How to Check a Contractor's License in Mississippi

Mississippi has a straightforward licensing system run by a single board, but the thresholds and license types trip people up. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) handles licensing for both commercial and residential work, with different dollar thresholds depending on the type of project. If you're hiring a contractor in Mississippi, you need to know which license applies and how to verify it.

This guide covers exactly how to check a contractor's license in Mississippi, what the different license classifications mean, how specialty trades fit in, and what to look for beyond the license number itself.

Does a contractor in Mississippi need a license?

Yes, but the threshold depends on the type of work. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors requires a license for commercial or new residential construction projects over $50,000. For residential remodeling and residential roofing, the threshold is much lower: any project over $10,000 requires a license. Both thresholds count combined labor and materials. Projects under these amounts do not require a state license, though local permits may still apply.

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors requires a state license for any contractor working on construction projects valued at $50,000 or more. That threshold covers labor and materials combined. If the total project cost hits that mark, the contractor needs a license from MSBOC — no exceptions.

But Mississippi also has a lower threshold for certain residential work. Contractors performing residential remodeling, residential roofing, or residential improvements on projects valued at more than $10,000 must hold a residential remodeler or residential roofer license. This catches a lot of work that would fly under the radar in states that only have a single high threshold.

Here's the breakdown of when a license is required:

• Commercial or general construction— License required for projects over $50,000 in total value.
• Residential building— License required for new residential construction over $50,000.
• Residential remodeling— License required for residential remodeling, repair, or improvement projects over $10,000.
• Residential roofing— License required for residential roofing projects over $10,000.

Projects under these thresholds do not require a state license, though local permits and municipal requirements may still apply depending on where you are in the state.

What do Mississippi contractor license classifications mean?

Mississippi uses a tiered system for commercial licenses: Class A is unlimited, Class B caps at $500,000, Class C at $100,000, and Class D covers projects between $50,000 and the licensing threshold. For residential work, there are three separate license types: Residential Builder (new construction), Residential Remodeler (repairs and improvements over $10,000), and Residential Roofer (rooftop work over $10,000). A contractor can only legally work within their classification.

MSBOC issues licenses in several classifications based on the scope and dollar value of work. Understanding these matters because a contractor licensed in one classification cannot legally perform work outside of it.

The main commercial license classifications are:

• Class A — Unlimited— Authorizes the contractor to bid and perform construction contracts of any dollar amount. This is the highest tier.
• Class B — $500,000 limit— Projects up to $500,000 in total value.
• Class C — $100,000 limit— Projects up to $100,000 in total value.
• Class D — $50,000 limit— Projects between $50,000 and the minimum licensing threshold.

On the residential side, the classifications are different:

• Residential Builder— Covers the construction of residential buildings and structures occupied by fifty or fewer families, not more than three floors in height, or any commercial structure not exceeding 7,500 square feet.
• Residential Remodeler— Covers the remodeling, repair, or improvement of residential buildings. This applies to projects over $10,000.
• Residential Roofer— Covers installation, repair, or improvement of residential rooftop structures, including roof coverings and drainage. Also applies to projects over $10,000.

A contractor's classification defines their legal scope of work. If someone holds a Residential Remodeler license, they cannot take on new residential construction — that requires a Residential Builder license. Similarly, a Class C commercial contractor cannot legally bid on a $200,000 project. Always check that the license classification matches the work you're hiring for.

Are electricians licensed through the same board as other contractors in Mississippi?

No. Electrical work is governed by a completely separate agency: the Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors (MSBEC), not MSBOC. If you are hiring an electrician or electrical contractor, you must verify their license at msbec.ms.gov, not through the MSBOC contractor search. Verifying a general contractor's license through MSBOC does not cover any electrical subcontractors they use.

Mississippi licenses specialty contractors across 18 distinct trade categories through MSBOC. These include electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, asbestos abatement, pipeline work, and others. Each specialty carries its own examination requirements and defined scope of work.

An important distinction: a mechanical contractor license does not authorize plumbing work, and a plumbing license does not authorize HVAC installation. These are separate classifications with separate scopes. If you're hiring for specialized work, make sure the contractor holds the specific specialty license for that trade.

Electrical work is worth calling out specifically. The Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors governs electrical licensing independently of MSBOC. If you're hiring an electrician or an electrical contractor, you need to verify their license through the electrical board, not through MSBOC. You can check electrical contractor licenses at msbec.ms.gov.

