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| Licensing Requirements |
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Oregon law requires anyone who works for compensation in any construction activity involving improvements to real property must be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Click here for more information.
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| Inactivate Your CCB License |
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What is an Inactive license?
An inactive license is “on hold”. While your license is inactive, you cannot practice (advertise, bid, obtain permits, offer to perform, or perform) as a contractor. You do not need to maintain a bond or general liability insurance while your license is inactive. As long as you continue to renew your inactive license, you will receive newsletters, publications, and a renewal application when your license is due to renew.
How do I make my license inactive?
The following steps are required:
At renewal time –
- Find the status of your license on your Renewal Notice and cross out the word “active”. Write in the word “inactive”.
- Sign the Renewal Notice (by an owner, partner, member, trustee or corporate officer).
- Submit the Renewal Notice to the CCB with the required renewal fee.
At any other time –
- Request a “Request for Inactive License Status” form. You can either request this form by calling the CCB office at 503-378-4621 or click here to download the form.
- Complete and sign the form (by an owner, partner, member, trustee or corporate officer).
- Submit the form with the $20 record change fee.
Do I have to renew an inactive license in order to maintain the license?
Yes. Every two years you will be sent a Renewal Notice to the last known address on your license record. It is important that you advise us of any change in address.
How many times can I continue to renew in the inactive status?
There is no limit on the number of times your contractor’s license can be renewed in an inactive status. However, you can change your license status to inactive only once during a two year license period.
What if I want to start contracting again?
If you want to resume contracting and your license is inactive, you must reactivate your license before you begin contracting.
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| Reactivate Your Inactive CCB License |
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If you want to resume contracting and your license is inactive, you must reactivate your license before you begin contracting.
How do I reactivate my inactive license?
At renewal time –
- Find the status of your license on your Renewal Notice and cross out the word “inactive”. Write in the word “active”.
- Review all information on the renewal notice for accuracy. Correct all inaccurate information.
- Sign the Renewal Notice (by an owner, partner, member, trustee or corporate officer).
- Submit the Renewal Notice to the CCB with the required renewal fee.
- Submit the required amount of bond and general liability insurance.
- Submit the name of the RMI (if changed) and proof that the RMI has taken the education and passed the exam.
At any other time –
- Request a “Request for Active License Status”. You can either request this form by calling the CCB office at 503-378-4621 or click here to download the form.
- Complete and sign the form (by an owner, partner, member, trustee or corporate officer).
- Submit the form with the $20 record change fee.
- Submit the required amount of bond and general liability insurance.
- Submit the name of the RMI (if changed) and proof that the RMI has taken the education and passed the exam.
What other things do I need to consider before reactivating my license?
If there has been a change in the form of your business and you have formed a new business entity (for example you have incorporated or formed a new partnership), you cannot reactivate your current license. You must apply for and acquire a new license for the new business entity.
What is the effective date of reactivation?
Although your check will be deposited, this does not mean your license is back into an active status. Your license will be placed back into an active status when the CCB receives all of the necessary items. If all necessary items have not been received with your payment, you will receive notification of the deficiency by mail to the address listed on your license record.
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| Renewing Your CCB License |
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Your active or inactive license renews every two years. Check your pocket or wall card for the expiration date of your license.
Approximately six weeks before your license is due to renew, the CCB will send you a Renewal Notice as a courtesy. For this reason, it is imperative that you maintain your current address information with the CCB. It is your responsibility to make certain your license has been renewed, even if you did not receive the form. You cannot legally work as a contractor with an expired license.
When you receive the Renewal Notice, complete it and send to the CCB. Keep the following things in mind:
- You must submit the required fee. The fee is the same for both an active and inactive license.
- You may renew in either an active or inactive status. If you are renewing in the inactive status, you do not need to maintain the bond or insurance.
- If your current license is currently active or you want to reactivate an inactive license you must have the following on file to renew:
- Your bond is good until it is cancelled. As long as you are paying premiums and your bond company has not cancelled your bond, it should still be valid. If you have purchased a new bond, you must immediately send to CCB the original bond.
- You must always send a new Certificate of Insurance at least a week prior to the expiration date of your insurance.
