Heads up, general contractors! You don’t need to obtain a state license to perform work in Maine. However, you may need to contact the local government of the city where you’ll be plying your services to determine if a city license or a permit will be required.
If you’re a home owner looking to move forward with your home improvement project, make sure to get quotes from different local contractors, which will help make sure you get it done at the right price too. To be easily matched with the 4 most relevant contractors, simply fill out the form below. It’s free and takes just 2 minutes.
If you’re a specialty contractor specializing in plumbing, electrical work, or propane & natural gas installations, you have to obtain the appropriate permits or licenses from the State Board before you can perform work anywhere in Maine.
The Advantages of Being a Licensed Contractor
You’re probably on this page because you’re mulling over the idea of applying for a contractor’s license. Let’s cut to the chase: The answer is yes.
Whether you’re an experienced contractor or training to become one, you have everything to gain by applying for a contractor’s license.
If you doubt that for one moment, allow us to enumerate the numerous benefits of being a licensed contractor.
- Being able to own your own professional construction company
- Having other contractors or workers work for you.
- More opportunities to bid on higher-paying projects or contracts
- Giving your business more room for growth
- Work for yourself and have flexible hours
- More income opportunities
- Legally advertise your services
- Getting a tax exemption for equipment, tools, gas, etc.
- Have a more secure financial future
For Homeowners: Why you should hire licensed contractors
Make no mistake — there’s no shortage of competitive contractors in the state of Maine. With that said, you still have to be careful when choosing a contractor to work on your property. And to be on the safe side, you must hire a licensed contractor every single time. For one thing, hiring an unlicensed contractor comes with attendant risks.
Let’s enumerate some of the main reasons why you should only hire licensed contractors.
Licensed contractors are more qualified
If there’s one thing licensed contractors have in spades, it’s credibility. A contractor’s license is not just a piece of paper, it’s the result of long years of dedication and hard work. They have the skills and experience one can only acquire from a combination of extensive training and countless hours of practical experience. You need an expert, not someone who pretends to be one.
They provide you insurance
Contractors are required by law to obtain insurance before they can acquire a contractor’s license. This protects you from unexpected financial losses should there be any property damages or injuries incurred during the course of the project.
Full compliance with state or city laws
As a citizen of the state, it’s your responsibility to comply with its laws. These laws, after all, were put in place to look out for the interests of its citizens, including you. As such, non-compliance is punishable by law, causing you to pay hefty fines, or in some cases get you arrested.
They do work systematically
Licensed contractors are expected to follow standard procedures in every project they undertake. By following the proper protocol — from choosing the correct materials to making sure that the building’s structure is planned properly, a licensed contractor won’t leave anything to chance. This should give you the assurance that your property is well-maintained, and that it won’t suffer structural or durability issues over time, especially in the face of natural disasters. Better to be safe than sorry.
Contractor License Search and Lookup in Maine
Before you begin hiring a contractor, you’d do well to ensure that your candidate is really qualified for the job. There’s always the risk that the person you’re about to hire is not the person he claims he is. The contractor’s license may be fake. It may not be in good standing. Who knows? Thankfully, the Maine government website offers an online tool that allows you to verify a contractor’s licensing status against state records.
To do a search, simply go to the Search License Information page through the following URL: https://www.pfr.maine.gov/almsonline/almsquery/welcome.aspx
Once there, you should see the following options:
- Search Individuals
- Search Companies
- Search Securities
- Search Worksite Permits
- Search Events
- Search Other Licenses/Permits
Has the contractor incurred any past disciplinary actions? You can verify by doing a search via this page.
How to Obtain Your License
Ready to get that contractor’s license? Follow these steps to obtain one.
Step One: Submit a completed Exam Application form and pay the $25 application fee to the Board
You can get access to the exam application forms at: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/
You can send your application to the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation through their mailing address:
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: 207.624.8603
You can also apply in person by visiting their physical location at 76 Northern Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during weekdays.
Step Two: Schedule the exam
Once your application is approved by the Board, you can schedule an appointment to take the exam through Prometric.
Step Three: Prepare for the exam
As for this step, we’ve provided the relevant Candidate Information Bulletin for each trade in this article’s succeeding sections. A Candidate Information Bulletin serves as a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for the exam.
