Kentucky Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Kentucky contractor licensing uses a dual framework. Certain trades are licensed at the state level by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC), while many building and specialty contractor activities are regulated locally by city or county boards. Understanding where your trade is licensed—state, local, or both—is the key to getting approved quickly.
Below you will find clear, trade-by-trade guidance. State‑level licenses appear first, followed by local licenses organized by trade. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for Kentucky below; this guide is updated periodically as additional jurisdictions are researched or requested.
As you plan your application, remember that most applicants also need to register their business and meet insurance and workers’ compensation requirements. When you work across multiple municipalities, expect separate registrations or licenses with different insurance minimums and renewal calendars.
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Overview of Kentucky Contractor Licensing
Kentucky uses a mixed system for contractor regulation. The Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) issues statewide licenses for Electrical Contractors, Master Electricians, Master Plumbers, and HVAC Master Contractors. Building contractors and many specialty trades are licensed or registered locally by cities and counties.
Prominent local authorities include the Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and the Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board. Each local board sets its own fee schedule, insurance minimums, and documentation requirements, so contractors working in multiple jurisdictions often maintain several local approvals in addition to any state license they hold.
In practice, your path depends on your scope of work. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors should secure their DHBC credential first. General building and specialty trades should start with the municipality where the project is located and confirm any local licensing or registration steps before pulling permits.
State-Level Licenses in Kentucky
State-level licenses are issued through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC). These credentials authorize statewide practice for specific trades and often require a trade exam, proof of insurance, and business documentation. In Kentucky, statewide licensing applies to Electrical Contractors, Master Electricians, Master Plumbers, and HVAC Master Contractors.
Details for each state credential appear below. Local building and specialty contractor registrations are covered later by trade.
State-Level Electrician Licenses
Electrical Contractor License
Regulatory authority: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) — https://dhbc.ky.gov
Requirements:
- Must employ a Master Electrician.
- Submit completed EL-2 Electrical Contractor License Application.
- Provide passport photo.
- Provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage (as applicable).
- Exam required.
Fees:
- Application fee: $200, payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.
Insurance:
- General Liability minimum: $500,000.
Contact DHBC to confirm exam provider, renewal cycle, and any current documentation formatting requirements before applying.
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Master Electrician License
Regulatory authority: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) — https://dhbc.ky.gov
Requirements:
- Six (6) years of experience as an electrician.
- Submit completed EL-3 Electrician License Application.
- Provide passport photo.
- Exam required.
Fees:
- Application fee: $100, payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.
Contact DHBC to confirm exam provider, renewal cycle, and any experience documentation specifics before applying.
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State-Level Plumbing Licenses
Master Plumber License
Regulatory authority: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) — https://dhbc.ky.gov
Requirements:
- Submit completed PLB-1 Master Plumber License Application.
- Provide passport photo.
- Exam required.
Fees:
- License fee: $250, payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.
Insurance:
- General liability insurance required.
- Workers’ compensation required (or as applicable).
Contact DHBC to confirm exam provider, experience pathways, and renewal schedule prior to applying.
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State-Level HVAC Licenses
HVAC Master Contractor License
Regulatory authority: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) — https://dhbc.ky.gov
Requirements:
- Two (2) years of mechanical experience.
- Exam required (includes Business & Law content).
- Submit completed HVAC 1 – Master Contractor License Application.
- Provide passport photo.
Fees:
- Application fee: $145.83 to $375 (varies by application date), payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.
Insurance:
- General Aggregate liability minimum: $800,000.
Contact DHBC to confirm the current exam provider, application window impacts on fees, and renewal/continuing education policies.
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Electrician Licenses in Kentucky
Local jurisdictions in Kentucky that issue their own electrician licenses are listed below. State-level electrician licenses are covered in the State-Level Licenses section above.
Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Electrical (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements:
- Completed Contractors License Application.
- Certificate of Insurance showing required coverage.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Occupational license if business is located within city limits.
Fees: License: $100.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $100,000.
Contact the Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board to confirm any local exam or competency criteria and renewal cycle details.
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Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky
Local jurisdictions in Kentucky that issue their own plumbing licenses are listed below.
Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Plumbing (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements:
- Completed Contractors License Application.
- Certificate of Insurance with required coverage.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Occupational license if business is located within city limits.
Fees: License: $100.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $100,000.
Contact the Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board to confirm local competency requirements and renewal timelines.
