This post provides helpful information for taking the first step on the journey of verifying compliance in conducting an interstate construction business.
UPDATED August 2025: What a difference eight years make. This article was originally published in 2014 and was updated in 2017. We have again updated the links to the relevant agency resources.
The question frequently arises for participants in a nationwide construction contracting industry. Simply stated, is a licensed contractor in good standing in State A permitted to offer to contract for or to perform work requiring a contractor’s license in State B?
Roughly half the states have statutes or regulations on point. 6 Bruner & O’Connor Construction Law § 16:17. Some states have easy requirements, like Nebraska (contractors only need register), while others have no exceptions or onerous requirements, like Alaska (residential contractors must take a 16-hour cold climate course and pass an exam).
Reprinted courtesy of Robert A. James, Pillsbury and Marc Coats, Pillsbury
Mr. James may be contacted at rob.james@pillsburylaw.com
Mr. Coats may be contacted at marc.coats@pillsburylaw.com