50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Overview

Nebraska Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Nebraska.

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Company Licenses

Nebraska Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Nebraska Asbestos Business Entity License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

The Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Nebraska Contractor Registration

Agency:Nebraska Department of Labor - Labor Standards Division - Contractor Registration Section
Insurance Requirements:

All contractors with one or more employees must provide a current Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Insurance with the Department of Labor listed as the certificate holder.

Bond Requirements:

There is no bond requirement for this registration.

Notes:

A person who performs work or has work performed on the person's own property is not a contractor under this act. A person who earns less than $5,000 annually or who performs work or has work performed on his or her own property is not a contractor.

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by the registration anniversary date. Renewals can be submitted beginning 30 days before the expiration of the registration.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required
Notes:

When you receive a renewal letter from the Department of Labor, you will need to log into your profile at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg to renew your registration. If you have not created a profile on the website, you will be required to do so before renewing your registration or updating your status.

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Blair Contractor Registration

Agency:City of Blair Building Department (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:
  • General Contractors need to submit a Certificate of Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 aggregate / $300,000 each occurrence. 
  • General Contractors must ensure that "City of Blair" is listed as the Certificate Holder on the required Certificate of Liability. 
Bond Requirements:
  • Drain Layers/Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Contractors/Water Service Line Installers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair.
  • Tree Trimmers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair. 
  • Contractors providing Permit Bonds should ensure that they are be made in favor of "City of Blair" (the obligee).
Notes:
  • Changes to application information must be reported to the City of Blair within 15 days of the change. 
  • Registration is by calendar year (January through December) with renewal required each January. Contractors who register in December will automatically receive registration through December of the following year.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Requirement Notes:


  • Electrical Contractor and Fire Security Systems Installers need to submit a copy of the Nebraska State license.
  • The Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Contractors registering with the City of Blair must provide proof of current Nebraska Dept. of Labor registration. Dept. of Labor website.

Initial Registration
Contractor Registration

Form:

http://www.blairnebraska.org/2161/Contractor-Registration

Instructions:

http://www.blairnebraska.org/2161/Contractor-Registration

Filing Method:

Email 

Agency Fee:

$60 for Contractor license. 
All others, fee varies.

Turnaround:

2-4 business days

Before you Apply:
  • Electrical Contractor and Fire Security Systems Installers need to submit a copy of the Nebraska State license.
  • The Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Contractors registering with the City of Blair must provide proof of current Nebraska Dept. of Labor registration. Dept. of Labor website.
  • General Contractors need to submit a Certificate of Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 aggregate / $300,000 each occurrence.
  • General Contractors must ensure that "City of Blair" is listed as the Certificate Holder on the required Certificate of Liability. 
Bond Amount:
  • Drain Layers/Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Contractors/Water Service Line Installers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair.
  • Tree Trimmers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair.
  • Contractors providing Permit Bonds should ensure that they are be made in favor of "City of Blair" (the obligee).

Registration Renewal
Contractor License Renewal

Form:

http://www.blairnebraska.org/2161/Contractor-Registration

Instructions:

http://www.blairnebraska.org/2161/Contractor-Registration

Filing Method:

Email

Agency Fee:

$60 for Contractor license. 
All others, fee varies.

Turnaround:

2-4 business days

Due:

Due annually on December 31

Before you Apply:
  • Electrical Contractor and Fire Security Systems Installers need to submit a copy of the Nebraska State license.
  • The Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Contractors registering with the City of Blair must provide proof of current Nebraska Dept. of Labor registration. Dept. of Labor website.
  • General Contractors need to submit a Certificate of Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 aggregate / $300,000 each occurrence.
  • General Contractors must ensure that "City of Blair" is listed as the Certificate Holder on the required Certificate of Liability. 
Bond Amount:
  • Drain Layers/Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Contractors/Water Service Line Installers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair.
  • Tree Trimmers need a $5000 permit bond in favor of the City of Blair.
  • Contractors providing Permit Bonds should ensure that they are be made in favor of "City of Blair" (the obligee).

City of Kearney Contractor License

Not required



General Contractor Company licensure is not required on the City level in Kearney.

Please note that the municipal code states that contractor registration is required. The building official confirmed that they are not requiring this and the code is out of date.

