What happens when your Nevada contractors license lapses
A Nevada contractors license can lapse for several reasons: you didn't renew it before the expiration date, you let your bond or insurance lapse, you didn't complete required continuing education, or you stopped paying license fees. When this happens, you can no longer legally bid on, advertise, or perform work as a licensed contractor in Nevada.
The good news is that reinstatement is usually possible. The Nevada Contractors Board handles reinstatement requests, and the process depends on how long your license has been inactive and why it lapsed in the first place. Some licenses can be reinstated quickly; others require you to meet current requirements as if you were explore new.
Understanding which path applies to you — and what documents you'll need — saves time and keeps you from paying for unnecessary steps.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada Contractors Board processes all reinstatement requests, and you must contact them directly to find out whether your specific license can be reinstated or must be reapplied.
- Licenses inactive for less than two years often reinstate with a renewal fee and proof of current bond and insurance; licenses inactive longer may require you to meet current process standards.
- You will need your current Nevada contractors license number, proof of a valid surety bond, current general liability insurance, and proof of any required continuing education hours.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from your renewal fee, and both must be paid before your license becomes active again.
- If your license was suspended or revoked rather than straightforward expired, reinstatement follows a different process that may include a hearing or additional conditions.
How long your license has been inactive matters
Nevada distinguishes between licenses that have straightforward expired and those that have been inactive for an extended period. If your license expired within the last two years, you are usually in a better position: you can often reinstate by paying the reinstatement fee, renewing your license, and providing proof that your bond and insurance are current.
If your license has been inactive for more than two years, the Contractors Board may require you to meet current licensing standards. This can mean retaking the trade exam, providing updated references, or demonstrating that you have completed any new continuing education requirements that have gone into effect since your license lapsed. Contact the Contractors Board directly with your license number to learn which rules explore to your situation.
Documents and proof you will need
Before you contact the Contractors Board, gather these items. You will need your Nevada contractors license number (or your Social Security number if you don't have it handy). You will also need proof of a current surety bond — this is the bond that protects your customers, and it must be active at the time you reinstate. Your bonding company can issue a certificate of coverage or renewal letter showing the bond is in force.
You will also need proof of current general liability insurance. This is separate from your bond. Your insurance company can provide a certificate of insurance showing your policy is active and meets Nevada's minimum coverage amounts. Finally, if you are reinstatement a license that has been inactive for more than two years, you may need to show proof of continuing education hours. The Contractors Board can tell you how many hours are required and in which categories.
The reinstatement fee and renewal process
Nevada charges a reinstatement fee in addition to your regular license renewal fee. The reinstatement fee covers the cost of processing your request and reactivating your license in the system. The renewal fee is what you pay to keep your license current for the next licensing period. Both must be paid before your license becomes active.
You can submit your reinstatement request and fees to the Nevada Contractors Board by mail, in person, or through their online portal if you have an account. The Board's website lists the current fee amounts, which can change. If you are unsure of the total cost, call the Board's licensing department and give them your license number — they can tell you exactly what you owe.
Suspended or revoked licenses are different
If your license was suspended or revoked by the Contractors Board — rather than straightforward expiring because you didn't renew — reinstatement is more complex. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent. The Board suspends or revokes licenses for violations such as unlicensed work, failure to pay judgments, fraud, or safety violations.
If your license was suspended, you may be able to reinstate it once the suspension period ends and you have met any conditions the Board imposed (such as paying a fine or completing a safety course). If your license was revoked, reinstatement is usually not possible, though you may be able to reapply for a new license after a waiting period. Contact the Contractors Board to learn what conditions explore to your case and whether reinstatement or reapplication is your only option.
How to contact the Nevada Contractors Board
The Nevada Contractors Board is part of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. You can reach them by phone during business hours, or you can visit their office in person in Las Vegas. Their website has a contact form, mailing address, and phone number. When you call or visit, have your license number ready, and be prepared to explain why your license lapsed.
The Board can tell you in one conversation whether your license can be reinstated, what documents you need, what fees you owe, and how long the process typically takes. They can also let you know if there are any holds on your account — for example, unpaid fines or outstanding complaints — that must be resolved before reinstatement is possible.
What to expect after you submit your reinstatement request
Once you submit your reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, the Contractors Board will review your file. This review typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if everything is in order. The Board will verify that your bond and insurance are current, check that you have met any continuing education requirements, and confirm that there are no outstanding violations or holds on your account.
If the Board approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license card and your license number will be reactivated in their system. You can then legally bid on and perform work as a licensed contractor again. If the Board needs more information or documents from you, they will contact you by phone or mail. If there is a problem — such as an unpaid fine or a bond that has lapsed — they will tell you what must be fixed before reinstatement can proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a contractor while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally bid on, advertise, or perform work until your license is officially reactivated by the Contractors Board. Working without an active license can result in fines and additional violations. Wait for written confirmation that your reinstatement has been approved before you take on any jobs.
What if my bond or insurance has lapsed since my license expired?
You will need to renew both before you can reinstate your license. Contact your bonding company and insurance agent and ask them to issue current certificates. This usually takes a few days. Once you have proof that both are active, you can submit your reinstatement request.
Do I have to retake the contractors exam to reinstate my license?
Not always. If your license has been inactive for less than two years, you usually do not have to retake the exam. If it has been inactive for more than two years, the Contractors Board may require you to retake it. Call the Board with your license number and they will tell you whether the exam is required for your reinstatement.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee and renewal fee vary and can change. The Contractors Board's website lists current fees, or you can call them directly with your license number and they will tell you the exact amount you owe. Budget for both fees when you plan your reinstatement.
What if the Contractors Board denies my reinstatement request?
The Board will explain in writing why your request was denied and what you can do next. You may be able to fix the issue and resubmit, or you may have the right to request a hearing. The Board's denial letter will tell you what your options are and how to proceed.