HVAC License Reciprocity By State

It can be difficult to anticipate where an HVAC job will take you. After all, new opportunities can pop up in any office building, house, city, or state.

If you find yourself facing a potential move, there's a lot that you'll need to consider. Will you be opening a second location? Do you have the right systems in place, like good HVAC business software? Is there a central area where you can establish a new office that will bring in foot traffic? Have you thought about advertising costs or the average wage or HVAC salary in this state? Most importantly, what about licensing? Will you be able to work in your new state with your current contractor license class? Or will you need to become re-certified? And if recertification is the only option, how much will it cost?

We get it. These questions can be overwhelming at first. Each state has its own regulations and requirements for HVAC contractors' licenses. You’re already established in your old state. You've already spent a lot of time studying to get your current license. So, it's hard to imagine having to spend even more time and effort retaking those tests. You'd rather be able to jump straight into work in your new state.

Thankfully, there's a fast and cost-efficient option for a newly relocated HVAC technician or business: HVAC license reciprocity. This option makes the move simple, allowing contractors to start working in their new state almost immediately.

What is HVAC License Reciprocity?

License reciprocity can help you start working in your new state faster. HVAC license reciprocity lets contractors transfer their existing license between states. This means you likely won't have to retake all the necessary tests for an HVAC business license. Or at least you won't have to take them when you first move to the state. Instead, your current license will be enough proof that you have the practical experience, are in good standing in that state, and meet that board’s licensing standards. That means it can count towards part of - or all - of your new state's contractor licenses requirements. Depending on the state's laws, you may even be able to avoid fees and having to pass exams.

Even if states don’t offer any reciprocal licensing agreements, it’s a good idea to contact your local licensing boards before applying. There may be waivers for certification requirements available that aren’t listed on the website.

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How Much Does A Reciprocal License Cost?

Reciprocal license costs differ by state and can range anywhere from $0 to $650. The average reciprocal license cost is generally between $75-$140. Some states require you to pay a fee to submit the license as well as a fee to process or send out the license. Others may not charge anything as everything is done digitally. However, getting licensed in a new state can come with additional costs and requirements, like a licensing exam fee or liability insurance. Additionally, the license class you apply for (journeyman and master) can impact cost.

What Other Requirements Are Needed For Contractor License Reciprocity?

You may need to take trade exams or get specific HVAC certifications when moving to a new state. Most states require you to have a journeyman license in order to work independently, but some may require a master’s or restrict what kind of what you can do based on your existing  license class. So, you may need to apply for a different license class. Licensing requirements are always changing, so you’ll want to confirm requirements with resources like your local licensing board. And many states will typically require some sort of insurance, namely liability coverage.

What Kind of HVAC Insurance Do I Need?

Most states require contractors to have liability coverage. Liability insurance usually costs between $300–$10,000 a year, or $700 a year on average. The amount of insurance coverage you need often varies state to state, with some requiring as high as $200,000. Others may have additional insurance requirements like Disability Insurance and Workers Compensation.

Types Of Insurance HVAC Contractors May Need

• Commercial General Liability Insurance
• Commercial Property Insurance
• Business Owner’s Policy
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Surety Bonds
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• Inland Marine Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Applying For State License Reciprocity

Each state has different requirements and a different application process when applying for licenses. It's important that you do as much research as possible on reciprocity before relocating, so you're well prepared to start working in or expand your business to a new state. For example, you'll want to learn whether there are continuing education requirements when it comes time to renew your license, liability insurance is required, which license types are necessary to do the work you do, or whether that state's licensing exam is required after a set period of time. The better prepared you are when moving, the faster you'll be able to get legally established and be ready to find new jobs.

Some states' HVAC reciprocal license agreements allow other states' licenses to count for all of their requirements, so no additional testing is needed. You'll still have to register and fill out a license application before working, just to prove and establish yourself as a registered HVAC contractor, but other than that, it's a faster and (relatively) easier road to beginning work in your new state.

Other states will allow your current license type to count for part of their requirements. This means that you may be authorized to do some work in your new state under certain codes, but maybe not all of the work you're licensed to do in your previous state under their codes. For example, you might be qualified to do residential work, but not commercial.

Again, research is your friend here. You'll be able to find out exactly what required license is needed for an HVAC technician to perform the work you want to do with some Internet searching or phone calls, and get more information about how to expand your work under your new state's codes.

Where Can Contractors Find An Application To Apply For A License?

