The Nevada State Contractors Board announced on August 20, 2025, that Governor Lombardo would sign Senate Bill 130 (SB130) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. With the approval of SB130, a new pathway to licensure is now available for individuals with less experience than a licensed contractor. People lacking extensive experience, but having the capacity and hunger to do business, will now have the opportunity to legally accept jobs as a licensed professional in their trade.
Current Non-restricted Contractor’s License
Currently, a non-restricted licensed contractor is required by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) to have at least, four (4) years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the specific classification requested. This qualified individual is also required to pass the written Business and Law (Construction Management Survey exam) and trade examinations in their field, unless he or she meets the requirements for a waiver. Once this qualified individual is approved for a non-restricted contractor’s license, the NSCB will also determine the amount of their bond requirement. This bond can vary, up to $500,000, based on the type of license, experience, monetary limit, financial responsibility, and character of the applicant.
New Restricted Contractor’s License
With the new restricted license, the NSCB requires at least two (2) years of experience, instead of four (4) years for the non-restricted contractor’s license, as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee. The individual applying for the restricted license will still be required to complete a course in business counseling or a similar curriculum, at least one (1) year prior to applying. The individual must also file a surety bond, or cash deposit, set by the NSCB at a minimum of $2,000. With a restricted license, the scope of work is limited to residential properties. Specifically, the work will be limited to the remodeling and improvement of a single-family residence or residential unit, no more than three stories tall and one story below ground. Lastly, the monetary limit for a restricted license is $7,000, which includes labor and materials, or a higher amount approved by the NSCB.
Additional Information on the Restricted Contractor’s License
The applications for a restricted contractor’s license will be available on October 1, 2025, according to the NSCB. If a person with a restricted license does not receive complaints for two (2) years, they may apply for a non-restricted contractor’s license. Individuals applying for this new license should consider discussing their licensing with a Nevada contract attorney. A contract attorney will be able to create agreements between the holder of the new restricted license and their clients in accordance with the new laws while ensuring proper legal protection in the state of Nevada. Having a proper contract in place, along with the proper license, will help set your business up for success.
