Mississippi contractor license lookup: how to check and get a license
Mississippi contractor license lookup: who issues home improvement contractor licenses (MSBOC), how to check one online, the license types, and 348 residential remodelers by county.
Do home improvement contractors need a license in Mississippi?
| Who licenses them | Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) |
|---|---|
| License types | Residential Building, Residential Remodeling, Residential Roofing, Commercial (Building Construction and other classifications) |
| When a license is required | Residential license required for new home construction over $50,000 and for remodeling/additions or roofing over $10,000; commercial license required for commercial jobs over $50,000 |
Residential licensees must show proof of liability insurance (no minimum amount set). MSBOC advises a detailed written contract, a minimal down payment and never paying for work not yet completed.
How do you look up a home improvement contractor's license in Mississippi?
- Ask the home improvement contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Mississippi contractor license lookup run by MSBOC.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the home improvement contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact MSBOC.
What contractor licenses does Mississippi issue?
- Residential Building
- Residential Remodeling
- Residential Roofing
- Commercial (Building Construction and other classifications)
How do you get a contractor license in Mississippi?
Licenses are issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official MSBOC source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many home improvement contractors are there in Mississippi?
The Census Bureau counted 348 residential remodelers with employees in Mississippi in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Rankin County | 49 |
|---|---|
| Madison County | 31 |
| Hinds County | 23 |
| Harrison County | 22 |
| Jackson County | 21 |
| DeSoto County | 21 |
| Lee County | 15 |
| Lauderdale County | 15 |
What do Mississippi homes mean for home improvement work?
The median home in Mississippi was built in 1986, 31% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 29% of homes heat with utility gas and 59% with electricity.
How do you choose a home improvement contractor in Mississippi?
- Check the contractor's license with the state or city. Many places require a home improvement license for residential work over a few hundred dollars.
- Get a written contract with the scope, materials, schedule, total price and payment schedule. Don't pay most of it upfront.
- Ask who pulls the permits. If the contractor suggests skipping a permit that the job needs, find another contractor.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and make sure the policy is current.
- Ask for two or three recent jobs like yours that you can see or call about.
Home Improvement Contractors in other states
Sources: Mississippi licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.