Step Four: Take the exam
Make sure to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam. This should give you enough time to sign in and present your identification documents with the staff. It’s in your best interests to start the exam as early as possible, after all.
Step Five: Receive your licensing application form
After passing the exam, the Board will send you the licensing application form.
Do you have any questions about the exams? Please contact:
Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 800.343.6001
TDD User: 800.790.3926
Applying for a license online
The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation website offers a sleek online licensing system that lets you apply online with little effort.
To apply for an exam or a license online, simply go to this link.
Electrician Licenses
Do you want to perform electrical work as an electrical contractor in the state of Maine? If yes, then you’d do well to brush up your knowledge on the different electrical license types being offered by the state. The Electricians’ Examining Board, a division of the Bureau of Corporations, is responsible for issuing electrical licenses to qualified applicants.
The Board offers the following license types:
- Master Electrician
- Limited Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
- Helper Electrician
- Journeyman-in-Training Electrician
Military Experience and Training
If you did electrical work while performing service in the military, you will receive the appropriate credit for your service when applying for a Master or Journeyman Electrical license in Maine.
Before applying, make sure to contact:
Bob LeClair at 207-624-8678 or at robert.v.leclair@maine.gov
-OR-
Catherine Carroll at 207-624-8605 or at catherine.m.carroll@maine.gov
You also need to submit the following military documents:
- A copy of your DD Form 214, Report of Discharge
- A copy of your DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
Master Electrician
A Master Electrician is a professional who is responsible for the installation of electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, and other electrical equipment. Moreover, a contractor holding a Master Electrician license also supervises other electricians performing electrical work on any construction project.
Requirements
- Has completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of practical experience as a Journeyman electrician or a minimum of 12,000 hours of practical experience in electrical installations.
- Has completed 576 hours of training in a study program that is approved by the Electricians’ Examining Board or any accredited institution. (those 576 hours should comprise 450 hours of required study, including at least 45 hours of study in a course covering the current National Electrical Code and 126 hours of degree-related courses).
- Pay the required fees. Those fees include a $25 application fee, $85 exam fee, $150 licensure fee, and a $21 criminal background check fee.
- Fill out and submit the Electricians’ Examining Board Exam Application form along with supporting documents.
Taking the Master Electrician exam
To pass the exam, you need to get a minimum score of 70%. The open book exam comprises of 100 questions. You’ll be given 4 hours to complete the exam.
Content Outline
Exam Topic Percent
General Electrical Knowledge 10
Wiring and Protection 25
Wiring Methods and Materials 20
Equipment for General Use 20
Special Occupancies 10
Special Equipment 5
Special Conditions 5
Communications Systems 5
For more information on the Master Electrician exam, please visit the official Candidate Information Bulletin.
Limited Electrician
As the term suggests, a Limited Electrician is an individual whose duty is to perform electrical work related to a specific category for which he is licensed.
The Electricians’ Board issues limited licenses for the following categories: Low Energy, Gas Dispense, House Wiring, Outdoor Signs, Refrigeration, Traffic Signals, Water Pumps, and Crane Technicians.
Requirements
- Show documentation of work experience specific to the category of the limited electrician license you’re applying for. For instance, to qualify for the limited electrician house wiring license, you need to have 225 hours of electrical education and 4,000 hours of experience (visit this link to access the requirements for each category).
- Pay the required fees ($25 application fee, $50 exam fee, $150 licensure fee, and $21 criminal background check fee)
- Fill out and submit the Electricians Examining Board Exam Application form along with supporting documents.
Taking the Limited Electrician exam
For exam details on each category of the limited electrician license, please refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin published by Prometric.
Journeyman Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician is a professional electrician working under the employ of a Master Electrician, Limited Electrician or an electrical firm.
Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience as an apprentice or helper electrician -OR- a minimum of 8,000 hours of experience performing electrical installations (see section 1101), and complete 576 hours in a study program approved by the Board or by an accredited institution. (those 576 hours must include 25 hours of required study and at least 45 hours studying the current National Electrical Code from an approved course)
- Must be a graduate of an accredited vocational high school two-year electrical program, and complete 8,000 hours of work doing electrical installations under the employ of a master electrician or any equivalent and complete a course of at least 45 hours in the current National Electrical Code.
- Must be a graduate of an accredited community college electrical program and have completed 4,000 hours of work experience in the field of electrical installations under the supervision or employ of a Master Electrician or the equivalent, including a minimum of 45 hours of National Electrical Code training.
