Utah Tile Contractor License Requirements (2026 Guide)

Last updated April 2026. Verified against Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

If you're a tile installer planning to work in Utah, the regulatory framework is more rigorous than Idaho or Montana but more streamlined than Oregon. Utah is a true licensing state with a tile-specific classification — the S293 Marble, Tile and Ceramic Contractor license — issued through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

The good news: Utah recently simplified its specialty contractor requirements. As of recent rule changes, specialty contractors no longer need to document trade experience before getting licensed. You still need to complete a 25-hour pre-licensure course, pass the Utah Business and Law exam, register your business, and carry insurance — but the experience documentation hurdle that used to stop a lot of applicants is gone.

This guide covers everything Utah tile contractors actually need to know — costs, steps, classifications, local requirements, and reciprocity options. Information was verified against DOPL official sources as of April 2026, but always confirm current requirements directly with DOPL before applying.

The Quick Answer

Does Utah require a tile contractor license? Yes. Any tile contracting work valued at $1,000 or more requires a Utah contractor license through DOPL. Tile contractors fall under classification S293 — Marble, Tile and Ceramic Contractor.

Cost to get started: Approximately $1,200–1,800 first year, including pre-license course (~$310), exam fees ($60–100), application fee ($210), general liability insurance ($600–1,000/year), and business entity registration ($70–100).

Time to get licensed: 6–10 weeks total — including the 25-hour pre-licensure course, exam scheduling, application processing (typically 4–6 weeks), and getting your business entity and insurance set up.

Required exam: Yes. 25-hour pre-licensure course followed by the Utah Business and Law Examination (70% passing score).

Renewal: Every 2 years. All Utah contractor licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued.

This makes Utah moderately rigorous — easier than Oregon (which requires more training and a higher bond), about the same as Washington in terms of total cost, and significantly more involved than Idaho or Montana.

Utah's Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)

Utah licenses contractors through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), part of the Utah Department of Commerce. DOPL was previously called the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — same agency, slightly different name.

What this means for tile contractors:

• You need a license (not just registration like Washington/Idaho)
• Pre-licensure course required — 25 hours covering Utah construction law and business
• Business and Law exam required — must pass with 70% minimum
• Insurance required — $300,000 total general liability coverage minimum
• Business entity registration required — must be registered with Utah Division of Corporations
• Qualifier required — every license needs a designated qualifier (the licensed individual responsible for the entity)

Utah's system focuses on validating business and legal competency rather than tile installation skill. The state assumes you know how to install tile if you can pass the business/law exam and meet the other requirements.

The S293 Classification: Marble, Tile and Ceramic Contractor

Utah uses a structured classification system with letter prefixes:

• E-class: Engineering contractors
• B-class: Building contractors
• R-class: Residential contractors
• S-class: Specialty contractors (this is you)

For tile installers, the relevant classification is:

S293 — Marble, Tile and Ceramic Contractor

This classification covers:

• Ceramic tile installation
• Porcelain tile installation
• Stone tile installation (marble, granite, slate, travertine)
• Glass tile installation
• Mosaic tile installation
• Grout and waterproofing related to tile installation
• Substrate prep for tile installation

Related but separate classifications:

• S291 Stone Masonry — for solid stone masonry work
• S292 Terrazzo — for terrazzo flooring
• S294 Cultured Marble — for cultured marble products

For most residential tile contractors doing standard ceramic/porcelain tile work in bathrooms and kitchens, S293 is the correct classification.

What S293 doesn't cover

The S293 classification stays in its lane:

• No electrical work. Heated floor cable connections require an electrician. (See: How to price tile over radiant heat.)
• No plumbing work. Drain modifications or shower valve work require a plumber.
• No structural work. Subfloor reinforcement or framing requires the appropriate B-class or R-class license.

You can hire or subcontract this work out to other appropriately licensed Utah contractors. You cannot perform it yourself under S293.

What It Costs to Get Licensed in Utah

Here are the actual costs as of 2026, broken down honestly.

