Contractor License from Illinois to Nevada: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Illinois state license to carry to Nevada: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Nevada does license this work, so ask the Nevada State Contractors Board whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
The issue on this move is the starting point: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no Illinois state license for Nevada to recognize. Nevada does license general contractors through the Nevada State Contractors Board: ask whether it credits a local license or documented experience, and expect its full application, business/law exam, financial statement and bond otherwise.
What changes, Illinois → Nevada
| Illinois (current) | Nevada (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee | $900 ($900 is what every applicant pays to reach an issued Nevada licence. It is two sequential stages of one pathway, not two alternatives: a $300 nonrefundable application fee due with the application, then a $600 biennial licence fee payable on approval before the licence is issued (and again every two years at renewal). Contractors performing qualified residential work also pay a Residential Recovery Fund assessment before initial issuance and at each two-year renewal - $200 up to a $1,000,000 limit, $500 over $1,000,000, $1,000 for unlimited licences - excluded from the range because it depends on the classification and monetary limit granted. The surety or cash bond ($2,000 or higher as set by the board, with a $200 biennial administrative fee on cash bond deposits), the Nevada Business and Law examination, financial review, and fingerprint processing are all separate.) |
| Processing time | None at state level — set by the local authority | Not published as a fixed range |
| Licensing authority | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program (general contractors are licensed municipally) | Nevada State Contractors Board |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Nevada sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Review Nevada's requirements on the Nevada State Contractors Board website (linked below) — rules change.
- Ask the Nevada State Contractors Board whether it credits a local Illinois license or your documented experience: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no state license to verify.
- Otherwise apply as a new applicant: meet Nevada's education/experience requirements and pass the exams it requires.
- Submit the application with fees ($900 ($900 is what every applicant pays to reach an issued Nevada licence. It is two sequential stages of one pathway, not two alternatives: a $300 nonrefundable application fee due with the application, then a $600 biennial licence fee payable on approval before the licence is issued (and again every two years at renewal). Contractors performing qualified residential work also pay a Residential Recovery Fund assessment before initial issuance and at each two-year renewal - $200 up to a $1,000,000 limit, $500 over $1,000,000, $1,000 for unlimited licences - excluded from the range because it depends on the classification and monetary limit granted. The surety or cash bond ($2,000 or higher as set by the board, with a $200 biennial administrative fee on cash bond deposits), the Nevada Business and Law examination, financial review, and fingerprint processing are all separate.)). Processing time: Not published as a fixed range.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada accept an Illinois contractor license?
There is no Illinois state license to carry to Nevada: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Nevada does license this work, so ask the Nevada State Contractors Board whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
Nevada's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the Illinois-to-Nevada move cost and how long does it take?
$900 ($900 is what every applicant pays to reach an issued Nevada licence. It is two sequential stages of one pathway, not two alternatives: a $300 nonrefundable application fee due with the application, then a $600 biennial licence fee payable on approval before the licence is issued (and again every two years at renewal). Contractors performing qualified residential work also pay a Residential Recovery Fund assessment before initial issuance and at each two-year renewal - $200 up to a $1,000,000 limit, $500 over $1,000,000, $1,000 for unlimited licences - excluded from the range because it depends on the classification and monetary limit granted. The surety or cash bond ($2,000 or higher as set by the board, with a $200 biennial administrative fee on cash bond deposits), the Nevada Business and Law examination, financial review, and fingerprint processing are all separate.) Processing time: Not published as a fixed range.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Possibly, for the trade it covers: Nevada's board accepts a NASCLA accredited exam in place of its own trade exam (verified 2026-09-01). The business/law exam, bond and application still apply.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-09-01.
- Nevada State Contractors Board - Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nevada State Contractors Board - New License Application form ($300 nonrefundable application fee; $2,000 minimum bond) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Nevada State Contractors Board - FAQ for General Requirements ($300 application processing fee, $600 biennial licence fee, Residential Recovery Fund assessments) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing (licensing, forms; reciprocity form is Chicago-only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois IDFPR — Roofing Contractors (no reciprocity provision) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-09-01
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