- Pay the required fees ($25 application fee, $50 exam fee, $150 licensure fee, and $21 criminal background check fee)
- Submit a completed Electricians Examining Board Exam Application form along with supporting documents.
Taking the Journeyman Electrician exam
The Journeyman Electrician exam is an open book exam comprising 80 questions, which you need to complete within a 3-hour limit. The passing score is 70%.
To learn more about the Journeyman Electrician exam, including test center locations, test regulations, required study, and more, go to the official Candidate Information Bulletin.
Content Outline
Exam Topic Percent
General Electrical Knowledge 10
Wiring and Protection 25
Wiring Methods and Materials 30
Equipment for General Use 20
Special Occupancies 5
Special Equipment 3
Special Conditions 2
Communications Systems 5
Apprentice Electrician
An apprentice electrician is a professional in training working on electrical installations under the supervision of a master electrician, journeyman electrician, or limited electrician. You don’t have to take an exam to obtain an apprentice license. However, you are still required to register with the Apprenticeship Council of Main through the Department of Labor.
Requirements
- Fill out and submit the Apprentice Application form.
- Pay the required fees ($50 license fee, $25 application fee, and $21 criminal background check fee)
Helper Electrician
A helper electrician is responsible for performing electrical installations under the employ of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical firm and under the direct supervision of a master electrician, limited electrician, or journeyman electrician. You don’t need to take an exam to obtain a helper electrician license.
Requirements
- Submit a completed Individual License Application
- Pay the required fees ($25 application fee, $50 licensure fee and $21 criminal background check fee).
Journeyman-in-Training Electrician
A Journeyman-in-Training Electrician is responsible for installing electrical systems under the employ of a master electrician, limited electrician, or an electrical firm and under the supervision of a master, limited, or journeyman electrician.
Requirements
- Must have graduated from an accredited Maine community college or a Department of Corrections’ electrical program.
- Pass the journeyman-in-training electrician exam (passing score is 70%).
- Has completed 2,000 hours of work experience as an electrician.
- Pay the required fees ($25 application fee, $50 exam fee, $150 licensure fee and $21 criminal background check fee)
Renewal Information
Renewal fee: $150
Terms: Every two years
Plumbing Licenses
Plumbers are essential in any community, ensuring that our pipes and gutters are running smoothly. As such, there’s no shortage of project opportunities for professional plumbers in Maine.
That said, plumbing contractors or plumbers-in-training are required to obtain the proper license to render their services in the State of Maine. The Plumbers’ Examining Board is responsible for the issuance of electrician licenses to applicants who want to perform plumbing work in the state.
The Plumbers’ Examining Board issues the following license types:
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Trainee Plumber
- Journeyman-in-Training
- Company License
Military Experience and Training
Have you acquired the relevant experience and training in the plumbing trade while doing service in the military? You’ll be glad to know that you will receive the appropriate credit for your service when applying for a Master or Journeyman Plumber license in Maine.
Before sending your application, make sure to contact:
Bob LeClair at 207-624-8678 or at robert.v.leclair@maine.gov
-OR-
Catherine Carroll at 207-624-8605 or at catherine.m.carroll@maine.gov
You also need to submit the following military documents:
- A copy of your DD Form 214, Report of Discharge
- A copy of your DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
Master Plumber
Earning a Master Plumber license the highest level of certification a plumber can have. Once you’ve become a Master Plumber in the State of Maine, not only can you perform plumbing work anywhere in the state, but you also have the authority to supervise Journeymen Plumbers and trainees during a plumbing project.
Requirements
- At least one year with 2,000 hours of work experience doing plumbing installations as a journeyman plumber.
- At least four years with 8,000 hours of work experience doing plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber
- Completed Plumbing Exam Application form.
- Pay the required fees ($25 Application fee, $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee)
Please send your application to the Plumbers’ Examining Board via online application or the address mentioned above.
Taking the Master Plumber Exam
You need to get a minimum score of 75% to pass the Master Plumber exam. The closed book exam has 100 questions, which you need to answer within a 3-hour limit.
