Field guide · 35 states
HVAC licensing, state by state
Verified: 35 pages, between 2026-06-19 and 2026-10-01
There is no national hvac license. 35 states, 35 rulebooks — experience, exams, fees and the surety bond, compared side by side.
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) licensing varies more than most trades: some states license it directly, others handle it locally or fold it into a mechanical contractor license. Separately, EPA Section 608 certification is required nationwide to handle refrigerants. Where a state license exists, expect experience requirements, a trade exam, a bond and insurance. Select a state below for the specifics.
Most searched: New Mexico
Moving states? HVAC license reciprocity, all 50 states →
New to the trade? How to Get an HVAC License, step by step →
Bond type: Fixed set amount · Tiered scales by volume · Credit-based financial responsibility in lieu of a bond · Conditional only if the board requires one · None no bond required
| ALAlabama | 3k h | $175 | $150 | $20,000 Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZArizona | 4 yr | $61 | $80 | Varies Tiered |
| ARArkansas | 2 yr | $100 | $25 | None |
| CACalifornia | 4 yr | Incl. | $450 | $25,000 Fixed |
| CTConnecticut | 2 yr | $59 | $150 | None |
| DEDelaware | 2 yr | $100 | $173 | Varies |
| FLFlorida | 4 yr | $135 | $149 | — Credit-based |
| GAGeorgia | 4 yr | $267 | $110 | $10,000 Fixed |
| HIHawaii | 4 yr | $75 | $50 | Varies Conditional |
| IDIdaho | 8k h | $100 | $35 | $2,000 Fixed |
| INIndiana | 5 yr | Varies | Varies | $5,000 Fixed |
| IAIowa | 4 yr | $35 | $35 | $5,000 Fixed |
| KYKentucky | 2 yr | $50 | Varies | Varies |
| LALouisiana | Varies | $50 | Varies | — Credit-based |
| MDMaryland | 4 yr | Varies | Varies | None |
| MAMassachusetts | 5 yr | Varies | Varies | None |
| MIMichigan | 3 yr | $100 | Varies | None |
| MNMinnesota | Varies | Varies | $100 | $25,000 Fixed |
| MSMississippi | Varies | $120 | $400 | None |
| MOMissouri | 3 yr | $100 | Varies | Varies |
| NVNevada | 15 yr | Varies | $300 | — Credit-based |
| NJNew Jersey | 5 yr | Incl. | $100 | $3,000 Fixed |
| NMNew Mexico | 4 yr | $68.88 | $36 | $10,000 Fixed |
| NYNew York | 4 yr | $585 | $1,115 | None |
| NCNorth Carolina | 2 yr | $150 | $150 | None |
| OHOhio | 5 yr | $69 | $25 | Varies |
| OKOklahoma | 3 yr | $92 | $25 | $5,000 Fixed |
| OROregon | 8 yr | $60 | Varies | Varies |
| SCSouth Carolina | 2 yr | Varies | $350 | $10,000 Fixed |
| TNTennessee | Varies | $53 | $250 | None |
| TXTexas | Varies | $74 | $115 | None |
| UTUtah | 2 yr | $85 | $175 | — Credit-based |
| VAVirginia | 1 yr | $100 | Varies | — Credit-based |
| WAWashington | 2 yr | $65 | $150.20 | $15,000 Fixed |
| WIWisconsin | 4 yr | $25 | $15 | None |