Key Takeaways
Here's what you'll learn in this comprehensive guide:
- Quick Reference: Licensing Status by State
- States with SPECIFIC Garage Door Licenses
- States with NO State-Level License (Local Only)
- States with Registration (Not Full Licensure)
- Complete State-by-State Breakdown
You’re ready to expand your garage door business. Maybe you’re eyeing new markets across state lines, or you just landed a big commercial job and need to verify your licensing status. But here’s the frustrating part: every state handles garage door contractor licensing differently.
Some require specific garage door licenses. Others lump you in with general contractors. And a surprising number don’t require state-level licensing at all.
Here’s the reality: Only 2 states in the entire U.S. have dedicated garage door contractor licenses - California with its D-28 classification and Florida with its Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor designation.
The rest? It’s a patchwork of general contractor licenses, specialty classifications, registration-only requirements, and local-level regulation. This guide breaks down exactly what you need in every state, backed by official government sources.
Which states require garage door licenses? Only 2 states have dedicated garage door contractor licenses: California (D-28 classification requiring 4 years experience + exam) and Florida (voluntary Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor). The remaining 48 states require general contractor licenses, specialty contractor classifications, registration only, or no state-level licensing at all.
Quick Reference: Licensing Status by State
States with SPECIFIC Garage Door Licenses
| State | License Type | Authority | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices | CSLB | 4 years experience + exam |
| Florida | Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor | DBPR/CILB | Voluntary statewide + exam |
States with NO State-Level License (Local Only)
Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming
Important: Even without state licensing, these states may require trade-specific licenses (electrical, plumbing) or local city/county permits.
States with Registration (Not Full Licensure)
Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington
Key Difference: Registration typically requires insurance and bonding but not exams or experience verification.
Complete State-by-State Breakdown
Alabama
License Required: Yes (for projects over threshold) Type: General Contractor License or Home Builders License Authority: State Licensing Board for General Contractors
Garage door installation falls under general contractor jurisdiction as equipment installation affixed to structures. Requires examination and financial requirements.
Alaska
License Required: Registration Required Type: Specialty Contractor Registration ($10,000 bond) or General Contractor Registration ($25,000 bond) Authority: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
No exemptions for family, friends, non-residents, or part-time work. All contractors must register before performing work.
Arizona
License Required: Yes Type: ROC Contractor License Authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Potentially Applicable Classifications:
- R-60 Finish Carpentry (installing metal doors and automatic door closers)
- C-7 Carpentry (installing metal doors or door frames)
- R-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs (projects under $50,000)
Requires passing trade and business law examinations, surety bond, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Arkansas
License Required: Yes (based on project value) Type: Residential Remodelers License ($2,000+ projects) or Commercial License ($50,000+ projects) Authority: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Requires business and law examination, $10,000 surety bond (commercial), and financial stability documentation.
California
License Required: YES - SPECIFIC GARAGE DOOR LICENSE Type: D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices Contractor Authority: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
D-28 Scope Covers:
- Overhead or sliding door assemblies (garage doors)
- Wood and screen doors
- Metal-clad doors
- Glass sliding/stationary doors
- Automatic revolving doors
- Power-activated doors and gates
- Card-activated equipment and access control devices
- Low voltage electronic door hardware/devices
Requirements:
- Minimum 4 years journey-level experience (must be 18+)
- Pass Business and Law examination
- Pass D-28 trade examination
- Application fee: $300
- Initial license fee: $180 (2-year license)
- Surety bond and insurance required
Official Source: CSLB D-28 Classification
Colorado
License Required: No State License Type: Local jurisdiction licenses may apply Authority: Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Colorado does not license general contractors at the state level. Only electrical and plumbing contractors require state licensing. Check with your local city/county for specific requirements.
Connecticut
License Required: Registration Required Type: Home Improvement Contractor Registration Authority: Department of Consumer Protection
Requires general liability insurance (minimum $20,000), annual renewal fee of $220. Registration required before advertising or beginning residential work.
Delaware
License Required: Registration Required Type: Contractor Registration Certificate Authority: Delaware Department of Labor
Must register BEFORE performing construction services. Requires business license ($75), workers’ compensation insurance, OSHA-compliant safety plan, and gross receipts tax (0.6472%).
