Mississippi Contractor License Requirements: 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Mississippi separates commercial and residential contractor licensing into two entirely different boards. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) handles commercial GC and specialty subcontractors with a $50,000 threshold. The Mississippi Residential Builders Commission (MRBC) handles residential builders and home improvement contractors with a $10,000 threshold. Both boards accept NASCLA. This guide covers both boards and what Mississippi contractors need in 2026.
Two Boards - The Critical Structural Fact
MSBOC (msboc.us) handles commercial GC and specialty subcontractor licensing. MRBC (mrbc.ms.gov) handles residential builders and home improvement contractors. These are entirely separate entities with different applications, fees, bond requirements, and renewal cycles. A contractor doing both commercial and residential work may need to be licensed with both boards.
MSBOC - Commercial
License required for commercial and industrial projects of $50,000 or more.
Requirements: verified experience; trade exam plus B&L exam (NASCLA accepted for trade exam); $25,000 surety bond; $500,000 GL insurance minimum; background check. Annual renewal. Verify current application fee at msboc.us.
MRBC - Residential
Residential Builder license required for new residential construction. Home Improvement Contractor license required for residential remodeling at $10,000 threshold.
Requirements: two years residential construction experience; exam (NASCLA accepted); $10,000 surety bond; $100,000 GL minimum. Verify current renewal cycle at mrbc.ms.gov.
Reciprocity
MSBOC reciprocity agreements: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee. MRBC has its own separate agreements - verify at mrbc.ms.gov. All applicants must pass the Mississippi B&L exam and meet financial requirements.
Insurance Requirements
MSBOC requires $500,000 GL minimum. MRBC requires $100,000 GL minimum. WC insurance required for employers with five or more employees. Certificate of insurance required.
For insurance guidance see our Mississippi contractor insurance requirements guide.
Pro tip: When verifying a Mississippi contractor’s credentials, search both msboc.us and mrbc.ms.gov. A residential contractor may be properly licensed with MRBC but show no results in an MSBOC search. Always check the correct board for the specific work type before hiring or subcontracting.
Bottom Line and Next Steps
Take the Next Step
-
Contractor Insurance Requirements by State - Compare coverage mandates across all 50 states
-
Insurance Costs by State - See what GL and WC actually costs in your state
-
Proof of Insurance Guide - What to have ready when clients or GCs ask
Insurance requirements, license requirements, and market premiums are subject to change alongside state legislation and carrier appetite. While we audit and update this data regularly to ensure reliability (Last Updated: May 2026), these figures are for research and planning purposes only. Always verify specific coverage mandates with your local licensing board or a licensed broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mississippi have two contractor licensing boards?
Mississippi separates commercial and residential contractor licensing. MSBOC handles commercial GC and specialty subcontractors. MRBC handles residential builders and home improvement contractors. Contractors doing both types of work may need licenses with both boards.
Does Mississippi accept NASCLA?
Yes. Both MSBOC and MRBC accept NASCLA exam scores. The Mississippi B&L exam is still required.
What are Mississippi’s contractor license thresholds?
$50,000 for commercial work (MSBOC). $10,000 for residential home improvement work (MRBC). Both apply to total project value including labor and materials.