First, you’ll need to navigate to the state licensing board’s website, which we’ve listed below. From there, you’ll want to search for the HVAC licensing section. This section’s name can differ wildly. Mechanical contractor, refrigeration contractor, conditioned air contractor, and construction contractor are just a few of the names you'll see HVAC licensing under. From there, you’ll find either a form you can submit through email or email as indicated at the top of the form, or an online portal to fill out this information digitally.

What States Do Not Require An HVAC License?

States that do not require an HVAC license include:

• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Wyoming

However, you’ll want to check local level licensing requirements. Some cities have their own separate requirements. You can check our list of HVAC license requirements by state for more information.

HVAC License Reciprocity By State

Unfortunately, not all states offer HVAC license reciprocity. Even some cities or localities may have differing reciprocity rules. Should you face this issue, look at your local board's requirements. Even if there isn't full reciprocity, the board may validate your licensing on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a choice between states to relocate to, determining their HVAC license reciprocity should be a huge factor in that decision. It'll be worth it when you're able to start looking for jobs or projects within your first few days.

We've been encouraging you to do your own research, but we understand it can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a cheat sheet. You'll find a list of each state’s reciprocity agreements and links to local licensing requirements below!

Alabama

Certification Authority: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors

Reciprocity: Alabama accepts equivalent HVAC contractor licenses from Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Ohio.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed yearly by December 31.

Renewal Cost: The renewal fee is $220 for active licenses or $110 for inactive licenses.

Changes: To update the contractor’s legal name or business name, file the Board’s Change‑of‑Status or License‑Modification request and return the original certificate. The re‑issued license costs $25.

Replacement: If the wall certificate or wallet card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, send the Board a notarized statement of loss and pay the $25 duplicate‑license fee.

Alaska

Certification Authority: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing

Reciprocity: Alaska does not offer reciprocity with any other state.

Renewal: Biennially by December 31st.

Renewal Cost: $200 if longer than two years, $100 if prorated.

Changes: File a Change of Name, Address, or Employer form to update the license; no fee.

Replacement: Download a duplicate certificate free through the MyLicense portal or request a mailed copy for $5.

Arizona

Certification Authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Reciprocity: Arizona does not grant full HVAC license reciprocity. However, Arizona may waive the trade exam if you already hold an equivalent license in California, Nevada, or Utah. To request the waiver, download and submit the Arizona ROC Waiver Request Form .

Renewal: Every two years on the license anniversary date.

Renewal Cost: $480 for Specialty Commercial, $540 for Specialty Residential, $650 for Specialty Dual.

Changes: You can make changes to your license using these forms .

Replacement: You can request a replacement HVAC business license using these forms .

Arkansas

Certification Authority: Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing

Reciprocity: Arkansas honors HVAC contractor licenses from Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Qualified applicants submit the Reciprocal License Application and pay the standard license fee; no trade exam is required.

Renewal: Annually on the license’s original issue date.

Renewal Cost: Same as the initial license fee. Class A Contractor: $200 per year, Class B Contractor: $150 per year, Class C Contractor: $100 per year, Class D or E Contractor: $150 per year, and HVACR Registrant: $25 per year.

Changes: $15 to revise a license (name, address, business affiliation, or license class transfer).

Replacement: $15 for a duplicate or lost license/ID card (requires a notarized statement of loss).

California

Certification Authority: Contractors State License Board

Reciprocity: California has no full HVAC license reciprocity. However, CSLB may waive the trade exam for applicants who hold an equivalent HVAC classification in Arizona, Nevada, or Louisiana and have maintained that license in good standing for at least five of the past seven years. The California Business & Law exam is still required.

Renewal: Active licenses renew every 2 years on the license anniversary date; inactive licenses renew every 4 years.

Renewal Cost: $450–$700 for active licenses and $300–$500 for inactive licenses, with higher fees for late renewals

Changes: Changing the business name on a California contractor license costs $100, whereas updating the address, phone, or email is free. You can make changes to your license here .

Replacement: Duplicate wall certificate or pocket license is $25 per item.

Colorado

Colorado does not require licensing on the state level, check local authorities’ requirements.

Connecticut

Certification Authority: Department of Consumer Protection

Reciprocity: Connecticut does not have a reciprocal agreement with any other state.

Renewal: Annually on August 31st.

Renewal Cost: $150

Changes: Address, phone, or email updates are free and can be submitted through the online portal or by email to the Department of Consumer Protection.

Replacement: Duplicate license card costs $5 (requires a notarized statement of loss).