Florida
License Required: Available (Voluntary Statewide) Type: YES - SPECIFIC GARAGE DOOR LICENSE Authority: Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Certification Details:
- Voluntary statewide license as alternative to local specialty license
- Form: CILB 5-AQ (Individual) or CILB 7-AQ (Business)
Qualification Pathways:
- Four-year construction-related degree (equals 3 years experience) + 1 year practical experience
- Combination of employment history covering required experience areas
- CILB review of experience if requirements not fully met
Examination: 55 questions, computer-administered
Official Source: Florida Garage Door Installation License
Georgia
License Required: Required for Residential/General Contractors Type: Residential or General Contractor License Authority: State Licensing Board
Requires general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance (if 3+ employees). Note: Certain specialties (roofers, painters, drywall, handymen) are NOT required to be state licensed. Verify with licensing board whether garage door work qualifies.
Hawaii
License Required: Yes Type: Specialty Contractor Classification Authority: Contractors License Board
Potentially Applicable Classifications:
- C-5a: Garage door and window shutters
- C-48a: Steel door
- B (General Building) license holders automatically hold certain C classifications
License renewal every September 30 of even-numbered years.
Idaho
License Required: Registration Required (Not Licensure) Type: Contractor Registration Authority: Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Registration system (not full licensure). Penalties for non-compliance include inability to obtain permits, waived lien rights, loss of right to sue for payment, and misdemeanor charges.
Illinois
License Required: No General Contractor License Type: Specific trades only (roofing, plumbing, electrical) Authority: IDFPR
Illinois does NOT have a general contractor license. Garage door installation does not require a state license. Check local requirements.
Indiana
License Required: Local Option Only Type: Local licenses vary Authority: No statewide contractor licensing (except plumbers)
ONLY plumbers are licensed at state level. All other contractor licensing is local option. Contact local government where work will be performed.
Iowa
License Required: Registration Required Type: Construction Contractor Registration Authority: Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
Threshold: Registration required if earning $2,000+ per year from construction.
Requirements:
- Registration fee: $50/year or $150/three years
- Iowa unemployment insurance number required (even with no employees)
- Out-of-state contractors: $25,000 bond required
Kansas
License Required: Local Only Type: Local licenses only Authority: Kansas Business Center
Kansas does NOT have statewide contractor licensing. Cities and counties set licensing requirements. Contact local city/county for requirements.
Kentucky
License Required: Trade-Specific Only Type: Electrical contractors licensed; others local Authority: Kentucky Business Portal
No general contractor state license. Electrical contractors are state licensed. Other trades may require local licensing.
Louisiana
License Required: Yes (Based on Project Value) Type: Commercial License, Residential License, or Home Improvement Registration Authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Thresholds:
- Home Improvement Registration: $7,500 to $50,000
- Residential License: Projects exceeding $50,000
- Commercial License: Projects $50,000+ (commercial property)
Requires qualifying party, financial statement (minimum $10,000 net worth), and examinations.
Maine
License Required: Not Required for General Contractors Type: Home Improvement Contractor License (over $75,000 only) Authority: Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Maine does NOT license or regulate home contractors generally. Written contract required for projects over $3,000. License required only for home improvement work over $75,000.
Maryland
License Required: Yes Type: Home Improvement Contractor License (MHIC) Authority: Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Covers work on homes and apartment buildings with 3 or fewer units. Requires examination, financial solvency, application fee ($281.25), and Guaranty Fund Assessment ($175).
Massachusetts
License Required: Registration Required Type: Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration Authority: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Registration required for work on existing 1-4 unit residential properties. Fee: $150, mandatory Guaranty Fund contribution. Renewal every 2 years ($100).
Important: HIC Registration allows only “ordinary repairs.” Construction Supervisor License (CSL) may also be required for structural work.
Michigan
License Required: Yes (projects $600+) Type: Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License Authority: Bureau of Construction Codes
License Types:
- Residential Builder: Construction of residential structures
- Maintenance & Alteration Contractor: Repair, alteration, addition, improvement (includes building garages)
Requires 60 hours prelicensure education and examination.
Minnesota
License Required: Yes (with exceptions) Type: Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler License Authority: Department of Labor and Industry
Key Exception: Specialty contractors providing only ONE special skill are NOT required to have state license (except roofers).
Note: Garage door contractors providing ONLY garage door services (one special skill) may be exempt from state licensing. Verify with DLI.
Mississippi
License Required: Yes Type: State Contractor License Authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors - Phone: 601-354-6161
Requires application on board-provided form (all signatures notarized) and examination. Reciprocity available for licensees from states with equivalent requirements.