- An RMI or designated RMI.
- Current and valid employer account numbers.
- An active registration at the Oregon Corporation Division, if you are using an assumed business name, or are a LLC, corporation or trust.
Who must sign the Renewal Notice?
The renewal notice must be signed by the owner, partner, member, corporate officer or trustee. The Renewal Notice will be returned as incomplete if not properly signed.
What happens if I do not renew my license by the expiration date?
You may not legally work with an expired license. If your license has been expired for two years or more, you will need to start over. A new application will be required and a new CCB license number will be assigned. You will need to meet all requirements including the education and test.
May I renew my license if it is suspended?
If the reasons causing the suspension have been taken care of (such as lack of bond or insurance), you may be able to renew the license.
Under what circumstances will my license be suspended?
The following situations will result in your license being placed in an immediate, emergency suspension with no opportunity for a hearing prior to the suspension:
- Cancellation of your bond.
- Cancellation or expiration of your general liability insurance.
- Hiring employees while in an “exempt” employer status.
The following situations may result in a proposed suspension and opportunity for hearing:
- RMI – (if license issued after July 1, 2000) deletion of RMI by disassociation or death. You will receive a notice of proposed suspension, giving you the opportunity for a hearing to contest the suspension.
- If the license or renewal fees are returned as “insufficient” or any other form related to non-payment.
- Maintaining a non-exempt status with no workers’ compensation.
Can a suspended license be reinstated?
Yes. Depending on the reason for suspension, it may simply require that you take care of the deficiency that caused the suspension.
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| Making Address Changes |
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A contractor must notify the CCB of any address change while licensed and for one year following the license expiration or becoming inactive. The notification must be within 10 days of the change. (ORS 701.080)
The CCB has an online utility to coordinate changes of address. Click here to access this utility.
Contractors can also make changes through a CCB My License account. This service is a web-based application that lets contractors conduct certain business transactions on-line. Click here to either register for a CCB My License account or to log in.
You can also change your address on the "Request to Change" form. Click here to download and print the form or call 503-378-4621 to have it mailed.
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| Working With Other Licensed Contractors |
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A contractor may not hire any subcontractor or other contractor to perform work unless the subcontractor or contractor is properly licensed. (ORS 701.055 (12)).
e-Watch is an automated system that allows licensed contractors to monitor the status of other licensed contractors (such as subcontractors). Anytime the license status of one of the contractors on your e-Watch list changes, you will receive a status report via email, informing you of the change. You can also use e-Watch to monitor your own licensed so you will be warned immediately in the event your license needs attention.
e-Watch is a feature of the CCB My License. Click here for more information, to register for a My License account or to log in.
A contractor must also maintain a list of all construction subcontractors who work for them. The subcontractor list must include names, addresses and CCB license numbers. (ORS 701.055 (11) (a)).
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| Changing Official Personnel On Your CCB License |
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In some cases, certain personnel changes will require the creation of a new business entity, covered by the topic “Creating a New Business Entity ”.
When you are making changes only to corporate officers, members, the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) or trustees, you must make these changes by completing a record change form.
Responsible Managing Individual (RMI).
One of the most common changes is of the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI).
An RMI is an individual who (a) is an owner or employee of the business, (b) that exercises management or supervisory authority over the construction activities of the business and (c) has successfully completed the training and testing required by CCB, or is otherwise exempt from the training and testing requirement.
In order to be exempt from the training and testing requirement, the RMI must have been:
- Listed on CCB’s records before July 1, 2000 as a sole proprietor, partner, joint venturer, member, corporate officer, trustee, or designated RMI of a business licensed before July 1, 2000; and
- That business has not lapsed or if lapsed, has not lapsed for more than 24 months.
- Or be currently licensed as a manufactured dwelling installer.
You can request this form by contacting the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download the form.
Sole Proprietor. The name of a sole proprietor cannot be changed on CCB’s business records because a sole proprietorship cannot be transferred (including to a spouse). If a business is purchased from a sole proprietor, the contractor’s license is not part of the purchase. Any transaction that transfers the ownership of a sole proprietor requires the creation of a new business entity. (Click here for information on business entities).