How do you search the Mississippi contractor license database?

Go to msboc.us and use the contractor search or license verification section. Enter the contractor's name, license number, or business name. The results show license status (active, expired, suspended, or revoked), license classification, bond information, and any disciplinary history. If the online tool doesn't return results, call MSBOC directly at (800) 880-6161.

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors provides an online license lookup tool on their website. Here's how to use it:

1. Go to the MSBOC website at msboc.us.
2. Navigate to the contractor search or license verification section.
3. Enter the contractor's name, license number, or business name.
4. Review the results for license status, classification, and any disciplinary history.

The search results should show you:

• License status— Whether the license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked.
• License classification— The type and scope of work the contractor is authorized to perform.
• Bond information— Whether the contractor has the required surety bond on file.
• Disciplinary history— Any complaints, violations, or enforcement actions against the contractor.

If the online tool doesn't return results or you need additional verification, you can contact MSBOC directly at (800) 880-6161. Their office is located at 2679 Crane Ridge Dr., Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216.

What else should you check beyond the Mississippi contractor license?

A valid license is the starting point, not the finish line. Also verify: general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage (Mississippi does not require liability insurance at the state level, but you should always require proof), that the surety bond shown in the MSBOC record is current (a license can be active with a lapsed bond), complaint history, any local municipal permit requirements, and that you have a written contract covering scope, timeline, and payment terms.

Confirming that a contractor holds a valid license is the starting point, not the finish line. There are several other things worth verifying before signing a contract:

• Insurance coverage— Mississippi does not require contractors to carry general liability insurance at the state level, but you should absolutely require proof of insurance before any work begins. Ask for a certificate of insurance that covers general liability and workers' compensation.
• Surety bond— Licensed contractors in Mississippi are required to maintain a surety bond. The bond amount varies by license classification. This bond provides a limited form of financial protection if the contractor fails to perform. Verify that the bond is current through the MSBOC lookup.
• Complaint history— MSBOC tracks complaints and disciplinary actions. A contractor with an active license but a history of complaints is a different situation than one with a clean record. Check the disciplinary history during your license lookup.
• Local permits and requirements— Some Mississippi municipalities have their own contractor registration or permit requirements. Cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg may require additional local permits. Ask the contractor whether local permits are needed for your project and who will be responsible for pulling them.
• Written contract— Mississippi law encourages written contracts for construction work. Get everything in writing — the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, change order process, and warranty terms. A licensed contractor should have no problem putting the agreement on paper.

What are the most common mistakes when hiring a contractor in Mississippi?

Four mistakes come up repeatedly. First, assuming the $50,000 threshold covers all work—the $10,000 residential remodeling and roofing threshold catches many people off guard. Second, not checking the classification—a residential roofer cannot do a full home addition. Third, forgetting that electricians are licensed through a separate board (MSBEC). Fourth, skipping the bond check—a license can be active while the surety bond has lapsed.

A few patterns come up repeatedly when people run into problems with contractors in Mississippi:

• Assuming the $50,000 threshold covers all work — The $10,000 threshold for residential remodeling and roofing catches many people off guard. A kitchen remodel or roof replacement that costs $15,000 still requires the contractor to be licensed.
• Not checking the classification— A contractor may have a valid license but in the wrong classification for your project. A residential roofer license does not cover a full home addition. Always match the classification to the work.
• Forgetting about electrical— Because electrical contractors are licensed through a separate board, people sometimes verify a general contractor's license through MSBOC and assume the electrical sub is covered. It isn't. Electrical contractors need their own verification through the Board of Electrical Contractors.
• Skipping the bond check— A license can be active but the bond can be lapsed. If the surety bond isn't current, you lose that layer of financial protection. Check both.

The bottom line

Checking a contractor's license in Mississippi is a simple process once you know where to look. Use the MSBOC online search at msboc.us for general and residential contractors, and the Board of Electrical Contractors at msbec.ms.gov for electricians. Pay attention to the license classification, not just whether the license is active. Make sure the scope matches the work you need done.

Remember the two thresholds: $50,000 for general and new residential construction, and $10,000 for residential remodeling and roofing. Verify the surety bond is current, ask for proof of insurance, and check for any complaint history. Taking these steps before signing a contract is the most reliable way to protect yourself when hiring a contractor in Mississippi.