Missouri
License Required: Trade-Specific and Local Only Type: No general contractor state license Authority: Division of Professional Registration
Missouri does NOT have a general contractor license at state level. Electrical contractors can obtain OPTIONAL statewide license. Check local city/county requirements.
Montana
License Required: No State Information Found Type: Unknown - likely local requirements Authority: Montana Department of Labor & Industry
No specific contractor licensing information found on official Montana government websites. Likely regulated at local level. Contact Montana Department of Labor & Industry or local jurisdictions.
Nebraska
License Required: Registration Required Type: Contractor Registration Authority: Nebraska Department of Labor
ALL contractors doing business in Nebraska must register. Registration fee: $25 annually. Workers’ compensation insurance required (if 1+ employees).
Exemption: Self-employed paying less than $3,000 annually to employ others.
Nevada
License Required: Yes Type: Contractor License (various C classifications) Authority: Nevada State Contractors Board
42 distinct C subclassifications exist. Specific classification for garage doors not identified. Contact board for classification determination: classdetermination@nscb.state.nv.us
Requires qualifying individual to pass Business and Law (CMS) exam and trade exam. Surety bond: $1,000 to $500,000 (based on license type).
New Hampshire
License Required: Trade-Specific Only Type: No general contractor license Authority: Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
New Hampshire does NOT have a general contractor license. Specialized trades (water well, asbestos, mechanical/plumbing) regulated separately.
New Jersey
License Required: Registration Required Type: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (NJHIC#) Authority: Division of Consumer Affairs
Requirements:
- Commercial general liability insurance: minimum $500,000 per occurrence
- Registration fee: $110
- Processing time: 30 days
- Must display NJHIC# in all advertising and communications
Phone: 973-504-6370
New Mexico
License Required: Yes Type: Construction Industries License Authority: Regulation and Licensing Department
Requires qualifying party, experience (required years within past 10 years), examinations (trade + business/law), application fee ($36), $10,000 surety bond, and workers’ compensation.
New York
License Required: Local Only Type: Local municipal licenses Authority: Department of State
Contractor licensing NOT handled at state level. Local laws may or may not address contractor licensing. Contact local building department for requirements. NYC has separate licensing requirements.
North Carolina
License Required: Yes (over $40,000) Type: General Contractor License Authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
License Limitations (Financial Requirements):
- Limited: Working capital $17,000+
- Intermediate: Working capital $75,000+
- Unlimited: Working capital $150,000+
Requires age 18+, good moral character, examination (plans reading, building code, estimating, ethics).
North Dakota
License Required: Yes (over $4,000) Type: Contractor License Authority: Secretary of State
License required when job cost exceeds $4,000. Certificate of liability insurance required. Annual renewal by March 1.
Ohio
License Required: Limited State Requirements Type: HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical licensed at state level Authority: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
Ohio does NOT have a general contractor license. OCILB licenses specific trades only (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hydronics, refrigeration). Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.
Oklahoma
License Required: Trade-Specific Only Type: Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing) Authority: Construction Industries Board
General contractors NOT required to have state license. Trade licenses/registrations required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing. Check local jurisdiction requirements.
Oregon
License Required: Yes Type: CCB License (Residential and/or Commercial endorsement) Authority: Construction Contractors Board
Endorsement Types:
- Residential: Work on residential and small commercial structures
- Commercial: Large and small commercial projects
Must apply within 24 months of passing test. Requires liability insurance with CCB as certificate holder.
Pennsylvania
License Required: Registration Required Type: Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) License Authority: Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
Pennsylvania has NO general licensure for most construction contractors. HIC License required for work on residential properties.
Contractor helpline: 888-520-6680
Rhode Island
License Required: Registration Required Type: Contractor Registration Authority: Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
Valid government-issued ID required (effective July 1, 2025). Online registration available through eLicensing portal.
Contact: (401) 921-1590 - dbr.contractorregistration@dbr.ri.gov
South Carolina
License Required: Yes (based on type and value) Type: General/Mechanical Contractor License (Commercial over $10,000) or Residential Builder License Authority: Contractor’s Licensing Board
Commercial Requirements:
- Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) required
- S.C. Business Management and Law exam
- 2 years work experience (within past 5 years)
- License fee: $350
Residential Requirements:
- 1 year residential work experience (within past 5 years)
- Surety bond (if work exceeds $5,000)
Contact: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov - (803) 896-4686
South Dakota
License Required: Tax License Required; Trade-Specific Licenses Type: Contractor’s Tax License (required); Trade licenses (plumbing, electrical) Authority: Department of Revenue and Department of Labor and Regulation
Contractor’s Tax License: Required for construction, building, installation, or repair to real property. Contractor’s excise tax: 2% of gross receipts.