Partner (or Joint Venturer). The name of a partner (or joint venturer) cannot be changed on CCB’s business records because deleting or adding partners (or joint venturers) requires the creation of a new business entity. If a partner or joint venturer leaves a contractor that is a partnership or joint venture, the contractor must obtain a new license before continuing to conduct activities that require a CCB license. (Click here for information on business entities).
Corporate Officer. If an individual who is a corporate officer of a corporation ceases to be a corporate officer, you need to notify CCB immediately. Similarly, if you add a new corporate officer, you need to provide the name and address of that person. The underlying corporation does not cease so there is no need to create a new business entity. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request this form by contacting the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download a form.
Manager or Member of a Manager-Managed Limited Liability Company (LLC). If an individual who is a manager or member of a manager-managed LLC ceases to be a manager or member of the LLC, you need to notify CCB immediately. Similarly, if you add a new manager or member, you need to provide the name and address of that person. The underlying LLC does not cease so there is no need to create a new business entity. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request this form by contacting the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download a form.
Member of a Member-Managed Limited Liability Company (LLC). If an individual who is a member of a member-managed LLC ceases to be a member of the LLC, you need to notify CCB immediately. Similarly, if you add a new member, you need to provide the name and address of that person. The underlying LLC does not cease so there is no need to create a new business entity. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request this form by contacting the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download a form.
Trustee. If an individual who is a trustee of a business trust ceases to be a trustee, you need to notify CCB immediately. Similarly, if you add a new trustee, you need to provide the name and address of that person. The underlying business trust does not cease so there is no need to create a new business entity. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request this form by contacting the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download a form.
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The requirement to notify CCB of changes to official personnel also applies if one business entity is the owner, member or partner of another business entity and there are changes to the personnel in that first business entity. For further information regarding these changes, contact the CCB at 503-378-4621.
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| Hiring Employees |
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A CCB licensed business identifies their independent contractor class as either "exempt'" (not having employees) or "nonexempt" (having employees). Before hiring employees you must:
- Obtain workers´ compensation insurance; and
- The state and federal tax I.D. numbers, and
- Change your independent contractor class with the CCB.
Submit the information on a completed Record Change Request form with your $20 fee. Please do not send cash. You can request the "Request to Change" form by calling the CCB at 503-378-4621 or click here to download and print.
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| Change To The Licensing Category |
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Beginning July 1, 2008, the following CCB licensing categories no longer exist:
- General Contractor- All Structures;
- General Contractor- Residential Only
- Specialty Contractor- All Structures
- Specialty Contractor- Residential Only
- Inspector
- Limited Contractor
- Licensed Developer
If an existing licensee is currently licensed in one of these categories and requests to change from one category to another, they will be required to select from the new license endorsement system by completing a change request form. Click here to learn more about license endorsements.
Contractors that have licensed using the endorsement system and wish to select a different endorsement must complete a change request form.
Download the "Request to Change" by clicking here, or call the CCB at 503-378-4621. Complete the form and submit it with $20 and the appropriate increase or decrease rider for your bond. If the amount of insurance has increased, you will also need to submit a new Certificate of Insurance showing the higher amount. Contact your agent for these two items.
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| Creating a New Business Entity |
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When you first obtained a license from the CCB, you selected a “business entity,” meaning the type of business under which you would operate. From time to time, a contractor may need or want to create a new business entity.
Just like an individual is “born,” each business entity is “created” and becomes new and distinct from every other business entity. Therefore, if you create a new business entity, you will need to make a new license application for the new business entity. (To access the application instructions and forms, click here ).
Currently, CCB allows for the election of any of the following business entities:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Joint Venture
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Limited Partnership (LP)
- Corporation
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Trust
If you wish to learn more about a business entity, its formation, liability of owners, taxation, or workers’ compensation requirements, click here.
If you currently operate as a sole proprietor (single owner) and want to add a partner, you will need to create and license a partnership. Or, if you currently operate as a partnership and want to limit the personal liability of the partners, you may want to create a corporation or a limited liability company.