Content Outline
Exam Topic Percent
General Knowledge 18
General Regulations 18
Plumbing Fixtures 10
Water Supply Systems 12
Drainage, Waste and Vents 18
Indirect Waste 4
Roof Drain Piping 3
Specialty Plumbing 5
Isometric Analysis 12
Journeyman Plumber
A Journeyman Plumber is responsible for performing plumbing installations and drainage work under the employ and supervision of a master plumber. A Journeyman Plumber can also do plumbing repairs in a part-time capacity.
Requirements
- At least two years with 4,000 hours of work experience performing plumbing installations under the direction of a licensed master plumber or the equivalent.
-OR-
Has taken a one-year plumbing program at a Maine Community College.
Taking the Journeyman Plumber exam
The Journeyman Plumber exam is a closed book exam consisting of 100 questions, which you need to complete within a 3-hour limit. You need to have a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam.
Content Outline
Exam Topic Percent
General Knowledge 18
General Regulations 18
Plumbing Fixtures 10
Water Supply Systems 12
Drainage, Waste
and Sanitary Vents 18
Indirect Waste 4
Roof Drain Piping 3
Specialty Plumbing 5
Isometric Analysis 12
Do you have any other questions about the Journeyman Plumber exam? For more information, you can access the official Candidate Information Bulletin published by Prometric. You can also contact the testing center through the contact information provided earlier in this section.
Trainee Plumber
A trainee plumber is a person who assists and performs plumbing installations under the direction of a journeyman or master plumber, typically to learn and gain experience in the trade.
Requirements
- Complete the Trainee Plumber License Application form
- Pay the required fees totaling $146 ($25 application fee, $100 license fee, and $21 criminal background check fee)
To apply online, click here.
Journeyman-in-Training
A Journeyman-in-Training is an individual who assists in plumbing installations under the supervision of a journeyman or a master plumber.
Requirements
- Completed Application form
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25.00, License fee of $100.00, and Criminal background check fee of $21.00)
Propane and Natural Gas Licenses
Propane and natural gas jobs can be challenging, but this particular field can be very rewarding for skilled and experienced contractors. From fixing gas leaks to working on defective gas regulators, propane and natural gas contractors are no doubt essential in every community.
Obtaining a license from the Maine Fuel Board is one of the first big steps you can take.
The Maine Fuel Board issues the following licenses.
- Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
- Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
- Limited Tank Installer
- Limited Wood Pellet Technician
- Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
- Gas Dispensing Station
- Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician
- Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician
- Propane and Natural Gas Helper
- Propane and Natural Gas Technician
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
An apprentice oil burner and/or solid fuel technician is an individual responsible for helping with oil burner installations, repairing and servicing of oil burning equipment under the direction of a licensed master oil burner technician.
Requirements
- Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Apprentice Application
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25, License fee of $40, and Criminal background check fee of $21)
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
A journeyman oil burner technician is someone who performs oil burning installations and repairs. A journeyman solid fuel technician, meanwhile, is an individual who is responsible for maintaining and installing solid fuel burning equipment. Both technicians work under the indirect supervision of a Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician.
Requirements
- Has completed at least a year of experience as a licensed apprentice.
- Has completed a minimum of 160 hours of study at a Board-approved course, including at least 75 hours of laboratory work on oil burning equipment and related systems and at least 6 months experience as a licensed apprentice; or
- Has completed a one-year Board-approved heating course at a Maine community college with at least 320 hours of study, including 150 hours of laboratory work on oil burning equipment and related systems.
- An affidavit verifying required licensed hours signed by a licensed Master Oil Burner Technician.
- Student certificate, Diploma, or Transcript proving that you’ve completed 160 or 320 hours of study.
- Completed Main Fuel Board Examination Application
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25.00, License fee of $100.00, Criminal background check fee of $21.00)
- Take and pass the Journeyman Oil Burner Technician exam.
Taking the Exam
The Journeyman Oil Burner Technician exam is a closed book exam consisting of 100 questions, which you need to answer within a 3-hour limit. You need to get a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.
Content Outline
Exam Topic Percentage
Combustion Air/Chimney,
Flue and Vents 3
Burners 5
Piping Valves and Storage 15
Appliances 8
Electrical and Motors 20
Ducts 8
Fuel Oil 6
Backflow Prevention 5
Tools and Equipment 15
Maine Laws and Rules 10
Safety 5
Limited Tank Installer
A Limited Tank Installer license can be issued to a manufactured housing mechanic for the purpose of allowing him to install outside residential heating oil tanks at manufactured housing, such as mobile homes.
