Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Colorado?
No. Colorado doesn't license carpenters as a trade. There is no statewide contractor license; cities and counties set their own rules.
Local only · By ChiselJobs Team · Updated
In short
Colorado has no statewide carpenter or contractor license, so the answer depends on the city. Local governments set their own rules and may use ICC exams. Denver requires a general contractor license, and the first step is a supervisor certificate held by the applicant or an employee. Aurora issues a city contractor license, and Colorado Springs also licenses contractors locally. Before taking work, check with the building department in the city or county where the job is. Colorado runs a state apprenticeship agency for registered apprenticeship programs. Confirm the rules with each city before signing a contract.
Key facts
| Carpenter license | No |
| Licensing level | Local only |
| General contractor license | Local (Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora) |
| Carpentry classification | None |
| Exam | Local (ICC) |
| Local license | Varies by city |
Local licenses in Colorado
Denver
City and countyGeneral contractor license with supervisor certificate
Denver Community Planning and Development
Denver issues contractor licenses and supervisor certificates; a supervisor certificate (held or employed) is the first step to a contractor license. No reciprocity with other counties or states. Renewal every 1-3 years.
- Source: denvergov.org · checked November 5, 2026
Aurora
CityCity contractor license
Aurora Building Division
A city contractor license is required to build, alter, repair, add to, demolish or move any building or structure; ICC testing applies.
- Source: auroragov.org · checked November 5, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026