There are numerous reasons for creating a new business entity, including the need for additional capital, succession planning, liability protection and taxation considerations. Determining which form of business entity to create is a business decision, not a CCB requirement. In deciding whether to create a new business entity, you may wish to consult with your attorney, accountant or financial planner. Although CCB does not require you to create a new business entity, the laws governing contractors may affect your decision. For example, the new entity must have a new CCB license and number. The new entity might also need workers’ compensation coverage where none was previously required.
To review the answers to several frequently asked questions about creating a new business entity, click here.
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| Changing An Assumed Business Name (ABN) or Legal Business Name |
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An assumed business name (ABN) is a name other than the full legal name of your business under which the business operates. If you want to change the ABN of your existing business entity, you need first to register the new assumed business name with the Corporation Division. To register a new assumed business name, access www.filinginoregon.com/forms and register on-line or print and fax the form “ABN New Registration (101).” You may also obtain forms by calling the Corporation Division, Business Registry, at 503-378-4381. There is a fee for filing an ABN registration. There is a separate form if you also want to cancel the existing ABN.
Once you have registered the new ABN with the Corporation Division, Business Registry, your new ABN should appear on their website. You can check to make sure that the new ABN appears by accessing the website at http://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login and searching under the new ABN. (If registered, you should be able to access an appropriate screen and obtain a registry number). Contact the Corporation Division at 503-378-4381 if you need assistance.
Once the ABN has been registered with the Corporation Division, Business Registry, you must notify CCB. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request this form by contacting CCB at 503-378-4621 or clicking here to download the form.
A legal business name refers to the full, legal name under which a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) is created. It can only be changed by amendment to the articles of incorporation (corporation) or articles of organization (LLC) and a related filing with the Corporation Division. If you change the legal business name of your business, you must notify CCB. To notify CCB, complete the “Request to Change” form. There is no fee for this change. You can request the CCB change form by contacting CCB at 503-378-4621 or clicking here to download the form.
When filling out the CCB form, you should attach a copy of the amendment that has been filed with the Corporation Division. You will also need to attach a new bond or bond rider and a new certificate of insurance reflecting the amended legal business name. If you need assistance with the bond or insurance, please contact your agent(s).
With regards to name changes, there are some name changes that are not permissible for certain business entities. For example, a sole proprietorship may not use the term “Inc.” or “LLC” in its name – those terms are reserved for particular business entities. For more information regarding sole proprietors changing business names, click here for Business Entity- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's). Scroll to question 5.
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| Liability Insurance and Bond |
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To maintain an active CCB license, you are required to have current liability insurance and bond on record at the CCB. You are ultimately responsible even if you have delegated the task to your agent or employee. Using the e-Watch feature of the CCB's "My License" can help you stay on top of changes to your license (as well as subcontractors). Click here for more information on the CCB My License and e-Watch features..
Where can I find liability insurance coverage?
The Oregon Market Assistance Plan (MAP) is a voluntary list of insurance agents that offer liability insurance coverage for construction contractors. Click here for more information.
Additional information on liability insurance:
To find articles and other resources on liability insurance, click here.
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| Request For A Duplicate License Card |
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An owner, partner, member or officer must make a written request to the CCB for a replacement card. Include the license number, current address and telephone number of the business. A $10 fee is also required. Please do not send cash.
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| Contractor Forms and Publications |
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Many forms and publications for contractors are available to download and print from the website. Contractors are free to make copies of needed forms.
Certain publications are available to order from the website.
Click here for a list of available forms and publications.
Contractors may also request forms to be mailed by printing the Contractor Publication Order form, under Miscellaneous, from the link above, filling out the requested publications and faxing or mailing to the CCB.
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| Search Workers Compensation Database |
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Click here to search the DCBS Workers Compensation database.
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| Other Important Links |
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Click here for a list of government agencies and other organizations or associations that may be helpful to contractors.
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| Reporting Unlicensed or Illegal Activities |
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Many CCB licensed contractors work hard to have a successful business. There are customers to satisfy, skills to keep up and regulations to follow. You work hard and it costs you money. But it's the right thing to do.