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HVAC Licenses in Kentucky
Kentucky issues a statewide HVAC Master Contractor license through DHBC (see the State-Level Licenses section above). In addition, some cities and counties require local registration to pull permits or conduct business within their jurisdiction. EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for technicians who handle refrigerants and applies in all jurisdictions.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- Bowling Green-Warren County Contractors Licensing Board: Local contractor licensing and specialty registrations; verify HVAC classifications, insurance minimums, and any local competency criteria directly with the Board. Registration information: https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
- Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations: Building contractor licensing and business registration; confirm whether separate HVAC registration is needed for permitting in Louisville and the applicable insurance requirements. Registration information: https://louisville.gov
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government: Contractor registration for work within Fayette County; verify HVAC-specific registration or documentation needs for permit issuance. Registration information: https://lexingtonky.gov
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.
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📍 Kentucky Uses Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in Kentucky is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. As a result, application forms, insurance minimums, exams, and renewal cycles can vary from one jurisdiction to another.
What this means for you:
- Contact the specific city or county where you will perform work to confirm current requirements.
- Expect to maintain multiple licenses if you work across different municipalities.
- Insurance certificates may need to name each city/county individually.
- Renewal cycles and CE requirements vary — track each separately.
To prepare efficiently for any required local competency exams, use code-focused study materials matching the code editions used by your jurisdiction. Browse Kentucky contractor license practice tests and study material.
General Contractor Licenses in Kentucky
Local jurisdictions in Kentucky that issue their own general contractor licenses are listed below.
Louisville Building Contractor Type A-R (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations — https://louisville.gov
Classification: Type A – Residential
Requirements:
- Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission occupational license number.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Insurance certificate naming Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder.
- Continuing Education: 6 hours annually.
Fees: License: $125.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 (per person or aggregate), including Products & Completed Operations.
Confirm current renewal dates, CE provider acceptance, and permitting procedures with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations.
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Louisville Building Contractor Type A-RC (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations — https://louisville.gov
Classification: Type A – Residential/Commercial
Requirements:
- Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission occupational license number.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Insurance certificate naming Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder.
- Continuing Education: 6 hours annually.
Fees: License: $125.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 (per person or aggregate), including Products & Completed Operations.
Confirm renewal schedule, CE documentation standards, and permit-issuing steps with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations.
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Louisville Building Contractor Type A-C (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations — https://louisville.gov
Classification: Type A – Commercial
Requirements:
- Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission occupational license number.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Insurance certificate naming Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder.
- Continuing Education: 6 hours annually.
Fees: License: $125.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 (per person or aggregate), including Products & Completed Operations.
Verify renewal dates, CE reporting, and permit application submission channels with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations.
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Louisville Building Contractor Type B-Residential (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations — https://louisville.gov
Classification: Type B – Residential (limited)
Requirements:
- Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission occupational license number.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Insurance certificate naming Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder.
- Limit: One permit per year.
Fees: License: $50.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 (per person or aggregate), including Products & Completed Operations.
Confirm permit limitations, renewal dates, and any documentation updates with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations.
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Louisville Building Contractor Type B-Commercial (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations — https://louisville.gov
Classification: Type B – Commercial (limited)
Requirements:
- Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission occupational license number.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Insurance certificate naming Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations as certificate holder.
- Limit: One permit per year.
Fees: License: $50.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 (per person or aggregate), including Products & Completed Operations.
Confirm renewal and permit issuance limitations with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations before bidding work.
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Lexington General Contractor (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government — https://lexingtonky.gov
Scope: Commercial, industrial, public works and/or residential construction larger than four-family homes.
Requirements:
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Certificate of current business license.
- Participation in mediation selection and certification.
- Notarized application; Certificate of Occupancy for commercial locations.
Fees: Initial: $40 + Annual: $200 (Total: $240).
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $500,000 per occurrence.
Office: Revenue Department, 200 E. Main St., 2nd Floor, Lexington, KY 40507
Application information: Lexington – How to Register as a Contractor
Confirm renewal timeline, acceptable proof-of-insurance formats, and permitting steps with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
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Lexington General Contractor – Residential Only (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government — https://lexingtonky.gov
Scope: Up to four-family homes or home remodeling.
Requirements:
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Certificate of current business license.
- Participation in mediation selection and certification.
- Notarized application; Certificate of Occupancy for commercial locations (if applicable).
Fees: Initial: $40 + Annual: $75 (Total: $115).
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $250,000 per occurrence.
Office: Revenue Department, 200 E. Main St., 2nd Floor, Lexington, KY 40507
Application information: Lexington – How to Register as a Contractor
Confirm renewal cycle, insurance certificate language, and any residential-permitting prerequisites with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
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Bowling Green General Contractor License (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements:
- Completed Contractors License Application.
- Certificate of Insurance showing required coverage.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Occupational license if business is located within city limits.
Fees: License: $250.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $100,000.
Contact the Board to confirm renewal dates, project classification thresholds, and any competency documentation that may be requested.
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Roofing Licenses in Kentucky
Local jurisdictions in Kentucky that issue their own roofing licenses are listed below. Roofing is handled at the city or county level in Kentucky.
Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Roofing (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements:
- Completed Contractors License Application.
- Certificate of Insurance with required coverage.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit (if no employees).
- Occupational license if business is located within city limits.
Fees: License: $100.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $100,000.
Contact the Board to confirm renewal dates, documentation standards, and any local workmanship or safety program requirements.
Exam Prep: Roofing code and safety topics in PDF format, typically 1,500–2,500 practice questions with answer keys and code references. Study offline; no time or use limits. Browse Kentucky contractor license practice tests and study material.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Kentucky
Local jurisdictions in Kentucky that issue specialty trade licenses are listed below. State-level specialty credentials beyond electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are administered through other DHBC programs but are not detailed here; confirm specific specialty requirements with the responsible state or local authority.
Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Carpentry (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements:
- Contractors License Application with supporting documents.
- Certificate of Insurance and workers’ compensation coverage or affidavit.
- Occupational license if business is within city limits.
Fees: License: $100.
Insurance: General Liability minimum: $100,000.
Contact the Board to confirm renewal, bonding (if any), and scope limitations for carpentry work.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Drywall (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal terms and inspection requirements for drywall activities with the Board.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Fencing (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal schedule and any zoning or line-marking requirements prior to installation work.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Framing (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal timing and any framing inspection sequencing with the Board and local building officials.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Glass and Glazing (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal policies and any safety glazing or wind-load documentation requested by permit staff.
Exam Prep: Code-referenced PDF materials (1,500–2,500 questions) with answer keys and exact code section locators. Offline; no time or use limits. Browse Kentucky contractor license practice tests and study material.
Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Handyman (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal requirements and any scope limitations for handyman work with the Board.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Landscaping (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal and any local environmental or right-of-way rules that apply to landscaping work.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Masonry (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal schedule and any structural inspection sequencing before masonry work begins.
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Bowling Green Specialty Contractor – Siding (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: Bowling Green–Warren County Contractors Licensing Board — https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Contact: PO Box 1268, Bowling Green, KY 42102 | Phone: 270-393-3000
Requirements: Application, COI, workers’ comp or affidavit, and occupational license if operating in city limits.
Fees: $100 license fee.
Insurance: GL minimum $100,000.
Confirm renewal and any local weather barrier or flashing documentation needed for inspections.
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Working in additional specialty categories? Prepare efficiently with code-focused study sets for Kentucky. Browse Kentucky contractor license practice tests and study material.
Application Process
- For state-level licenses: Determine which state license applies (Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC)
- Register business with Kentucky Department of Revenue and County Clerk or Secretary of State
- Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number if applicable
- Register for Tax Accounts and Commonwealth Business Identifier
- For state-level: Complete appropriate DHBC application form (EL-2, EL-3, PLB-1, or HVAC-1)
- Submit proof of required insurance (varies by license type)
- Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance
- Provide passport photo
- Pass required examination
- Pay application fees
- For local licensing: Contact specific city/county licensing board for municipal requirements
Timeline: Varies – contact licensing authority for specific processing times
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Kentucky?
Processing times vary by license type and jurisdiction. Contact DHBC for state licenses and the specific city/county board for local approvals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Kentucky?
Kentucky does not maintain broad reciprocity for these licenses. Verify with DHBC whether any current agreements or exam waivers apply to your trade.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by the exam provider and the licensing authority. Confirm waiting periods, fees, and retest procedures with DHBC or the relevant local board.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Minimums vary by credential: for example, DHBC Electrical Contractors require at least $500,000 in general liability, DHBC HVAC Master Contractors require $800,000 general aggregate, and local boards set their own thresholds (e.g., Louisville $250,000 GL; Lexington $250,000–$500,000 GL; Bowling Green $100,000 GL).
How do I renew my license?
Renewal cycles and CE requirements vary. Consult DHBC for state licenses and your local board (Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, etc.) for municipal renewals.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Local licensing in Kentucky can vary. Always verify with your city/county building department, as local rules control permitting and jobsite compliance.
Where can I find practice tests for Kentucky exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Kentucky contractor license exams. Each set typically includes 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Browse Kentucky contractor practice tests.
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Licensing Information & Applications
https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing/info
Official City Government Site | Accessed: 2026-05-05 -
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction – Licensing Forms
https://dhbc.ky.gov/new_docs.aspx?cat=150
Official State Government Site | Accessed: 2026-05-05 -
City of Lexington, Kentucky – How to Register as a Contractor
https://www.lexingtonky.gov/working/bids-quotes-rfps/how-register-contractor
Official City Government Site | Accessed: 2026-05-05
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (State); Municipal/County Boards (Local):
- Website: https://dhbc.ky.gov
- Phone: 502-573-0397
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some licensing in Kentucky is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.