Requirements
- Holds and maintains a manufactured housing mechanic’s license and has completed at least 4 hours of training in the installation of outside oil tanks from a Board-approved training program.
- Completed Limited Tank Installer application
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25.00, License fee of $50.00, and Criminal background check fee of $21.00)
Limited Wood Pellet Technician
A limited wood pellet technician’s scope of work includes cleaning the ash pan, scraping and cleaning the distribution tubes, cleaning the burning pot, cleaning the fan, and emptying fines from the collection box.
Requirements
- Completed Limited Wood Pellet Technician Application form
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25.00, License fee of $50.00, and Criminal background check fee of $21.00)
Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
A Master Oil Burner Technician is responsible for performing installations or servicing of oil burning equipment. A Master Solid Fuel Technician, meanwhile, engages in the installation and servicing of solid burning equipment.
Requirements
- Master Oil Burner Technician
Has completed at least 4 years of licensed experience, 2 of which as a licensed Journeyman.
- Master Solid Fuel Technician
Has completed a minimum of two years of licensed experience as an Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician.
- Affidavit verifying completion of required licensed hours signed by a licensed Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
- A licensed Master Oil Burner Technician is allowed to sit for the Master Solid Fuel exam without any solid fuel practical experience
- Completed Maine Fuel Board Exam Application form
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25.00, License fee of $200.00, and Criminal background check fee of $21.00)
Taking the Exams
The Master Oil Burner Technician is a closed book exam comprising 100 questions, which you can answer within 3 hours. The Master Solid Fuel Technician exam is also another closed book exam with 100 questions, which you must complete within 2.5 hours.
Master Oil Burner Technician
Exam Topic Percentage
Combustion Air and Chimneys 10
Burners 10
Piping Valves and Storage 15
Appliances 8
Electrical and Motors 10
Ducts 3
Fuel Oil 6
Master Solid Fuel Technician
Exam Topic Percentage
General Knowledge 20
Equipment 22
Design 23
Installation 10
Materials 2
Maintenance and Repair 9
Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician
An oil limited energy auditor technician’s responsibility involves the efficiency and combustion safety testing of oil-fired heating or oil-fired water heating equipment.
Requirements
-
- Proof that you’ve completed the Certified Building Analyst 1 certification test and field examination administered by the Building Performance Institute or an equivalent Maine residential certification program, or an equivalent Board-approved training program.
- Completed Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician form
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25, License fee of $50, and Criminal background check fee of $21)
Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician
It is the Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician’s duty to test the efficiency and safety of natural gas-fired or propane gas-fired space heating or water heating equipment.
Requirements
- Proof that you’ve completed a Certified Building Analyst 1 certification test and field exam at the Building Performance Institute, the equivalent Maine residential energy auditor certification program, or an equivalent Board-approved training program.
- Completed Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician form
- Pay the required fees (Application fee of $25, License fee of $50, and Criminal background check fee of $21)
Propane and Natural Gas Helper
A Propane and Natural Gas Helper’s sole duty is to provide assistance to a licensed contractor operating on propane and natural gas.
Requirements
- Completed Propane and Natural Gas Helper application form
- Pay the required fees (License fee of $20, Application fee of $25, and Criminal background check fee of $21)
Propane and Natural Gas Technician
A Propane and Natural Gas Technician has five license classifications, including:
- Delivery Technician
- Plant Operator
- Tank Setter and Outside Piping Technician
- Appliance Connection and Service Technician (up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance)
- Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician (over 500,000 BTUs per appliance)
Requirements
- Has completed a Board-approved training program.
- For the Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician license, the applicant must have an Appliance Connection and Service Technician license and pass the Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician exam, or has a Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician CETP certificate.
- Completed Propane and Natural Gas Technician Exam application form
- Pay the required fees (License fee of $100, Application fee of $25, and Criminal background check fee of $21)
- Has taken and passed the Propane and Natural Gas Technician exam (for more information on the exam, go to the official Candidate Information Bulletin published by Prometric).
General Contractors
As mentioned, there’s no specific license provided for general contractors in the state, at least not on a state-level in Maine, although you should always make sure to check local regulations too. If you do plan on working on any of the mentioned work, you will need to make sure you get the appropriate licenses to carry out the work.
