How to Become a Contractor in Missouri

Unlike other states, Missouri does not offer state-wide licenses for general or specialty contractors. Only electrical contractors are licensed by the state. Other contractors must apply for a license or registration within their municipality. 

This article will discuss the contracting requirements for MO’s three largest cities to give you an idea of the process. 

  • St. Louis
  • Kansas City
  • Springfield

Becoming a Contractor in St. Louis, MO

Contractors and subcontractors working in St. Louis must have a graduated business license to work in the city. 

To apply, you’ll need:

  • A completed application
  • Your trade name and federal ID number
  • To pay a fee based on how many employees you have (fees are listed on the application)
  • A certificate for Worker’s Comp or a notarized affidavit, for construction industry contractors
    • This includes any contractors who erect, demolish, alter, and repair buildings

When applying, you cannot owe any taxes or penalties due to the City of Saint Louis.

General contractors in Saint Louis earn an average of $123,800 per year.

Becoming a Contractor in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, Missouri has online applications for contractors in the city. This same platform is used to request inspections and permits, submit plans, search for existing code cases, and more. 

When applying, you can follow the specific directions for either the contractor professional licensing procedure or the business contractor licensing procedure.

Individual applications should be completed by the qualifying party. Commercial applicants, on the other hand, will add their qualifying party’s contact information to the application. 

Applicants will need to upload certificates of qualifications, exam results, and two notarized reference letters. Additional supporting documents can also be added online. 

Businesses will need to upload their business name registration, tax information, and some financial information.

Towards the end of the application, you’ll need to pay all required fees. Once you submit your application, you should receive an email with your printable license fairly quickly.

General contractors in Kansas City earn an average of $89,800 per year. 

Certificates of Qualification

Kansas City also offers Certificates of Qualifications for some contracting specialties. These grant individuals the authority to perform skilled trade work. If you’re the qualifying party for your business, you may need to hold a Certificate before applying for your contracting license. 

Becoming a Contractor in Springfield, MO

Contractors in Springfield must have an active business license and may have to submit a Master Contractor Registration form with the city. General contractors in Springfield earn an average of $103,000 per year.

Business licenses should be acquired at least two weeks before you start bidding on any projects. To apply for a business license as a contractor, you’ll need bond and liability insurance. The amounts are determined by the business owner. 

Businesses may also need:

  • Proof of Worker’s Compensation (if applicable) or a signed and notarized exemption statement
  • An MO retail sales tax license, depending on the type of work
  • Zoning approval, if you operate from a commercial location in Springfield
  • Business registration with the MO Secretary of State

For more information on applying for your business license, see here.

If you are an electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas fitter contractor, you’ll also need to submit proof of either being or employing a qualifying party for such work. 

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