District of Columbia

Certification Authority: Board of Industrial Trades

Reciprocity: The District of Columbia does not offer reciprocity with any other state

Renewal: Every 2 years.

Renewal Cost: $155 for an HVAC Mechanic license; $180 for an HVAC Contractor license.

Changes: Address, phone, or email updates can be filed online at no charge. You can make changes to your license through the online booking portal here .

Replacement: A duplicate license card costs $30.

Delaware

Certification Authority: Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Reciprocity: Delaware accepts contractor licenses from Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland as substantially similar, allowing applicants to apply by reciprocity without submitting experience documents; licenses from other states are evaluated case‑by‑case and may require proof of seven years of experience.

Renewal: Delaware requires HVAC contractors to renew their license October 31st of even years.

Renewal Cost: Shown in DELPROS when you renew, with a 50 percent late fee added after the deadline.

Changes: Use a Service Request in DELPROS to update name, contact details, business status, or inactive status.

Replacement: Request a duplicate license through DELPROS ; the fee, if any, is shown when the request is submitted.

Florida

Certification Authority: Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Reciprocity: Florida has no formal HVAC reciprocity; out‑of‑state contractors may apply for licensure by endorsement, but the Florida Business & Finance exam is still required.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by August 31 of each odd-numbered year.

Renewal Cost: Active renewal $105 (or $155 if the license also qualifies a business); inactive renewal $30.

Changes: Business name changes require a $50 fee using Form CILB 23 . Updates to address, phone, or email can be made for free through the online portal.

Replacement: DBPR no longer mails paper licenses; you can print a duplicate certificate free at any time from your online account

Georgia

Certification Authority: Division of Conditioned Air Contractors of the Construction Industry Licensing Board

Reciprocity: Georgia does not offer reciprocity with any other state at this time.

Renewal: Every 2 years including four hours continuing education.

Renewal Cost: $75

Changes: Updates to name, address, or business information can be made through the online portal.

Replacement: Duplicate license requests can be submitted through the portal; fees may apply depending on the request type.

Hawaii

Certification Authority: Department of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing

Reciprocity: Hawaii does not offer reciprocity with any other state.

Renewal: September 30th of every even-numbered year.

Renewal Cost: $160–$338 depending on license type and status.

Changes: Updates to name, address, or other license details can be submitted through the online portal .

Idaho

Certification Authority: Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Reciprocity: Idaho does not offer reciprocity with any other state.

Renewal: Licenses renew every 3 years (apprentice registrations renew annually).

Renewal Cost: $150 if renewed on time, $185 if renewed late.

Changes: Changes: Name, address, or business updates can be filed with the board; contact‑information changes are free.

Replacement: Duplicate license card fee is $10.

Illinois

No licensing requirement on state level, check local requirements.

Indiana

No licensing requirement on state level, check local licensure requirements.

Iowa

Certification Authority: Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board

Reciprocity: Iowa does not offer HVAC reciprocity with other states.

Renewal: Renews every 3 years, you can renew online here .

Renewal Cost: About $50–$240, depending on license type.

Changes: Update name, address, or other details in the online portal at no charge.

Replacement: Duplicate wall certificate or wallet card costs $20 each.

Kansas

No contractor's license requirement on state level, check local requirements.

Kentucky

Certification Authority: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

Reciprocity: Kentucky accepts an equivalent Ohio Master HVAC contractor license for an exam waiver; all other applicants must pass Kentucky’s trade and business law exams.

Renewal: Annually, by the last day of the license holder’s birth month.

Renewal Cost: $250 for a Master license and $50 for a Journeyman license.

Changes: Name, address, or business affiliation changes require a written license revision request and a $15 processing fee, filed within 30 days of the change.

Replacement: There is a $15 fee to request a replacement for a lost or duplicate license or identification card.

Louisiana

Certification Authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

Reciprocity: Louisiana will waive the trade exam if the qualifying party holds an active, equivalent mechanical/HVAC license in Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Utah and has been in good standing for at least the past three years

Renewal: Licenses expire on the original anniversary date. Contractors may renew for one, two, or three‑year terms.

Renewal Cost: The base renewal fee is $100 per year.

Changes: Name changes require a Report of Changes filing and a $100 fee; address, phone, and email updates are free when filed through the portal within 30 days.

Replacement: Replacement: License holders can print duplicate certificates or wallet cards free from the contractor portal . The board only charges if you request staff-printed copies.

