Garage Door Licensing Requirements by State (2026 Complete Guide)

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.

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 credential.

Requirements vary significantly by state, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s the general process:

1. Research specifically: Check each state’s independent requirements.
2. Check for reciprocity: Some states accept out-of-state licenses with similar requirements.
3. Gather docs: Work experience, references, financial statements.
4. Apply separately: Most require separate applications, fees, and exams.
5. Maintain compliance: Track renewal dates and CE credits separately.

Pro tip: States like Mississippi and Nevada offer reciprocity for contractors licensed in states with equivalent requirements.

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.

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/liens)
• Criminal charges (some states treat it as a misdemeanor)
• Loss of right to obtain permits

Beyond legal penalties, operating without proper licensing damages your professional reputation and makes it nearly impossible to get insurance or bonding.

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 (residential) vs Contractor’s License (commercial)

Commercial work often requires higher license classifications, larger bonds, and more stringent insurance requirements.