Select a state to see full licensing requirements — license types, experience hours, exams, reciprocity agreements, and direct links to the issuing board.
Licensing rules vary significantly from state to state. Here is what every HVAC technician and contractor needs to understand before starting work in a new state.
Most states require a contractor license before you can legally bid or perform HVAC work. Working without one exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and liability if something goes wrong. Some states license individual technicians; others license only the business entity — the lookup tool shows which applies to you.
EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for anyone who purchases or handles refrigerants — it applies in all 50 states regardless of local licensing. State contractor licenses are layered on top of EPA 608, not instead of it. You need both.
Many states will credit a license you already hold in another state, skipping the exam entirely. Reciprocity is not automatic — you typically still file an application and pay a fee. The agreements are often asymmetrical, so check the lookup tool for your specific state pair before assuming reciprocity applies.
Most licensed states require ongoing CE hours to renew — typically 4–8 hours per year or per renewal cycle. Approved courses often cover code updates, refrigerant regulations, and safety. Letting your license lapse usually means reapplying from scratch, so track your renewal dates.
The HVAC license hub has a dedicated page for every US state and territory, with detailed breakdowns of each license type, exam requirements, and renewal procedures.
Or click a state below
Select a state to see its licensing requirements
Coverage for all 50 states and Washington D.C.