Maine

Certification Authority: Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Reciprocity: Maine does not have formal reciprocity agreements for HVAC licenses. However, applicants may apply by endorsement and must provide proof of equivalent licensure and experience. Approval is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Renewal: Licenses renew biennially on the anniversary of the original issue date.

Renewal Cost: Renewal fees are $200 for a Master license, $100 for a Journeyman license, and $40 for an Apprentice license.

Changes: Licensees can update their name or contact information free of charge through the online portal, although official documentation is required for a name change.

Replacement: Duplicate licenses can be printed free from the portal, while board‑printed copies may carry a fee displayed at checkout.

Maryland

Certification Authority: Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors

Reciprocity: Maryland holds formal reciprocity with Delaware and Virginia, so contractors licensed in either of those states can apply for a Maryland license by reciprocal application once they meet the Board’s experience and good‑standing requirements.

Renewal: Maryland licenses must be renewed every two years.

Renewal Cost: Fees are $94.50 for a Master license, $25 for a Journeyman license, and $12 for an Apprentice license.

Changes: Licensees can update their name or contact information at no cost through the online portal , although official documentation is required for a legal name change.

Replacement: Duplicate licenses can be printed free of charge from the portal.

Massachusetts

Certification Authority: Only HVAC professionals working in the field of refrigeration (on systems of over 10-ton capacity) require a license, so most residential HVAC applicants do not require a license. Refrigeration licenses are issued by the Division of Professional Licensure Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

Reciprocity: Massachusetts does not have HVAC reciprocity agreements with other states.

Renewal: Refrigeration technician and contractor licenses renew every two years.

Renewal Cost: $75 for a Master or Contractor license, $50 for a Journeyman or Technician license, and $20 for an Apprentice license.

Changes: Name or address updates can be submitted through the MyLicenseOne portal or by mailing the Name / Address Change form at no cost.

Replacement: Digital duplicate licenses can be printed free from the MyLicenseOne portal since the Board no longer mails paper copies.

Michigan

Certification Authority: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Reciprocity: Reciprocity: Michigan has no reciprocity agreements with other states. All applicants must pass the Michigan mechanical trade exam.

Renewal: Mechanical contractor licenses expire every third year on August 31 and must be renewed by October 31.

Renewal Cost: $300 for the three‑year cycle.

Changes: Address changes with no reprint are free. A name change or any change that requires a new card costs $10.

Replacement: A duplicate license or wallet card also costs $10.

Minnesota

No licensing requirements on state level, check local requirements.

Mississippi

Certification Authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors

Reciprocity: Mississippi waives the HVAC trade exam for contractors licensed and in good standing in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; applicants must still pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam and pay the waiver fee.

Renewal: Licenses renew annually on the original issue date.

Renewal Cost: $400 to renew a commercial license or $100 to renew a residential license.

Changes: Filing a name or address change costs $50. You can make changes by submitting this form .

Replacement: A duplicate commercial or residential license costs $50.

Missouri

No contractor's license requirement on state level, check local requirements.

Montana

Certification Authority: The Department of Labor and Industry requires HVAC contractors to register as a Construction contractor.

Reciprocity: Montana has no HVAC reciprocity agreements with any state.

Renewal: Construction Contractor Registrations renew every two years on the certificate’s anniversary date.

Renewal Cost: $70 for each two‑year renewal term.

Changes: Business name, address, or contact updates can be submitted to the Registration Unit in writing at no extra charge.

Replacement: Duplicate certificates or wallet cards may be requested from the Registration Unit; contact the office to confirm the current replacement fee.

Nebraska

No state HVAC license; all contractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor and then follow any additional city or county requirements.

Nevada

Certification Authority: Nevada State Contractors Board

Reciprocity: Nevada does not grant full HVAC reciprocity, but it will waive the trade exam for contractors who have held an equivalent license in California, Arizona, or Utah for at least five of the past seven years.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years on the anniversary date and can be completed online through the NSCB portal .

Renewal Cost: $600 for each two‑year renewal term

Changes: Address or contact updates are free; a business name or entity change requires a Name Change application and a $250 fee.

Replacement: A duplicate wall certificate costs $25 and a duplicate pocket card costs $10, both requested with the Duplicate License form .

New Hampshire

No licensing requirements on state level for an HVAC contractor, check local requirements.

New Jersey

Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors

Reciprocity: New Jersey offers no reciprocity for HVACR licenses right now.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years and expire on June 30th of even‑numbered years. Each renewal requires five hours of Board‑approved continuing‑education credit.