But it's frustrating when unlicensed and illegal construction activities put consumers at risk, undermines the success of the construction industry and takes business away from legitimate contractors.
You can help. Click here to report unlicensed or illegal activity
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| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) on Licensing |
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This following are questions and answers to some frequently asked licensing questions:
Can you fax me a license application?
The CCB does not fax the application. It has many pages, and the instruction pages are colored and do not fax well. However, you can down load the application and instructions by clicking here.
Does Oregon have reciprocal agreements with other states?
No, not at the present time.
How old does someone have to be to get licensed?
At least 18 years old.
What’s the difference between the CCB’s license and the required electrician’s and plumber’s license?
Anyone who does any type of construction-related work must get the CCB license. Electrical and plumbing licenses are in addition to the CCB license. Contact Building Codes Division for clarification regarding electrical and plumbing licenses at 503-373-1268.
Can someone become a contractor if they have a prison record?
A prison record does not necessarily mean you cannot get a license. However, there are certain felony convictions that may prevent you from getting a license.
What’s the difference between a bond and insurance? Aren’t they the same thing?
No. They are not the same thing. The CCB bond is exclusively for claims/complaints filed with the CCB for dispute resolution purposes. The bond covers negligent or improper work or breach of contract. No one can collect on your bond by going to the bonding company directly. They must file with the CCB. Filing a complaint with the CCB does not necessarily mean that the complaining customer will be awarded money from the bond. Unlike the bond, an insurance claim can be filed directly with the insurance company. The insurance covers property damage and personal injury (other than injuries to your own employees).
How big of a bond and insurance policy do I need to get?
You must look over the licensing categories explained in the application packet and determine the category that best suits what you will be doing. Once you have determined the category, you will know the amount of bond and insurance that you will need to get.
Where can I get a bond and insurance company? How much do they cost?
You can call your insurance agent for help or check the phone directory yellow pages. The cost of a bond and insurance varies. Just as you can shop around for car insurance, you can shop around for competitive prices on the bond and insurance.
No one I have contacted wants to give me a bond because I don’t have good credit and/or I don’t own property. Can you recommend someone who can issue me a bond?
CCB staff cannot recommend bond companies. Keep shopping around. There are bond companies that will sell you a high-risk bond.
Do I have to have my bond and insurance before I get licensed or before I send in my application and money to the CCB?
The law requires you to submit an original CCB bond and a Certificate of Insurance with your application before the CCB can issue you a license.
I have gotten the bond and insurance, have completed the application and am ready to send everything to the CCB. Can I fax these items to the CCB?
You should mail or bring in your application as there are very few things that the Licensing Section can accept by fax. Most of the items that we need must be the original items.
I sent in my money and application to get licensed. I changed my mind. Can I get a refund of my fees?
Normally, application fees are non-refundable. However, if you withdraw your application prior to the license being issued, then you can request a refund. A small portion of the fee will not be refunded to cover the cost of processing your paperwork.
Can family members work with me or for me?
Only if they are employees and if you have workers' compensation coverage on them. There are some special exemptions for partnerships, for corporations and for LLC's that are formed with immediate family members only.
Do I need workers’ compensation if I don’t have employees?
No. However, partnerships, corporations and LLC's do need workers' compensation if there are more than two partners, corporate officers, or members who are not all immediate family members.
I need Social Security numbers for my subcontractors so that I can prepare the 1099’s at tax time. Can I get a contractor’s Social Security number from the CCB?
No. By Federal Law, the agency cannot give out Social Security numbers to anyone. There are very few sources that you can get Social Security numbers from, other than the individual themselves. Instead of trying to get Social Security numbers at tax time, get them from the contractor up front and keep it on file. This will alleviate problems when tax time rolls around.
How can a contractor be added to the list of bidders for the State of Oregon? What forms are needed to contract to do projects with the State of Oregon?
All state contracting information, RFPs and ITBs for the State of Oregon are listed on the Vendor Information Program (VIP) system through the Department of Administrative Services, Transportation, Purchasing & Print Services Division. For information regarding the VIP system call (503) 378-3977 or (503) 373-4642 or visit their web site at http://tpps.das.state.or.us/purchasing/vendor.html
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