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Contractor Licensing

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Who We Are:

The City Planning and Development Department - Permits Division administers contractor licensing registration and renewals within the city limits of the City of Kansas City, MO. The division is located on the 5th floor of City Hall.  You may contact us by email at cdlicensing@kcmo.org or call us (816) 513-1500 ext 1 option 2.

Walk-in customer hours are Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 4:00PM (excluding observed holidays). Walk-in customers are advised to arrive on the 5th floor no later than 3:45pm to ensure timely service.

The Contractor Licensing team enforces licensing requirements of Article XII of the Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code.

How do I Become a Licensed Contractor with KCMO?
  1. Obtain your business license from the Finance Department.
  2. Apply for a Certificate of Qualification (Professional License) in the respective trade(s) for which you will perform work through CompassKC (to be applied for by the qualified individual/supervisor).  See required reference letters and trade requirements list below for more information.
  3. Once you have both a business license and a Certificate of Qualification established, you can then apply for the Contractor License for the business through CompassKC. 

Here are guides to help you through this process:

Certificate of Qualification (Professional License) Guide

Businesses Contractor Licensing Guide

CompassKC System Help Guides

Help Guides

For Contractors: Information Bulletin guides for Contractor Licensing and ICC Testing

Contractor Licensing and Certification Requirements (Information Bulletin IB118)

Cash Deposits Requirements for Contractors (Information Bulletin IB134)

Insurance Requirements for Contractors (Information Bulletin IB135)

Residential Building Contractor Licensing FAQs (Information Bulletin IB152)

International Code Council (ICC) Testing Catalog - November 10, 2025

For Property Owners, Residents, and Business Owners: Selecting a Contractor

Search for licensed contractors in Kansas City, MO: Residents, property owners, and business owners are encouraged to search the city's database of active licensed contractors to find appropriately licensed contractors with the City of Kansas City, MO.

 

Available Trades for Certificates of Qualification (Professional License)

Demolition Contractors

Electrical Contractors

Elevator Contractors 

Fire Protection Contractors (fire sprinkler and suppression systems)

Gas-Fired Applicance Contractors

Mechanical Contractors

Operating Engineers

Plumbing Contractors

Residential Building Contractors

Sign Contractors