Renewal Cost: $160 for the biennial renewal.

Changes: Address changes and other updates can be filed in the online licensing portal at no cost.

Replacement: A duplicate wall certificate or wallet card costs $25 when ordered through the portal or by mail.

New Mexico

Certification Authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

Reciprocity: New Mexico does not waive the trade exam for mechanical or HVAC contractor licenses. Reciprocity is limited to journeyman certificates only.

Renewal: Contractor licenses expire two years after the issue date and must be renewed on or before that anniversary.

Renewal Cost: The renewal fee is $300 or less, depending on the classification and term selected.

Changes: Business name, address, or qualifying‑party changes are filed through the online portal; the Division charges $30 for amendments that require a reprinted license.

Replacement: A duplicate certificate or wallet card can be downloaded free in the portal. If you request a staff‑printed copy, the portal will show the exact cost.

New York

No contractor licensing requirement on state level, check local requirements.

North Carolina

Certification Authority: State Board of Refrigeration Contractor

Reciprocity: The Board does not reciprocate with any other state; every applicant must take North Carolina’s examination.

Renewal: Licenses renew annually.

Renewal Cost: $80 per year.

Changes: There are separate forms for name changes and address changes . A $25 fee is required if a new license certificate is issued.

Replacement: Submit this form with the required $20 fee.

North Dakota

Certification Authority: Secretary of State

Reciprocity: North Dakota does not have reciprocity agreements.

Renewal: Licenses renew annually and must be completed online through the FirstStop portal by March 1.

Renewal Cost: Class A $90, Class B $60, Class C $45, and Class D $30.

Changes: Business name, address, or contact updates can be filed in the FirstStop portal at no charge; if the change requires a reprinted certificate, the portal displays the fee during checkout.

Replacement: You can download a duplicate certificate free in the portal or request a mailed copy; the system will show any mailing fee before payment.

Ohio

Certification Authority: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board

Reciprocity: OCILB waives the trade exam for HVAC contractors who already hold an active, equivalent license in Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, or South Carolina

Renewal: Licenses renew either annually or on an optional three‑year cycle. Contractors must complete 8 hours of continuing education for each one‑year renewal or 24 hours for a three‑year renewal.

Renewal Cost: $60 per year (or $180 for a three‑year renewal).

Changes: Address and other contact updates can be made free of charge through the OCILB eLicense portal or through this form .

Replacement: Replacements cost $25 unless your HVAC technician license is in a renewal period (90 days prior to expiration).

Oklahoma

Certification Authority: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

Reciprocity: Oklahoma currently has no written reciprocity agreements for mechanical or HVAC licenses.

Renewal: Licenses renew annually and expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Contractors and journeymen must complete six hours of continuing education every 36 months.

Renewal Cost: $200 for contractor licenses and $75 for journeyman licenses.

Changes: Address or contact updates are free. A business name or entity change that requires a new license certificate carries a $30 processing fee.

Replacement: A duplicate wall certificate costs $25, and a duplicate pocket card costs $10, both requested with the Board’s duplicate‑license form .

Oregon

Certification Authority: Oregon Construction Contractors Board

Reciprocity: Oregon does not offer reciprocity for HVAC contractor or construction‐contractor licenses; out‑of‑state firms must obtain an Oregon CCB license before working in the state.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years on the original issue date and can be completed online through the CCB contractor portal .

Renewal Cost: $400 for each two‑year renewal term.

Changes: Business name, address, or contact updates can be filed free of charge in the online portal; if a new license certificate is needed, submit this form and pay the $10 reprint fee.

Replacement: A duplicate wall certificate or wallet card also costs $10 using the same form .

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide HVAC or refrigeration contractor license. Check the permitting and licensing rules of each city or county where you plan to work.

Rhode Island

Certification Authority: Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board

Reciprocity: Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity for mechanical or refrigeration licenses; every applicant must meet the state’s examination and experience requirements.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years on the anniversary of the issue date.

Renewal Cost: $240 for a Contractor (company) license, $78 for a Mechanic/Installer (journeyperson) license, and $30 for an Apprentice/Helper license. See the full list here .

Changes: Use this form to update your name, address, or business information; no fee is charged unless a new certificate is printed.

Replacement: This form can be used to order a replacement license.

South Carolina

Certification Authority: South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board

Reciprocity: South Carolina does not grant full reciprocity, but it will waive the HVAC trade exam for contractors who already hold an equivalent license in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah and have kept that license in good standing; the state business‑law exam is still required.