Pre-license costs

25-hour pre-license course: $310 (typical fee from approved providers)

Available from these DOPL-approved providers:

• Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC)
• Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA)
• Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC)

The course covers Utah construction law and business management. It is NOT a tile installation course — Utah doesn't test or validate trade skills. You're learning legal compliance, contracts, lien laws, taxes, and business operations.

Exam costs

Utah Business and Law Examination: $60–100 (administered by PSI)

• 70% passing score required
• Open-book format
• Available in English and Spanish
• Multiple-choice questions
• Available at PSI testing centers across Utah

Application costs

• Initial application fee: $210 (covers first classification)
• Additional supplemental classifications: $110 each (if you want to hold S291, S292, or other classifications alongside S293)

Insurance costs

General liability insurance: $300,000 total coverage minimum

• $100,000 per incident minimum
• $300,000 aggregate minimum
• DOPL must be listed as certificate holder
• Annual cost: $600–1,000/year for solo tile contractor

Business entity registration

Utah Division of Corporations registration:

• LLC: $70 filing fee
• Corporation: $70 filing fee
• Sole proprietorship using assumed name: $22

Required: All Utah contractor licenses must be issued to registered business entities. Even sole proprietors typically register an LLC for liability protection.

Realistic first-year cost breakdown

For a solo tile contractor getting their S293 license in Utah:

• 25-hour pre-licensure course: $310
• Business and Law exam fee: $80
• DOPL application fee: $210
• General liability insurance: $800
• Utah LLC formation: $70
• DBA filing (if needed): $22

Total first-year cost: approximately $1,500

Add a surety bond if your application requires one (sometimes triggered by financial responsibility questions in the application): $200–400/year for typical contractor bonds.

This puts Utah in the moderate-cost tier:

• Cheaper than Oregon (~$2,100)
• Slightly more than Washington (~$1,150)
• More than Idaho (~$950) or Montana (~$200–1,000)

How to Get Your Utah Tile Contractor License: Step-by-Step

Here's the actual process to become a licensed S293 tile contractor in Utah.

Step 1: Designate Your Qualifier

Every Utah contractor license requires a qualifier — the person who passes the exam and is legally responsible for the entity.

Qualifier requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be either an owner with at least 20% ownership OR a W-2 employee in a management position
• Must complete the pre-license course and pass the exam
• Will be listed publicly on the license

For solo tile contractors: This is you. You're the qualifier for your own LLC.

Important: If your qualifier leaves the business, you have 60 days to designate a replacement or your license is revoked. Both you and the qualifier must notify DOPL in writing within 10 days of the qualifier's departure.

Step 2: Form Your Business Entity

Before applying for your contractor license, you must register a business entity with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

Options:

• Sole Proprietorship: Issued in your given name. No Division of Corporations filing needed unless you use a DBA name.
• LLC: Most common choice. $70 filing fee. Provides liability protection.
• Corporation: More complex setup. Same $70 filing fee.
• Partnership/LLP: Available but less common for solo contractors.

Recommendation: Form an LLC. The $70 filing fee buys real liability protection. File online at corporations.utah.gov.

Critical: Your business entity registration must remain active. If your corporate registration expires, your contractor license automatically expires too — regardless of when the contractor license itself was set to expire.

Step 3: Complete the 25-Hour Pre-License Course

Sign up for the 25-hour pre-license course through one of three approved providers:

Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC):

• Course cost: $310
• Available in-person and online
• Multiple sessions throughout the year

Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA):

• Similar pricing
• Builder-focused content
• In-person courses primarily

Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC):

• Available statewide
• Multiple format options

What you'll learn:

• Utah construction law and DOPL rules
• Lien law and mechanics' liens
• Contract law basics
• Business and tax basics
• Workers' compensation requirements
• Insurance requirements
• Disclosure requirements
• Customer protection rules

This course does NOT teach you how to install tile. It's purely legal and business education. Take it seriously — the exam questions come directly from this content.

Step 4: Pass the Utah Business and Law Examination

After completing the course, schedule the Utah Business and Law Examination through PSI Testing.

