Idaho HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: HVAC Contractor · Issued by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
❄️ HVACID ✔ Verified 2026-07-11
In Idaho, HVAC contractors must hold the HVAC Contractor, issued by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, and a $2,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Idaho
Follow these steps to earn your HVAC Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Contractor: 24 months as licensed HVAC journeyman, then pass contractor exam. Journeyman: either 8,000 hours supervised work + 576 hours approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours supervised work
- Pass the HVAC Journeyman Exam and HVAC Contractor Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Idaho requires $2,000 compliance bond required.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. —
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — $35 application fee, plus a $225 license fee. Processing time: —.
- Keep the license active. Renew transitioning from 1-year to 2-year renewals, phased from October 14, 2025 (new licenses issued for at least 2 years).
Idaho HVAC contractor license lookup
To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in Idaho — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- HVAC Apprentice — Installation, modification, repair of HVAC systems under direct supervision of licensed journeyman
- HVAC Journeyman — Independent performance of installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems
- HVAC Specialty Journeyman — Specialized HVAC work (Hearth, Fuel Gas Piping, Waste Oil Heating, LP Limited Heating)
- HVAC Contractor — Unsupervised installation, maintenance, repair; can employ journeymen and apprentices
- HVAC Specialty Contractor — Specialty contractor work (Hearth, Fuel Gas Piping, Waste Oil Heating, LP Limited Heating)
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Contractor: 24 months as licensed HVAC journeyman, then pass contractor exam. Journeyman: either 8,000 hours supervised work + 576 hours approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours supervised work |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $35 |
| License fee | $225 |
| Renewal fee | $150 |
| Renewal period | Transitioning from 1-year to 2-year renewals, phased from October 14, 2025 (new licenses issued for at least 2 years) |
| Continuing education | None required for journeyman and contractor licenses. Apprentices must show proof of 1 year apprenticeship school enrollment or complete 8 hours continuing education to renew |
| Bond required | $2,000 compliance bond required |
| Liability insurance | $300,000 minimum |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Required if contractor has employees |
| Background check | — |
| Credit requirement | — |
| Reciprocity | None |
| Processing time | — |
Exams
| HVAC Journeyman Exam | Provider: Pearson VUE · Passing: 70% · Fee: $100 |
|---|---|
| HVAC Contractor Exam | Provider: Pearson VUE · Passing: 70% · Fee: $100 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Idaho hvac license cost?
Application: $35. License: $225. Renewal: $150.
How do I look up a hvac license in Idaho?
Search the official license database at dopl.idaho.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do hvacs in Idaho need a surety bond?
$2,000 compliance bond required
What experience is required for an Idaho hvac license?
Contractor: 24 months as licensed HVAC journeyman, then pass contractor exam. Journeyman: either 8,000 hours supervised work + 576 hours approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours supervised work
Is insurance required for hvacs in Idaho?
Liability: $300,000 minimum Workers' compensation: Required if contractor has employees
How often must an Idaho hvac license be renewed?
Transitioning from 1-year to 2-year renewals, phased from October 14, 2025 (new licenses issued for at least 2 years).
Official sources
dopl.idaho.gov/hvac
dopl.idaho.gov/hvac/hvac-program-exams
dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/HVAC-Contractor-Application_Fillable.pdf
dopl.idaho.gov/license-search
rocketcert.com/construction/idaho/hvac-license