Biggest Cities
City of Portland
Whether you’re a professional contractor or not, you are required to obtain the appropriate permit before engaging in the construction, alteration, repair, moving, or conversion of a building or structure in the City of Portland. The Permitting & Inspections Department is the division of the Portland municipality responsible for the management and issuance of permits and licenses in the city.
Below are home improvement projects that require a permit:
- Basement Finishes
- Decks/Porches
- Furnaces/Heating Appliances, including replacements (separate HVAC permit required)
- Accessory Structures (Sheds, Garages, Gazebos, etc.)
- Interior Remodeling
- All Plumbing Work (separate plumbing permit required)
- All Electrical Work (separate electrical permit required)
- Home additions
- Swimming pool installations
- Change of Use or Home Occupation
- Windows – Replacement or New Installations
You’ll need to obtain a building permit for the replacement of windows in the following scenarios:
- All commercial/institutional buildings
- All residential buildings with four or more units
How to obtain a Building Permit
To obtain a Building Permit, simply follow the steps enumerated in this How to Apply for a Permit guide.
City of Bangor
Licensed contractors are still required to obtain the appropriate permit from the Charter Township of Bangor before being allowed to render their services in the City of Bangor. Note that you need to register and pay a $10 annual fee on top of submitting a copy of your contractor’s license.
Applications and Permits
- Annual Permit
- Commercial Construction
- Contractor’s Registration Form
- Electrical Permit
- Mechanical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Residential Home Construction
- Roof/Siding/Windows/Door Permit
For the complete list, go to the following link: http://www.bangortownship.org/forms-applications-and-permits.html
City of Lewiston
Looking to render your services in Lewiston as a licensed contractor? You need to obtain the necessary permits from the Code Enforcement Division first.
Permits and Forms
- Permit Fee Schedule for the items below (Except for Electrical & Plumbing)
- Commercial Building Permit Application
- One- or Two-Family Unit Building Permit Application
- Electrical Permit (Electrical Permit Fee Schedule)
- Plumbing Permit (Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule)
For the complete list, go to this link.
City of South Portland
Are you a contractor looking to perform your trade in the City of Portland? Well then, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate permit from the municipal office first.
Requirements to obtain the permit:
- A completed trade-specific Permit Application form
- Copy of trade-specific Master license
- Permit fee in the form of cash or check (see relevant application form for rates)
- Etc, (see additional requirements in the relevant application form)
Permits and Forms
For the complete list of building permits, go to this link.
City of Auburn
As is the case with most big cities in Maine, the City of Auburn requires contractors to apply for the relevant permit before performing work anywhere in the city. You can apply for a permit at Auburn Hall, City Council Chambers.
Forms and Permits
For the complete list, go to this link.
Contractors License Reciprocity
Are you an out-of-state licensed contractor who wants to operate in Maine? If yes, you’re probably wondering if the credentials you earned from your home state will pre-qualify you to obtain an equivalent contractor’s license.
Let’s cut to the chase: There’s a fair chance that you have to go through the entire application process again — unless the state of Maine has entered into a reciprocal license agreement with your home state for the type of license you’re applying for.
Reciprocal License Agreement? What’s that?
Simply put, a reciprocal license agreement is a contract signed by two states in which a specific trade license obtained from one state is recognized by the other, and vice versa. For instance, if your home state has a reciprocal license agreement with the state of Maine, then you won’t need to apply and take the exam again. It bears noting, however, that the terms for reciprocal license agreements may vary on a case to case basis. For example, some reciprocal agreements may still require contractors to take the trade exam.
With that said, below is a list of reciprocal license agreements the state of Maine has entered into.
Master Electrician Reciprocity Agreements
The State of Maine has reciprocity agreements with selected states for the Master Electrician license and the Journeyman Electrician license.
Master Electrician
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
Journeyman Electrician
Requirements to obtain a reciprocal Master Electrician license
- Has been licensed by a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the State of Maine (New Hampshire and Vermont).
- Has been licensed and actively performed work as an electrician for at least six years
- Documentation of active work as an electrician (include letterhead detailing work performed signed by employer or employers.
Requirements to obtain a reciprocal Journeyman Electrician license
- Has been licensed by a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the State of Maine (New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming).
- Has been licensed and actively performed work as an electrician for at least four years.
- Documentation of active work as an electrician (include letterhead detailing work performed signed by employer or employers).