Exam details:

• 70% passing score required
• Open-book format
• Multiple-choice questions
• Available in English and Spanish
• $60–100 fee
• Approximately 80 questions
• 3-hour time limit
• Available at PSI testing centers across Utah

Pass rate: Generally 75–85% for first-time test takers who complete the course. The exam is designed to verify you understood the training, not to fail people who studied.

If you fail: You can retake the exam. Each retake costs the exam fee again. Most failures come from people who skip the pre-license course or treat it casually.

Exam waiver: If you've previously passed the Utah Business and Law Examination (for example, when getting an earlier contractor license), you don't need to retake it.

Step 5: Get General Liability Insurance

Purchase a policy with:

• $100,000 per incident minimum
• $300,000 total aggregate minimum
• Utah DOPL listed as certificate holder
• Coverage active during your entire licensing period

Cost: $600–1,000/year for solo tile contractor

Where to get it:

• Specialized contractor insurance providers (Hiscox, Next Insurance, Thimble)
• Local insurance agencies
• Trade association group plans (often discounted through AGC, UHBA, ABC)

Step 6: Get Workers' Compensation (If You Have Employees)

If you'll have W-2 employees, you need:

• Workers' compensation insurance through Utah-authorized provider
• Unemployment insurance registration through Utah Department of Workforce Services
• State withholding tax registration through Utah State Tax Commission

Solo contractors: Not required. You can submit appropriate documentation showing you have no employees.

Owner-Worker classification: Utah has a unique requirement for entities (other than corporations or publicly traded companies) where owners have less than 8% ownership AND actively engage in construction activities. These owner-workers must be covered by workers' compensation. Most solo LLC owners don't fall into this category, but consult an accountant if you're unsure.

Step 7: Complete the License Application

Download the application from dopl.utah.gov.

The application requires:

• Business entity information
• Qualifier information (legal name, mailing address, email, phone, position, SSN, driver license, date of birth)
• Ownership and employee listing
• General liability insurance information
• Pre-licensure course completion proof
• Exam pass certificate
• Application fee payment

Financial responsibility questions: The application includes questions about financial history. Depending on your answers, DOPL may require a surety bond (typically $50,000 for general contractors, varies for specialty). Most solo tile contractors with clean financial histories don't need a bond.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Mail to:

• Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
• PO Box 146741
• Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Or in-person at:

• Heber M. Wells Building
• 160 East 300 South
• Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Application fees:

• $210 for initial license with first classification
• $110 for any additional supplemental classification

Payment: Check or money order payable to DOPL. Online payment also available.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

Typical processing time: 4–6 weeks.

DOPL reviews your application, verifies your business entity registration, confirms exam results, and issues your license number once everything checks out.

You can check application status by calling DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or emailing them.

Step 10: Start Working

Once you receive your license:

• Verify your information at dopl.utah.gov
• Display your license number on all advertising, contracts, and business materials
• Begin bidding work legally
• Track your license, insurance, and corporate registration expiration dates

You're now a licensed Utah S293 tile contractor.

Insurance Requirements in Detail

General liability insurance

Mandatory minimums:

• $100,000 per incident
• $300,000 total aggregate
• DOPL listed as certificate holder

What it covers: Third-party bodily injury and property damage from your work.

What it doesn't cover: Your own equipment, your own injuries, faulty workmanship claims (those need separate coverage).

Practical recommendation: Most working tile contractors should carry MORE than the state minimum. $500,000–$1,000,000 coverage costs only marginally more and provides real protection. The $300,000 minimum just keeps your license active.

Workers' compensation (if you have employees)

Utah requires workers' compensation for any business with employees. Unlike Montana's state-only system, Utah allows multiple insurance options:

• Workers Compensation Fund (state-chartered)
• Private insurers authorized in Utah
• Self-insurance for very large employers

Cost: Varies based on payroll. Tile installation class codes typically run $5–12 per $100 of payroll.