Lincoln Fire Sprinkler Company License

Agency:City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

1. The name of the business must be on the certificate.
2. The policy must include the City of Lincoln as an additional insured under the general liability policy and the endorsement must be noted on the Certificate of Insurance by using the phrase "City of Lincoln as an additional insured." Please note the endorsement form number and include a copy of the endorsement. If the additional insured endorsement is restrictive, it must be an endorsement as it relates to a political subdivision issuing a permit. There is no written contractual relationship between the City of Lincoln and the insured and those endorsements should not be used.
3. The certificate must have the signature of the authorized agent.
4. The policy number must be listed on the certificate. (Binder numbers are not acceptable.)
5. Must include minimum liability requirement of $500,000 each occurrence.
6. A certificate of insurance form is required. A standard ACORD form is acceptable.
7. Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and fire contractors must have a master's name listed on certificate as an insured. Example: Master Plumber Joe Smith as additional insured. (This does not apply to lawn sprinkler companies, street use, or sign contractors.)
8. If you are not doing work in the City right-of-way, a Bond is not required. Sign, Street Use, and Excavation Contractors must have a bond.
9. Please email documents to BldInsurance@lincoln.ne.gov

Bond Requirements:

1. Must have a License and Permit bond for the amount of $5,000.00 or a cashier's check for $5,000.00made payable to the City of Lincoln.
2. Unless the Bond is signed by an Officer of the Surety Company, a Power of Attorney form must be attached or sent with the bond.
3. The Power of Attorney form must be certified to include the execution date of the bond.
4. The bond must be a one-year renewable bond with a starting and ending date.
5. The bond must be an original.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$135

Required Attachments:
  • Bond requirement
  • Insurance requirement 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$135

Due:

Annually by May 31.

Omaha Building Contractor License - Class A

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 is required for a class A or B license. The City of Omaha must be named as the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance.

Bond Requirements:

A $10,000.00 license and permit bond signed by the principal with the City of Omaha named as the obligee is required.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance.

Omaha Building Contractor License - Class B

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department - Permits & Inspections Division (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 is required for a class A or B license. The City of Omaha must be named as the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance.

Bond Requirements:

A $10,000.00 license and permit bond signed by the principal with the City of Omaha named as the obligee is required.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance.

Omaha Building Contractor License - Class C

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department - Permits & Inspections Division (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 is required for a class C license. The City of Omaha must be named as the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance.

Bond Requirements:

A $10,000.00 license and permit bond signed by the principal with the City of Omaha named as the obligee is required.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance.

Omaha Building Contractor License - Class D

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department - Permits & Inspections Division (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000 is required for a class D license. The City of Omaha must be named as the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance.

Bond Requirements:

A $10,000 license and permit bond signed by the principal with the City of Omaha named as the obligee is required.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance.

Omaha Building Contractor License - Class E

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department - Permits & Inspections Division (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

General liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000 is required for a class E license. The City of Omaha must be named as the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance.

Bond Requirements:

A $10,000.00 license and permit bond signed by the principal with the City of Omaha named as the obligee is required.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Triennially by the date of issuance.

Individual Licenses

Nebraska Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Nebraska Apprentice Electrician Registration

Agency:Nebraska State Electrical Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for State Electrical License

Agency Fee:

Even numbered year - $20.00; Odd numbered year - $40.00 (No exam required)

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal information is sent in the mail around October 15.

Nebraska Asbestos Inspector License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Limited Management Planner License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Limited Project Designer License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Management Planner License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$300

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Project Designer License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Project Monitor License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Supervisor License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Asbestos Worker License

Agency:Nebraska Division of Public Health

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Initial & Limited Asbestos Occupation Licensure

Agency Fee:

$110

Notes:

Must attach the ORIGINAL completed Physician?s Certification with an original signature of the physician (MD or DO). No copies of the signature will be accepted.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$110

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice will be mailed by the Department to your last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Nebraska Electrical Contractor License

Agency:Nebraska State Electrical Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for State Electrical License

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$125 examination fee + $125 license fee if applying during an even-numbered year and $250 if applying during an odd-numbered year.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Electrical License Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Biennially

Nebraska Fire Alarm Installer License

Agency:Nebraska State Electrical Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Fire Alarm Installer License

Agency Fee:

Even years: $25; Odd years: $50 plus $60 exam fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal information is sent in the mail around October 15.

Nebraska Journeyman Electrician License

Agency:Nebraska State Electrical Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Journeyman Electrician License

Agency Fee:

Even years: $25; Odd years: $50 plus $60 exam fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal information is sent in the mail around October 15.

