Kentucky Contractor License Bond$10,000-$50,000 Specialty Trades

Kentucky does NOT have a general contractor state license requirement, and most contractors don't need a state bond. However, specific trades do require bonds: Wrecking contractors need $10,000-$25,000 depending on class. Roofing contractors typically need $10,000. Highway and encroachment work requires a $50,000 Transportation Cabinet bond. Local cities/counties may have additional requirements.

Kentucky's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) licenses specialty trades including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors. These licenses do NOT require bonds at the state level. Wrecking contractors are licensed and DO require bonds. General contractors are not licensed at the state level - requirements are set by local jurisdictions.

Kentucky contractor bond costs vary by type: Wrecking Class A ($10,000) costs $100-$300 annually with good credit. Wrecking Class B ($25,000) costs $250-$750. The $50,000 highway encroachment bond costs $500-$1,500 depending on credit. Roofing bonds ($10,000) cost $100-$300. Local municipal bonds vary by jurisdiction.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requires a $50,000 encroachment permit bond for contractors working within state highway rights-of-way. This includes work on roads, bridges, and utility installations. The bond protects the state against damage to highway infrastructure and ensures proper restoration.

Kentucky wrecking contractors must be licensed by DHBC. Class A (smaller structures) requires a $10,000 bond, $300,000-$600,000 insurance, and $125 fee. Class B (larger structures) requires a $25,000 bond, $1-2 million insurance, and $225 fee. Class A is limited to structures under 35 feet tall, 2 stories, and under 3,000 sq ft.

Yes, many Kentucky cities and counties have their own contractor licensing requirements. Local requirements may include bonds, insurance, and registration fees. Always verify with the local building department in cities like Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and other municipalities before starting work.