NAICS 236118
What permits does a contractor or trade need?
In short
A contractor or trade typically needs 5 permits to open, though the exact set and the fees depend entirely on the city and county. Across the jurisdictions we cover, filing fees run around $395 and openings take 3–6 weeks.
Pre-launch build. The permit records on this page are sample data used to build the site structure. None has yet been verified against a primary source, so nothing here should be relied on.
The permits a contractor or trade usually carries
| Permit | Issuing agency | Fee | Renews | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor Licence | TN Board for Licensing Contractors | $250 | every 2 years | 09 Aug 2026 |
| Contractor Surety Bond | TN Board for Licensing Contractors | Varies by limit | annually | Re-check due · 94 days |
| Home Improvement Registration | TN Board for Licensing Contractors | $130 | every 2 years | 09 Aug 2026 |
| Standard Business Licence | Metro County Clerk | $15 | annually | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Sales & Use Tax Certificate | TN Dept. of Revenue | No fee | no expiry | 12 Aug 2026 |
Do the requirements change between cities?
Substantially. The categories of permit a contractor or trade needs are broadly consistent nationally, but the issuing agency, the fee, the renewal term and the filing order all change at city and county level. This is why a national checklist is a starting point rather than an answer.
Contractors and trades by city
Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.