Tennessee
License Required: Yes (based on project value) Type: Contractor’s License ($25,000+) or Home Improvement License ($3,000 to $25,000 in specific counties) Authority: Board for Licensing Contractors
Home Improvement License: Required only in specific counties (Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby). Does NOT cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.
Texas
License Required: Trade-Specific Only Type: Trade licenses (ACR, Electrical, Plumbing) Authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas does NOT have a general contractor license.
Special Note - Garage Door Openers: If company ONLY installs garage door openers or electronic gate openers (no other regulated activities), DPS license is NOT required.
Utah
License Required: Yes Type: General Contractor or Specialty Contractor License Authority: Division of Professional Licensing
General Contractor: 2 years experience (4,000 hours paid work in construction) Specialty Contractor: 25-hour pre-licensure course from approved provider
Requires Utah Contractor Business and Law exam, general liability insurance, and continuing education (6 hours per 2-year cycle).
Vermont
License Required: Registration Required Type: Residential Contractor Registration Authority: Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation
Registration through online licensing portal. Biennial (2-year) renewal cycle. Most applications processed within 5 business days.
Virginia
License Required: Yes Type: Contractor License (Class A, B, or C) Authority: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
License Classes (by project value):
- Class C: More than $1,000 but less than $30,000
- Class B: $30,000 to less than $150,000
- Class A: $150,000 or more
Requirements:
- Pre-license education: 8 hours required
- Experience: 1 year (C), 3 years (B), 5 years (A)
- Net worth/equity: $15,000 (B), $45,000 (A)
- Licenses issued to BUSINESS ENTITIES, not individuals
Washington
License Required: Registration Required Type: Contractor Registration Authority: Department of Labor & Industries
Requirements:
- Application fee: $141.10
- Surety bond: $15,000 (specialty contractors)
- Liability insurance: $50,000 property damage, $200,000 public liability
- L&I must be listed as certificate holder
- Must use EXACT business name on bond and insurance
West Virginia
License Required: Yes (over $2,500) Type: Contractor License Authority: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
License required if job (labor + materials) is $2,500 or more. Requires examination in field of construction and Business and Law exam.
Testing: Prov, Inc. - (866) 720-7768 - www.provexam.com
Wisconsin
License Required: Certification Required Type: Dwelling Contractor Certification Authority: Department of Safety and Professional Services
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Education: 12-credit hour initial training required (subjects include contract law, Wisconsin Home Improvement Trade Practices Code, land use, licensure requirements, lead/asbestos awareness, OSHA, worker’s comp, unemployment comp, lien law).
Wyoming
License Required: No State License Type: Environmental permits only at state level Authority: Department of Environmental Quality
Wyoming does NOT appear to have statewide contractor licensing. Environmental permits may be required for certain construction activities. Check local city/county requirements.
Key Takeaways: What Garage Door Contractors Need to Know
1. California and Florida Are the Only States with Dedicated Garage Door Licenses
If you’re operating in California, you MUST obtain the D-28 classification. It’s not optional. The scope covers everything from residential garage doors to commercial power-activated gates.
Florida offers a voluntary statewide specialty license as an alternative to obtaining individual local licenses. While technically optional, having the state certification can streamline operations across multiple Florida jurisdictions.
2. Local Requirements Can Override State Rules
Even in states with “no state license required,” you’re not necessarily off the hook. Cities and counties often impose their own licensing, registration, or permit requirements.
States where local regulation is particularly important:
- Colorado - State doesn’t license, but Denver and other cities do
- Kansas - Entirely local regulation
- New York - NYC has strict licensing separate from state rules
- Indiana - Each county sets its own rules
Action step: Always contact the local building department in any city where you plan to work, regardless of state requirements.
3. Registration Does Not Equal Licensure (But It’s Still Required)
Twelve states use a registration system instead of full licensure. Here’s the difference:
Registration typically requires:
- Proof of insurance
- Surety bond
- Business registration
- Annual fees
Registration typically does NOT require:
- Trade examinations
- Verified work experience
- Continuing education
States with registration systems include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Don’t confuse “registration only” with “no requirements.” You still need proper insurance, bonding, and compliance.
4. Project Thresholds Matter
Many states tie licensing requirements to project value. Small jobs may not require a license while larger projects do.