Nebraska Residential Journeyman Wireman License

Agency:Nebraska State Electrical Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Residential Journeyman Wireman License

Agency Fee:

Even years: $25; Odd years: $50 plus $60 exam fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal information is sent in the mail around October 15.

Nebraska Water Based Fire Protection Contractor

Agency:Nebraska Code Enforcement - State Fire Marshall Agency
Law:

Title 153, Chapter 19

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Liability Insurance coverage  -  Demonstrates at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) of coverage for the installation, inspection, and testing of water-based fire protection systems

Notes:
  • Certification Testing
    • One all required documents are received at the Main Office and processed, the exam proctor will reach out the prospective RME using the email provided on the application to arrange a testing date. The test is conducted virtually via a Webex link. While in-person testing is available, virtual testing is strongly encouraged. This test is an open book test but no electronics other than the web camera are allowed (this includes digital copies of reference materials). No testing date will be offered or scheduled until all pieces of the application have been received an verified
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • The RME (Responsible Managing Employee) must currently hold a Level III or Level IV NICET certification in fire protection engineering technology, automatic sprinkler layout, or another nationally recognized certification in an automatic sprinkler system layout recognized by the State Fire Marshal.
  • The RME(s) must also be an owner, partner, or officer in a management position of the applying contractor.

Initial Registration

Form:

Water-Based Fire Protection Contractors Application

Filing Method:

Email taryn.sandin@nebraska.gov

Agency Fee:

$100

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of NICET engineering certificate  -  This needs to be the certificate provided to you by NICET (sent with the NICET card and letter), not a copy of your NICET card. (See "General Information" for specifics.)
  • Copy of Liability Insurance coverage  -  Demonstrates at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) of coverage for the installation, inspection, and testing of water-based fire protection systems
  • Notarized Employee Affidavit  -  Must be the original document and mailed to the Main Office
  • Notarized Employer Affidavit  -  Must be the original document and mailed to the Main Office
  • US Citizenship Attestation Form  -  Must be the original document and mailed to the Main Office

Registration Renewal

Form:

Water-Based Fire Protection Contractors Application

Filing Method:

Email taryn.sandin@nebraska.gov

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by September 30. 

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of NICET engineering certificate  -  This needs to be the certificate provided to you by NICET (sent with the NICET card and letter), not a copy of your NICET card. (See "General Information" for specifics.)
  • Copy of Liability Insurance coverage  -  Demonstrates at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) of coverage for the installation, inspection, and testing of water-based fire protection systems

Local Construction and Contracting Individual Licenses

Lincoln Fire Sprinkler Apprentice License

Agency:City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department (NE)

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Fire Trade Professional Information

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by May 31.

Lincoln Fire Sprinkler Contractor License

Agency:City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department (NE)

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Fire Trade Professional Information

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$135

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$135

Due:

Annually by May 31.

Lincoln Fire Sprinkler Journeyman License

Agency:City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department (NE)

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Fire Trade Professional Information

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by May 31.

City of Omaha Master Electrician Registration

Agency:City of Omaha Planning Department - Permits & Inspections Division (NE)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Bond Requirements:

$12,500 surety bond for Class A Bonded Master Electricians

Notes:
  • Must hold valid and current state electrical license
  • Non-bonded electricians cannot pull permits
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:
  • Class A Bonded Master Electrician: $91.80
  • Class A Non-Bonded Master Electrician: $32.40
Required Attachments:
  • Copy of State License

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:
  • Class A Bonded Master Electrician: $91.80
  • Class A Non-Bonded Master Electrician: $32.40
Due:

Biennially by December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal notices and instructions are emailed 3 months prior to the expiration of the license and every month thereafter leading up to the expiration of the license

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of State License

Seward Master Mechanical License

Agency:Seward Building and Inspection Department (NE)

Initial Registration

Form:

Mechanical Form

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Form:

Mechanical Form (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Seward Master Plumber License

Agency:Seward Building and Inspection Department (NE)
Insurance Requirements:

A certificate of insurance which provides combined coverage for bodily injury and property damage in a minimum amount of $300,000.

Initial Registration

Form:

Plumbing Form

Agency Fee:

$75

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of passing the relevant ICC exam
  • Certificate of insurance

Registration Renewal

Form:

Plumbing Form (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by December 31.

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