Missouri HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: No statewide HVAC/mechanical license — licensed at the city/county level · Issued by the Local building departments (no statewide HVAC agency).

❄️ HVACMO ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Missouri, HVAC contractors must hold the No statewide HVAC/mechanical license — licensed at the city/county level, issued by the Local building departments (no statewide HVAC agency), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Missouri

Missouri licenses HVAC contractors at the city level rather than statewide, so the path runs through your local permitting office. Here are the general steps — the verified specifics are detailed further down the page.

Start with your city, not the state. Missouri has no statewide HVAC contractor license — registration, bonds and insurance are set by each municipality, so confirm the rules with your local permitting office first.
Carry the insurance your city requires. No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of liability insurance (amounts vary)
Post any local bond. No statewide bond. Local mechanical-contractor bonds are commonly $10,000 (e.g., St. Louis County, Kansas City, Springfield).
Register and pay the local fees. Varies (e.g., St. Louis County $45 application + $200 journeyman license; Kansas City $60 + $181/4-year)
Renew on your city's schedule. Varies by jurisdiction.

License types

Mechanical Apprentice — Performs HVAC work under supervision (registration in most jurisdictions).
Mechanical Journeyman — Installs/services HVAC systems after the required hours and a local exam.
Mechanical Contractor — Business license to contract for HVAC work; St. Louis County and Kansas City require a $10,000 bond.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Set locally. Examples: St. Louis County journeyman — 7,500 hours of combined education/experience; Mechanical Contractor — plus 3 years supervisory. Springfield — journeyman 4 years under a master (or 6 years total); master 4 years as a journeyman (or 10 years total).
Application fee	Varies (e.g., St. Louis County $45 application + $200 journeyman license; Kansas City $60 + $181/4-year)
License fee	Varies by jurisdiction
Renewal fee	Varies (St. Louis County 3-year; Kansas City 2-year; Springfield annual)
Renewal period	Varies by jurisdiction
Continuing education	Varies (e.g., St. Louis County: 24 hours per 3-year renewal; Kansas City: none).
Bond required	No statewide bond. Local mechanical-contractor bonds are commonly $10,000 (e.g., St. Louis County, Kansas City, Springfield).
Liability insurance	No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of liability insurance (amounts vary)
Property damage	Not separately specified
Workers' comp	Required for any construction employer with 1+ employees (RSMo 287.030)
Background check	Not a stated statutory requirement.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	No statewide program; some cities (e.g., Springfield) accept exam scores of 75%+ from approved providers.
Processing time	Varies by jurisdiction.

Exams

Local mechanical exam (ICC/Pearson VUE or Prometric, administered locally)	Provider: ICC/Pearson VUE or Prometric · Passing: 75% (Kansas City, Springfield) · Fee: $100 (St. Louis County); ~$125 (Springfield)

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Local / municipal notes

Missouri has no statewide HVAC/mechanical contractor license (multiple bills to create one have failed). Licensing is local: St. Louis County (7,500 hours + ICC exam, $200 journeyman license, $10,000 contractor bond, 24-hr CE per 3-year renewal), Kansas City (mechanical supervisor cert, 3 years' experience, $60 + $181/4-year), Springfield ($10,000 bond, proof of insurance), St. Charles County (separate mechanical contractor license). EPA Section 608 certification is federally required to handle refrigerants.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Missouri hvac license cost?

Application: Varies (e.g., St. Louis County $45 application + $200 journeyman license; Kansas City $60 + $181/4-year). License: Varies by jurisdiction. Renewal: Varies (St. Louis County 3-year; Kansas City 2-year; Springfield annual).

Do hvacs in Missouri need a surety bond?

No statewide bond. Local mechanical-contractor bonds are commonly $10,000 (e.g., St. Louis County, Kansas City, Springfield).

What experience is required for a Missouri hvac license?

Set locally. Examples: St. Louis County journeyman — 7,500 hours of combined education/experience; Mechanical Contractor — plus 3 years supervisory. Springfield — journeyman 4 years under a master (or 6 years total); master 4 years as a journeyman (or 10 years total).

Is insurance required for hvacs in Missouri?

Liability: No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of liability insurance (amounts vary) Workers' compensation: Required for any construction employer with 1+ employees (RSMo 287.030)

How often must a Missouri hvac license be renewed?

Varies by jurisdiction. Continuing education: Varies (e.g., St. Louis County: 24 hours per 3-year renewal; Kansas City: none).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Local building departments (no statewide HVAC agency) before applying. This is not legal advice.