Surety bond (sometimes required)

Utah doesn't always require a surety bond, but the financial responsibility questions in the license application can trigger a bond requirement. If required:

• For specialty contractors: Typically $25,000–$50,000 bond amount
• Annual cost: $250–500/year depending on credit

The Renewal Process — Pay Attention to This

Utah has an unusual renewal cycle that catches many contractors off guard.

Critical fact: All Utah contractor licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years.

This means:

• If you get licensed in February 2026, your license expires November 30, 2027
• If you get licensed in October 2027, your license expires November 30, 2027 (just 1 month after issue)

Yes, you read that right. Even if you license in October 2027, you must renew by November 30, 2027 — because all licenses expire on odd-year November 30s, regardless of issue date.

Practical implication: If possible, time your initial application so you get licensed early in an odd year (like January–March 2027) to maximize your full 2-year license period.

Renewal requirements

Renewal fee: Approximately $110 per classification (verify current fee with DOPL)

Continuing education: 6 hours per renewal cycle for most classifications

• Minimum 3 hours core education
• Remaining 3 hours can be professional or core education
• At least 3 hours must be live in-class attendance
• Remaining 3 hours can be distance learning

S293 specifically: Standard 6-hour CE requirement. No special classification-specific requirements (unlike S350 HVAC contractors who need 3 hours specifically on HVAC topics).

Insurance renewal: Must remain active. Lapsed insurance suspends your license.

Corporate registration: Must remain active. If your business entity registration expires, your contractor license automatically expires too.

Reinstatement

If your license expires:

• You can typically reinstate within a grace period by paying late fees
• After extended lapse, you may need to retake the pre-licensure course and exam
• Working with an expired license is a Class A misdemeanor

Reciprocity: Working in Utah from Another State

Utah offers licensure by endorsement (reciprocity) for some contractor classifications, but with important limitations.

Who can use endorsement

Reciprocity ONLY applies to:

• B100 General Building Contractor
• E100 General Engineering Contractor
• R100 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor

Specialty contractors (including S293) are NOT eligible for licensure by endorsement.

This means even if you hold a tile contractor license in California or Arizona, you cannot use endorsement to get a Utah S293 license. You must complete the full Utah process: pre-licensure course, exam, and application.

States with Utah reciprocity (general only)

For B100, E100, R100 only:

• Arizona
• South Carolina
• Nevada
• Louisiana
• California

Practical reality for tile contractors

Plan to do the full Utah process if you want to work in Utah, regardless of where else you're licensed. The 25-hour course and exam are required.

The one exception: The Utah Business and Law Examination is waived if you've previously passed it. So if you took it for an earlier Utah license that lapsed, you don't have to retake it. But you still need to complete everything else.

Local Requirements: City Business Licenses

Your DOPL contractor license covers you statewide for the actual contracting work. But several Utah cities require additional business licenses.

Salt Lake City

• City business license required
• Annual fee approximately $50–100
• Apply through Salt Lake City Business Licensing Office

Provo

• Business license required
• Apply through City of Provo Business Licensing
• Annual fee approximately $40–100

Ogden

• Business license required
• Apply through Ogden Business Licensing
• Annual fee varies by business size

St. George

• Business license required for contractors
• Apply through St. George City Hall
• Annual fee approximately $50–150

West Valley City, Sandy, Orem

• Each has separate business license requirements
• Annual fees typically $50–100
• Apply through each city's licensing office

Practical advice: Before starting work in any new Utah city, call the city's business licensing office. Most have annual fees under $150 and same-day processing.

Permits: When Tile Work Requires Them

Most residential tile installation in Utah doesn't require building permits. You're installing a finish material, not modifying structure.

Permits typically required:

• Tile work as part of larger remodel involving structural changes
• Plumbing modifications (drain relocation, valve replacement) — but the plumber pulls these
• Electrical work for heated floor systems — but the electrician pulls these

Permits typically NOT required:

• Standalone tile floor installation
• Backsplash installation
• Standalone shower retiling without plumbing changes
• Tile repair work

City variations apply, especially in Salt Lake City and Park City where remodels are heavily regulated. Always check with the local building department before starting.

