Pennsylvania Contractor License Guide

In the state of Pennsylvania, contractor licenses are issued on a municipal level. Visit your city hall or municipal website for detailed information regarding the type of license you are applying for.

Note that contractor licenses are issued on a municipal level and license types may vary depending on the city in which you are applying.

• Electrical Contractor - installs, maintains or extends electrical wiring systems in buildings. There are several types of business and individual electrical licenses, among them:
  • Master
  • Journeyman

For a full list of electrical license types, visit your municipality’s website.

Note: Reciprocity is considered on a case by case basis.

• Plumbing Contractor - installs, maintains and repairs pipes, fittings and other apparatuses of water supply. Several types of license are available for plumbing, among them:
  • Master
  • Journeyman

For a full list of electrical license types, visit your municipality’s website.

Note: Reciprocity is considered on a case by case basis.

• Specialty Contractor - duties may include roofing, landscaping, home improvement, and more. Please visit your municipality’s website for more information on specialty contractor licenses.

You can access your license applications by visiting your city hall or your municipality’s website. For example, you can find the contractor license applications for the City of Sharon on the City of Sharon municipal website.

Please note that municipalities will have their own document requirements and ID needs, but many of the requirements below may be part of the process.

Electrical and Plumbing Contractor License:

• Depending on the type of electrical license, you may be required to meet certain work experience criteria in the form of on-the-job hours.
• You may be required to obtain liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance.
• You may be required to provide professional references who can vouch for your work ethic and capabilities.

Specialty Contractor License:

• Specialty contractor licenses will need to be obtained directly through the municipality you will be working in. To find applications and information, please visit the city’s website or call your city hall.

How to fill out your application:

Visit your municipality’s website for information regarding contractor license applications.

Licensing/Application Fees:

The following fees are examples for the City of Sharon. Fees may vary per municipality and industry.

• Electrical and Plumbing contractor license: Registration fee per calendar year - $125

Note: Specialty licenses are issued on a municipal level. Fees and application fees will differ depending on the municipality in which you are applying.

Mailing Address:

Please note that the following mailing address is an example for the City of Sharon.

City of Sharon Code Department
724-983-3230
155 W. Connelly Blvd.
Sharon, PA 16146

Examination requirements and procedures will differ, depending on the municipality in which you are applying. You are typically required to pass an examination in order to obtain any contractor license.

Contractor licenses are awarded at the municipal level and other requirements such as contractor license bond can be made at this level. Check with your local development authority for more information.