Mississippi contractor licensing: the Certificate of Responsibility and residential licenses

Contractors in Mississippi are licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). This guide summarizes the statute and the board's published thresholds.

Commercial work

The board's commercial license is called a Certificate of Responsibility. MSBOC says all contractors and subcontractors performing work on commercial jobs over $50,000, including equipment installation, must hold one. State law makes it unlawful to bid, contract or work as a contractor without the certificate where the law requires it (Miss. Code § 31-3-21(1)).

The number goes on the bid

For any public or private bid over $50,000, the contractor's current certificate number must appear on the outside of the bid envelope or container. If it does not, the bid may not be opened unless the outside carries a statement that the bid does not exceed $50,000 (§ 31-3-21(2)). Violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, and the board may impose a civil penalty of up to 3% of the contract.

Residential work

MSBOC lists residential license thresholds of more than $50,000 for new residential construction and more than $10,000 for residential remodeling and for residential roofing.

Nonresident bidders

Mississippi gives resident contractors a reciprocal preference on public contracts. A nonresident bidder must attach a copy of its home state's current preference law, if any, or the bid is rejected (§ 31-3-21(3)).

What the directory shows

This site's Mississippi directory is built from MSBOC's licensee search: 7,295 firms with a Licensed - Active commercial or residential license and a Mississippi address, as of Oct. 31, 2026.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-31. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.