Industry Certifications (Optional but Recommended)

Beyond DOPL licensing, voluntary tile certifications help you stand out and charge premium rates:

Certified Tile Installer (CTI) — CTEF

• Offered by Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
• Requires 2+ years of full-time tile installation experience as lead installer
• Multiple-choice exam plus hands-on practical test
• Cost: approximately $400–600 for full certification process

The CTI designation is the most recognized voluntary tile credential nationally. Especially valuable in Utah where the state license doesn't validate trade skill — a CTI certification differentiates you from contractors who passed a business exam without proven tile expertise.

Manufacturer certifications

Free or low-cost product certifications:

• Schluter Systems certified installer
• Laticrete certified installer
• Mapei certified installer
• Ardex certified installer

NTCA Five Star Contractor

• National Tile Contractors Association program
• Higher-tier certification for established contractors
• Useful for commercial work and high-end residential

What Happens If You Work Without a License

Utah takes contractor licensing seriously.

Legal consequences:

• Contracting without a license is a Class A misdemeanor in Utah
• Fines up to $2,500
• Possible jail time up to 364 days
• DOPL can issue cease and desist orders

Business consequences:

• No legal right to file a mechanic's lien
• Cannot sue to collect payment on completed work
• Cannot bid on permitted projects
• Insurance claims may be denied

License loaning:

• Both the "loaner" and the "borrower" of contractor licenses commit Class A misdemeanors
• The loaner is guilty of "aiding and abetting" unlicensed contracting
• The borrower is guilty of contracting without a license

1099 contractor warning: Utah law specifically prohibits paying employees who are unlicensed contractors on a 1099. This is a common violation that DOPL actively investigates.

Common Questions About Utah Tile Contractor Licensing

Do I really not need to document tile experience? Correct. As of recent rule changes, Utah doesn't require experience documentation for specialty contractors (including S293). You still need to complete the 25-hour pre-licensure course and pass the Business and Law exam, but you don't need to prove years of tile work.

This is a significant change from the previous requirement of 4,000 hours (2 years) of construction experience. The change makes Utah more accessible for newer tile contractors.

Can I hold S293 plus other classifications? Yes. Utah allows up to 3 specialty classifications per license. Many tile contractors also hold:

• S291 Stone Masonry (for stone work)
• S292 Terrazzo (for terrazzo flooring)
• S294 Cultured Marble (for cultured marble products)
• S260 General Concrete (for concrete substrate prep)

Cost: $110 per additional classification on initial application.

What's the difference between S293 and B100/R100?

• S293: Tile-specific specialty. You can only do tile, marble, and ceramic work.
• B100 General Building: Can do most construction work, hire subs, manage projects.
• R100 Residential and Small Commercial: Can do residential remodels with multiple trades.

Most solo tile contractors should stick with S293. If you regularly manage multi-trade bathroom remodels under your contract, R100 might be more appropriate (but requires more experience documentation and a different exam).

What if my qualifier (me) leaves the business? If you're the qualifier and you leave your own business (because you're selling, retiring, etc.):

• Both you and the business must notify DOPL in writing within 10 days
• The business has 60 days to designate a replacement qualifier
• The replacement must meet all qualifier requirements (course, exam, etc.)

If no replacement is designated within 60 days, the license is revoked.

Does my license transfer if I sell my business? The license stays with the business entity, not with you personally. So if you sell your LLC to someone else:

• The new owner needs their own qualifier
• The qualifier needs to meet all licensing requirements
• The license cannot transfer to the new owner unless they have their own qualifier in place

In practice, most tile business sales involve either dissolving the old entity and forming a new one, or hiring/retaining a qualifier who can transition the license.

Can I work in Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, or Colorado with my Utah S293 license? No. Each state has separate requirements:

• Nevada: Reciprocity available for general contractors only, not specialty
• Idaho: Registration only ($50 + insurance)
• Wyoming: No state license for tile contractors
• Colorado: No state contractor license, but cities (Denver, Aurora) often require local licenses

For tile contractors near state borders, plan to maintain separate registrations/licenses in each state where you work.

