General contractor licenses
in Denver, Colorado
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
The business is a general contractor operating from a home in Denver, Colorado, serving customers in person and online. It will have W-2 employees and primarily sells services, with no food or alcohol sales.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
- Federal
- Federal Government
Details to confirm before you apply
- What specific type of business entity will be formed (LLC or corporation)?
- Will any commercial vehicles exceed the 10,001/16,001-lb thresholds?
- Is the home occupation permitted in the specific Denver zone?
- What are the current fees for the home occupation permit?
- What is the processing time for the contractor license application?
- Are there any additional local licenses or permits required for the specific contracting services offered?
- Confirm with the responsible agencies whether additional requirements apply in these areas: Commercial vehicle rules; Lead-safe renovation firm certification; Individual lead-safe renovator qualification; City business license or tax registration. These areas remain unresolved in this guide.
The main licenses and permits
6 of 13- 01Denver General Contractor License (Class A)City and County of Denver, Community Planning and Development (CPD) · County
A general contractor performing construction work in Denver must hold a Denver contractor license.
RequiredLicenses renew every 1–3 years depending on license type - 02Business Entity Registration (LLC or Corporation)Colorado Secretary of State · Colorado
A general contractor operating as a business should form a legal entity (LLC or corporation) to operate and to obtain an EIN.
RequiredAnnual Periodic Report, $25 per year - 03Colorado Sales Tax LicenseColorado Department of Revenue, Division of Taxation · Colorado
A contractor who sells and installs tangible personal property must collect Colorado sales tax on taxable sales.
RequiredNot published - 04Employer Identification Number (EIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
The business will hire W-2 employees, and an EIN is required to hire employees, pay employment taxes, and open a business bank account.
RequiredNone (one-time number) - 05Federal Employer Tax ObligationsInternal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
The business will have W-2 employees, so it must withhold federal income tax and FICA, pay the employer share of FICA, and pay federal unemployment tax (FUTA).
RequiredQuarterly/annual filings - 06Colorado Wage Withholding AccountColorado Department of Revenue · Colorado
The business will have W-2 employees, so it must register as a withholding agent.
RequiredOngoing; periodic withholding filings
This example includes 7 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should a general contractor in Denver check?
This guide does not establish whether Denver requires a stand-alone general business license or registration. Confirm that question with the city, in addition to reviewing the industry permits and registrations below.
How much do licenses and permits cost for a general contractor in Denver?
About $304 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Business Entity Registration (LLC or Corporation) (Colorado Secretary of State), then Federal Employer Tax Obligations (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical general contractor. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.