Guide
Idaho public works contractor license: classes, limits and getting one before you bid
Last updated
To bid or build Idaho public works as a prime or subcontractor you generally need a public works contractor license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Acting as a public works contractor without one is unlawful (Idaho Code 54-1902).
License classes and bid limits
The statute sets seven classes. The limit is the most you can bid on a single project, with matching net-worth and working-capital minimums (Idaho Code 54-1904):
| Class | Single-project bid limit | Net worth | Working capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | Over $5,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $600,000 |
| AAA | $5,000,000 | $600,000 | $200,000 |
| AA | $3,000,000 | $450,000 | $150,000 |
| A | $1,250,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 |
| B | $600,000 | $150,000 | $50,000 |
| CC | $400,000 | $75,000 | $25,000 |
| C | $200,000 | $25,000 | $7,500 |
Heads-up: as of this update, DOPL’s licensing page and FAQ still describe an older Class D and a $50,000 threshold. The statute above was amended in 2024 and is the controlling text; call DOPL at 208-334-3233 if the two disagree for your situation.
DOPL issues licenses by type: heavy construction, highway, building and specialty. Licenses renew every year, and a licensee can’t lend its license to another contractor (DOPL).
When you don’t need one
- A single project under $100,000 is exempt (Idaho Code 54-1903).
- A subcontractor working under the direct supervision of an Unlimited, AAA, AA or A licensee on work under $100,000 is exempt (54-1903).
- Work on federal sites is exempt (54-1903).
Timing: before you bid or before award?
On state-funded ITD jobs you need a license sufficient for the bid at the time you bid. On federal-aid jobs you can bid without one but must hold it before award (ITD bidding checklist; 54-1902). Many local bid ads, like Coeur d’Alene’s, simply say a license is required to bid. Read the ad.
Rules that affect your bid
- A prime can’t subcontract more than 80% of the work unless the specs allow it, and can’t accept bids from unlicensed subs (54-1902).
- On public building jobs, your bid must name your plumbing, HVAC and electrical subs, or your own license number if you self-perform; leaving them off voids the bid (Idaho Code 67-2310).
How to apply
- Pick the class that covers the largest single bid you expect.
- Gather a current financial statement. DOPL accepts its own balance sheet, QuickBooks or a CPA statement for Class C; a CPA-compiled statement for CC and B; and a reviewed or audited statement for A and above, none older than 12 months (DOPL FAQ).
- Line up three contractor references.
- Submit the application and fee to DOPL, including the exam form. DOPL emails you to schedule the exam; a 70% score passes (DOPL).
Leave time: you can’t fix a license problem after bid opening. DOPL has a Coeur d’Alene office at 1250 Ironwood Dr., Suite 220.
FAQ
Do I need an Idaho public works license for a job under $100,000?
No. Idaho Code 54-1903 exempts a single public works project under $100,000. Some owners still ask for a license in their bid documents, so read the ad.
What is the bid limit for an Idaho Class C public works license?
Under Idaho Code 54-1904, Class C covers single projects up to $200,000 and requires $25,000 net worth and $7,500 working capital.
Can I bid an ITD federal-aid job before I have my license?
Yes. On federal-aid projects a license is not required to bid but must be held before award. On state-funded ITD projects you need a sufficient license when you bid.
Sources
- Idaho Code 54-1902
- Idaho Code 54-1903
- Idaho Code 54-1904
- Idaho Code 67-2310
- DOPL public works licensing
- DOPL public works FAQ
- ITD bidding checklist (PDF)