Examples:
- Arkansas: License required over $2,000 (residential) or $50,000 (commercial)
- Louisiana: Registration for $7,500-$50,000, full license over $50,000
- North Carolina: License required over $40,000
- West Virginia: License required over $2,500
Smart strategy: If you’re just starting out or doing mostly smaller residential jobs, check if your state has threshold exemptions.
5. Insurance and Bonding Are Universal Requirements
Even in states without licensing, you’ll need:
- General liability insurance (typically $500,000 to $1,000,000)
- Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)
- Surety bonds (amounts vary by state, often $10,000-$25,000)
These aren’t optional. They protect your business, your clients, and comply with most state registration requirements.
How to Verify Current Requirements in Your State
Licensing laws change. What’s accurate today might shift next year. Here’s how to stay current:
Step 1: Check the Official State Licensing Board
Every state entry in this guide includes a link to the official government authority. Start there. Look for:
- Current application forms
- Fee schedules
- Exam requirements
- Experience documentation
Step 2: Call the Licensing Board Directly
Government websites aren’t always clear. When in doubt, pick up the phone. Ask specific questions:
- “Does garage door installation require a specialty license or fall under general contracting?”
- “What classifications cover automatic garage door openers?”
- “Are there exemptions for projects under a certain dollar amount?”
Step 3: Verify Local Requirements
Contact the building department in each city where you’ll work:
- Business license requirements
- Contractor registration
- Permit requirements for garage door installation
- Local bonding requirements
Step 4: Consult with a Contractor Attorney
If you’re expanding into multiple states or dealing with large commercial projects, invest in professional legal advice. An attorney specializing in contractor licensing can:
- Review your business structure
- Advise on multi-state compliance
- Help with reciprocity applications
- Protect you from inadvertent violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to install garage doors?
It depends on your state. Only California and Florida have specific garage door licenses. Most states require either a general contractor license, specialty contractor license, or registration. Thirteen states have no state-level requirement but may regulate at the local level.
Always check both state AND local requirements before starting work.
Which states require specific garage door licenses?
Only two states require specific garage door licenses:
- California: D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices
- Florida: Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor
All other states either fold garage door work into general contractor licenses, specialty contractor classifications, or don’t regulate it at the state level.
What’s the difference between California’s D-28 and a general contractor license?
California’s D-28 is a specialty classification specifically for doors, gates, and activating devices. It requires:
- 4 years of journey-level experience
- Passing both trade and business/law exams
- Application fee of $300
- Initial license fee of $180
A general contractor license (Class B) covers broader construction work and has different experience and examination requirements. The D-28 allows you to focus exclusively on door-related work without needing the broader general contractor credential.
How do I get licensed in multiple states?
Requirements vary significantly by state, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s the general process:
- Research each state’s specific requirements (use this guide as a starting point)
- Check for reciprocity agreements - Some states accept out-of-state licenses with similar requirements
- Gather documentation - Work experience, references, financial statements
- Apply for each state separately - Most require separate applications, fees, and exams
- Maintain compliance - Track renewal dates, continuing education requirements, and insurance updates
Pro tip: Some states (like Mississippi and Nevada) offer reciprocity for contractors licensed in states with equivalent requirements. This can significantly reduce the burden of multi-state licensing.
Can I operate in multiple states with one license?
No. With rare exceptions, contractor licenses are state-specific. You’ll need separate licensure or registration in each state where you perform work.
Exception: Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow you to obtain licensing in a new state based on your existing credentials, but you still need to apply and pay fees for each state.
What happens if I work without a required license?
Penalties vary by state but can include:
- Civil fines (often thousands of dollars per violation)
- Loss of right to sue for payment - Can’t enforce contracts or file liens
- Criminal charges - Some states treat unlicensed contracting as a misdemeanor
- Loss of right to obtain permits
- Inability to pull building permits
Beyond legal penalties, operating without proper licensing damages your professional reputation and makes it nearly impossible to get insurance or bonding.
Do I need different licenses for residential vs. commercial work?
Many states distinguish between residential and commercial work:
- Virginia: Class A, B, C based on project value
- Louisiana: Separate residential and commercial licenses
- South Carolina: Different requirements for residential vs. commercial
- Tennessee: Home Improvement License for smaller residential, Contractor’s License for larger/commercial
Commercial work often requires higher license classifications, larger bonds, and more stringent insurance requirements.
Hard-Earned Lessons from 17+ Years in the Trenches
Look, I’ve been doing this since 2008. I was a partner in a multi-city, multi-state locksmith company, and over the past 17+ years, I’ve helped hundreds of locksmith and garage door companies navigate the absolute minefield that is Google verification for garage door businesses, Local Service Ads approval, Google Ads optimization, and local SEO.