Renewal: Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses renew every two years and must be completed online by October 31 of odd‑numbered years. Residential Specialty Heating and Air licenses renew every two years and are due by June 30.

Renewal Cost: $135 for a Commercial Mechanical Contractor license if renewed on time; $220 for a Residential Specialty Heating and Air license if renewed on time.

Changes: Address or contact updates can be filed through each board’s online portal at no charge. Name or address changes that require a new Residential Specialty license card cost $10.

Replacement: A duplicate Residential Specialty wallet card costs $10; duplicate Commercial Mechanical certificates or cards can be ordered with the board’s “Duplicate License” request.

South Dakota

No HVAC licensure requirement on state level, check local requirements.

Tennessee

Certification Authority: Board for Licensing Contractors

Reciprocity: Tennessee does not offer full reciprocity, but it waives the HVAC trade exam for contractors who hold an equivalent license in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, or West Virginia and have been in good standing for at least three consecutive years.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years; the renewal application and fee are due by the last day of the month in which the license was originally issued.

Renewal Cost: $200 for a two‑year renewal.

Changes: Use the forms on the Board’s website to update the business name, address, ownership, or qualifying agent; a $25 processing fee is charged if a new license certificate must be printed.

Replacement: There is a $25 fee to obtain a replacement certificate or a license card.

Texas

Certification Authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Reciprocity: Texas waives the HVAC trade exam only for contractors who hold an equivalent air‑conditioning and refrigeration license in South Carolina or Georgia and have been licensed at least one year. The initial reciprocal license fee is $115. You can learn more here .

Renewal: Licenses renew every year on the anniversary date, and contractors must complete 8 hours of TDLR‑approved continuing education before renewing online. You can renew your license online here .

Renewal Cost: $65 per year.

Changes: You can submit changes using this form , which will cost $25.

Replacement: You can get a replacement for $25 here .

Utah

Certification Authority: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Reciprocity: Utah has no formal reciprocity.

Renewal: Contractor licenses need to be renewed every two years.

Renewal Cost: The online renewal fee is $128 for each two‑year term.

Changes: Name or address updates can be submitted in the eGov licensing portal or through these forms ; simple address changes are free, but a $10 processing fee applies if a new license card must be issued.

Replacement: A duplicate license may be requested through the portal for a $10 reprint fee.

Vermont

No HVAC contractor license requirement on state level, check local requirements.

Virginia

Certification Authority: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Reciprocity: Virginia offers an exam‑waiver agreement with Maryland.

Renewal: HVAC tradesman (Journeyman or Master) licenses expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued. Renew online through DPOR’s “Renew a License” portal and complete three hours of board‑approved HVAC continuing‑education each cycle.

Renewal Cost: The standard on‑time renewal fee is $135.

Changes: Submit this form to change your name and this form to change your address.

Replacement: You can request a replacement refrigeration contractor license here .

Washington

Certification Authority: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Reciprocity: Washington does not offer reciprocity for HVAC work; every business must obtain a state contractor registration before performing HVAC services.

Renewal: Contractor registrations renew every two years on the original issue date.

Renewal Cost: $141.10 for each two‑year renewal.

Changes: Address or other contact updates are free through the online portal; if a new paper certificate is needed, the duplicate‑certificate fee applies.

Replacement: A duplicate registration certificate costs $15.50 and can be ordered online.

West Virginia

Certification Authority: West Virginia Dept. of Commerce, Division of Labor

Reciprocity: West Virginia has a reciprocal agreement with Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama.

Renewal: Licenses renew annually on the original issue date.

Renewal Cost: $90 for both initial licensure and each annual renewal; renewals filed more than 15 days late add a $25 penalty.

Changes: Business‑name, address, or other contact updates can be made online or in writing. Simple contact updates are free, but if a revised certificate is required the Board charges a $10 reprint fee.

Replacement: A duplicate wall certificate or pocket card costs $10.23 and can be ordered through the online portal.

Wisconsin

Certification Authority: Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services

Reciprocity: Wisconsin does not offer reciprocity for HVAC contractor registration.

Renewal: Registration must be renewed every four years on the original issue date.

Renewal Cost: $160 for each four‑year term.

Changes: Update your name or address through the LicensE portal ; there is no fee unless a new certificate is printed, in which case the reprint fee is $10.

Replacement: Request a duplicate wall certificate or wallet card with this form ; the fee is $10.

Wyoming

No licensing requirement for HVAC contractors on state level, check local requirements.

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