MSBOC License Lookup

Where to Check a Mississippi Contractor License

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) maintains a public directory of all active state-licensed contractors at msboc.us. The directory is updated every Wednesday, so newly issued or recently lapsed licenses may take up to a week to appear.

You can search by business name, individual name, license number, or classification type. The results show the license status (active or inactive), the classifications held, and the business entity information on file.

What the Lookup Shows — and What It Doesn't

The MSBOC directory confirms whether a business entity holds a valid state contractor license with the relevant plumbing classification (Residential Plumbing Specialty, Commercial Plumbing Specialty, or Mechanical Contractor).

What it does not show:

• Individual trade credentials. Mississippi doesn't issue statewide journeyman or master plumber licenses. Those are local municipal credentials — you'd need to check with the specific city's building department (Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, etc.) to verify an individual's trade card.
• Local permit bonds. Whether a contractor has a registered surety bond with a particular municipality isn't tracked at the state level.
• Insurance policy details. The directory confirms a license is active but doesn't display the contractor's current insurance certificates. You can request proof of insurance directly from the contractor.

Why Verification Matters

Hiring an unlicensed contractor for work above the applicable state thresholds (commercial/public works over $50,000; new residential over $50,000; residential remodeling over $10,000) creates real risk for both parties:

• The contractor faces civil penalties of up to $500 per violation from MSBOC
• Contracts signed by unlicensed contractors may be voidable under Mississippi law
• An unlicensed contractor can jeopardize or lose mechanic's lien rights, depending on the work and applicable rules
• Work performed without proper licensing may void warranty coverage and insurance claims

For homeowners and general contractors, a quick MSBOC lookup before signing a contract is basic due diligence.

The Exact Name Match Rule

When you run a lookup, pay attention to the exact business name on the license. The MSBOC enforces a strict "Exact Name" rule — all contracts, bids, permits, and insurance certificates must use the precise legal entity name that appears on the state license.

If a contractor's license is under "Smith Plumbing Services, LLC" but they're bidding under "Smith Plumbing" or "Smith Plumbing & Mechanical," that's technically a violation. It can void contracts, invalidate lien rights, and trigger board complaints.

When verifying a contractor, make sure the name on their bid or contract matches the name in the MSBOC directory character for character.

Checking Local Plumber Credentials

For individual plumber verification at the local level, contact the municipal building department directly:

• Jackson: Department of Planning and Development, Office of Code Services
• Gulfport: Department of Urban Development, Building Code Services
• Southaven: Building Department
• Tupelo: Department of Development Services, Building & Codes Division

Ask the city how to verify local master and journeyman trade cards or contractor registrations for that jurisdiction.

If you're navigating both the state contractor verification and the local trade card system, the Mississippi Plumber License Guide explains how the two tiers interact and which credentials apply to which types of work.

See more Mississippi guides →