What about that November 30 odd-year thing? Yes, all Utah contractor licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued. This means:

• License issued January 2026 → expires November 30, 2027 (almost 2 full years)
• License issued October 2027 → expires November 30, 2027 (only 1 month)

If you're licensing in late 2025 or 2027, time your application carefully. License early in the odd year, NOT in late odd year.

What if I'm out-of-state and want to bid Utah work? You need a Utah license before performing work, but you can bid before being fully licensed in some cases. However, most general contractors and homeowners require proof of Utah licensure before signing contracts. Plan for the 6–10 week licensing process before pursuing Utah projects.

How does Utah compare to its Western neighbors?

• Montana: No license, no exam, no bond — easiest entry
• Idaho: Registration only, $50, no bond, $300K insurance
• Washington: Registration, $15K bond, $250K CSL insurance, no exam
• Utah: True license, 25-hour course + exam, $300K insurance, no bond typically — moderate
• Oregon: True license, training + exam, $20K bond, $300K insurance — most rigorous

Utah sits in the moderate-rigorous middle of the West.

Tracking Your License Renewal: Why It Matters

Utah contractors have multiple compliance dates that must be tracked:

1. DOPL contractor license expiration (November 30 of odd-numbered years) 2. General liability insurance renewal (annually) 3. Workers' compensation renewal (if applicable, annually) 4. Business entity registration with Division of Corporations (annually) 5. City business licenses (annual or multi-year, varies) 6. Continuing education completion (6 hours per 2-year cycle)

Missing any one of these can suspend your license. The corporate registration expiration is particularly insidious — it auto-expires your contractor license without DOPL needing to take action.

Practical advice: Set calendar reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before each expiration date. Use whatever system works — calendar app, spreadsheet, contractor management software.

This is one of the things TileForeman handles automatically for tile contractors who use it. License expiration tracking with built-in reminders is part of the broader business management software built specifically for tile installers. But whether you use TileForeman or another tracking method, just don't let these dates surprise you.

Resources for Utah Tile Contractors

Official state resources:

• Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
• Contracting page
• DOPL Phone: (801) 530-6628
• Toll-Free in Utah: (866) 275-3675
• Fax: (801) 530-6511
• Mailing address: PO Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
• Physical address: Heber M. Wells Building, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Pre-license course providers:

• Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC): agc-utah.org
• Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA): uhba.org
• Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC): abcutah.org

Exam:

• PSI Testing: psiexams.com
• Fee: $60–100

Business entity registration:

• Utah Division of Corporations: corporations.utah.gov

Industry organizations:

• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF): ceramictilefoundation.org
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): tile-assn.com

Workers' compensation:

• Workers Compensation Fund of Utah: wcfgroup.com
• Utah Insurance Department: insurance.utah.gov

Tracking License Compliance with TileForeman

If you're a licensed Utah S293 tile contractor, you have multiple compliance dates: DOPL license renewal (November 30 of odd years), insurance renewal (annual), workers' comp renewal (if applicable), business entity renewal (annual), city business licenses, and continuing education completion. The unusual renewal calendar makes tracking even more important.

TileForeman automatically tracks license expirations, insurance renewals, business entity dates, and continuing education for tile contractors, with reminders sent 90, 60, and 30 days before each expiration. It's part of the broader business management software built specifically for tile installers.

Try it free at tileforeman.com.

Keep This Information Current

Licensing requirements change. Utah recently dropped experience requirements for specialty contractors. Fees occasionally adjust. CE requirements get updated.

This guide was last verified in April 2026 against DOPL official sources. Before taking any action based on this information:

• Verify current requirements at dopl.utah.gov
• Confirm fees and processes with DOPL directly at (801) 530-6628
• Check city-specific requirements with the local government
• Consult a Utah construction attorney for complex situations

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

This guide is part of TileForeman's state-by-state tile contractor licensing series.