Wisconsin licensing

Who and what this applies to

Dwelling-contractor financial-responsibility certification for the one- and two-family dwelling code; separate trade credentials have their own requirements.

Thresholds and scope

An unrestricted Dwelling Contractor credential uses a $25,000 bond or at least $250,000 per-occurrence general liability coverage.

The rules

• Section 101.654 requires annual financial-responsibility certification and applicable education before obtaining a covered building permit. An owner who resides or will reside in the dwelling and applies to work on it is excepted by subsection (1)(b). Source
• DSPS’s current Dwelling Contractor application requires either an authorized surety bond of at least $25,000 or general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence. Source
• Section 101.654(2)-(2m) permits the restricted bond alternative from $5,000 to below $25,000 only with an agreement not to perform dwelling work whose estimated completion cost exceeds that bond. It also requires applicable workers’ compensation and unemployment compliance. Source

Deadlines

Maintain the annual certification and meet the applicable education and financial-responsibility requirements before the covered permit.

Primary sources

• 101.pdf
• https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-dc/new-licensure/

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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