I’ve seen businesses thrive. And I’ve watched businesses that looked unstoppable collapse overnight because they cut corners on the fundamentals.
So here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started—and what I tell every garage door contractor I work with today:
Follow ALL State Regulations (Or Risk Losing Everything)
This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about protecting what you’re building.
Don’t construct a multi-location, multi-state empire that can collapse in a single day because you missed a licensing requirement in one jurisdiction. I’ve seen it happen. One complaint to the state board, one angry customer who does their homework, one competitor who reports you—and suddenly you’re facing cease-and-desist orders, fines, and legal bills that dwarf what it would’ve cost to get licensed properly.
Even worse? Some states treat unlicensed contracting as criminal activity. You could be looking at deceptive practices litigation, misdemeanor charges, or worse. The contractor who thought he was saving a few hundred bucks on registration fees ends up spending tens of thousands defending himself in court.
Just follow the rules. Get the license. Pay the fees. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll ever buy.
NEVER Run a Business Without Proper Insurance
In some places it’s legally required. In others, it’s technically optional.
It is NEVER actually optional.
Let me paint you a picture: You’re a garage door tech. You’ve just finished installing a beautiful new insulated door for a homeowner. You leave a wrench on the garage floor while you’re cleaning up. The homeowner comes out to admire the work, doesn’t see the wrench, steps on it, rolls their ankle, falls backward, hits their head on the concrete. This is exactly why proper garage door insurance requirements are critical.
Now they’re in the ER with a concussion and a fractured wrist. And they’re coming after YOU for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
Without general liability insurance, that’s your personal savings, your home equity, your kid’s college fund on the line. With proper coverage? Your insurance company handles it, and you sleep at night.
I’ve watched contractors go bankrupt over accidents that could’ve been covered for a few hundred dollars a month in premiums. Don’t be that person. Don’t be cheap on insurance.
Get proper general liability coverage. Get workers’ comp if you have employees. Get commercial auto insurance for your trucks. Educate yourself on what coverage you actually need—not what some discount broker tells you is “probably fine.”
Beware the “Inside Guy at Google” Sales Pitch
Here’s one that makes my blood boil: vendors who promise they have an “inside guy” at Google who can get you approved for Google Business Profile, Local Service Ads, or Google Ads without meeting the actual requirements.
This is absolute horse shit.
Let me be crystal clear about how Google actually works:
Google’s verification and approval systems are largely automated. There is no “inside guy” who can magically bypass state licensing requirements, insurance verification, or background checks. Even if some shady vendor somehow manages to temporarily get you a Maps listing or an Ads account through backdoor manipulation, it won’t last.
Google’s algorithms will catch it. You’ll wake up one morning to find your Business Profile suspended, your LSA account banned, your Ads account terminated—usually right when you’ve started depending on that traffic for leads.
And here’s the kicker: once you’re flagged for trying to game the system, it becomes exponentially harder to get legitimate approval later. You’ve poisoned your own well.
I’m not against pushing limits. That’s literally what Optymizer is built on—finding every legitimate advantage, exploiting every gap in your competitors’ strategy, maximizing every opportunity the platforms give us.
But there’s a huge difference between aggressive optimization and outright fraud. When it comes to licensing, insurance, and platform compliance, my advice is simple: be good boys and girls.
Do it right. Get properly licensed. Carry real insurance. Submit accurate information to Google. Build on a foundation that can’t be pulled out from under you.
The contractors who’ve been with me for 10+ years? They’re the ones who did it right from day one. They’re not worried about suspensions, lawsuits, or state board investigations. They’re focused on growing their businesses and serving their customers.
That’s the game you want to be playing.
Next Steps: Getting Properly Licensed and Growing Your Business
Getting licensed is just the foundation. Once you’re compliant, you need customers to find you.
Most garage door contractors struggle with:
- Google Business Profile verification across multiple service areas
- Dominating local search to rank for “[city] garage door repair”
- Professional website design that converts browsers into callers
That’s where we help. At Optymizer, we’ve spent 17+ years helping local service businesses get found online and convert traffic into revenue.
Need help with licensing compliance and local search visibility? Contact us for a consultation on licensing requirements and our garage door marketing services.
Last Updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on official government sources as of November 2025. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official licensing authority in your state and consult with a qualified attorney before making business decisions.
