property are called contractors. In Nebraska, the process of becoming a contractor is not like any other state of the U.S. So, below you can find steps to obtain a Nebraska Contractor License, work legally and earn more.

Step 1. You must register your business and obtain business insurance

Whenever you want to start your contracting business, you will need to register your business. You will only need to have your valid Nebraska ID and SSN with you and make the payments. After you have registered your business, you will need to get it insured.

You will have to make complete insurance documentation and include liability and employees’ compensation.  Nebraska State may ask you to cover your insurance. In fact, it is a process to helps you during your work and protects you, your employees, and your property.

Step 2. Start your application for Nebraska Contractor License

Nebraska’s licensing process is quite unique compared to other states of the U.S and is done through Nebraska’s Department of Labor. You can look up existing licenses, check detailed information about what you need to obtain a license, and, of course, complete your application. You will need the following when you decide to apply for Nebraska’s Contractor License:

• As we have already mentioned you will need to register your business before the application. Thus, you will need to provide your ID Number, the type of business you are in, and the DBA during your application.
• Secondly, you need to attach all the information about how many employees you have, what work they do, and include their data (name, tel. number, etc.)
• One of the most important steps is to include the insurance you have done for your employees.
• Don’t forget to include your tax ID in the application.

If you have submitted these steps, you will need to pay $40 and have your application submitted.

You will need a surety bond whenever you apply for a Nebraska Contractor License. The surety bond is usually for your client and you, to make sure you both will work till the end of the project. The amount of your surety bond may be different based on what project You are doing, where You will work, how much you will earn, etc. To know more precisely you will need to contact the bond company you will have a contract with.

Step 3. Obtain a building permit

No matter you have a contractor’s license or not, you need to apply and get a building permit. Sure, it can be at the local level or state level. You can apply for a building permit online or by visiting your local office.

When you open the website you can see the column of online applications. You will need to enter and provide the following information:

• Where in Nebraska you are going to do your project
• When you are planning to start and finish your job
• The address you are going to work
• How much you are going to earn from the project
• You will need to give information about how many employees and partners you have

After filling out all the information you will need to submit it and wait for your permit. You don’t need to go to any office to receive your permit. Whenever the state gives you the permit, you can find it on the website’s Dashboard section.

Nebraska Contractor License Exam and Contractor Levels

Nowadays, Nebraska doesn’t require you to take an exam to get your contractor License. However, in some cases, your jurisdiction may ask you to pass an exam.

There are generally 5 levels of contractors in Nebraska.

• People who are planning to work with all structure types will need to get a Class A Contractor License. Their work includes high buildings.
• Contractors who want to work with any kind of construction but don’t need structures more than 4 stories can apply for Class B Contractor License.
• Builders of single-family homes and duplexes can obtain a Class C contractor license.
• People who want to work as subcontractors or want to accomplish renovation works should apply for a Class D Contractor License.
• Contractors who want to work as roofing specialists, deck installers who work with windows, etc should get a Class E Contractor License.

Nebraska Contractor License Renewal

In Nebraska, the renewal date is individual. Whenever your expiration date is near, Nebraska’s Department of Labor will send you a reminder that you need to renew your license.

The reminder letter will contain information about the renewal process. Usually, you just need to log in to your account and fill in the required columns.