Kansas HVAC Contractor License: How-To

To get a HVAC contractor license in Kansas, first confirm your city/county rules—Kansas has no statewide HVAC license. In Johnson County, apply to the Contractor Licensing program (Class DM) after passing an approved ICC master mechanical exam and meeting insurance/CE rules. In Wichita/Sedgwick County, license through MABCD with Kansas Standard ICC exam, insurance, and fees.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-13

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Kansas

1. Confirm your jurisdiction. Kansas does not issue a statewide HVAC license. Identify whether your projects fall under Johnson County (JCCL) or Wichita/Sedgwick County (MABCD) or another city/county (Kansas Business One Stop).
2. Choose your license class. For Johnson County, select Class DM Mechanical; for Wichita/Sedgwick, apply for a Mechanical trade contractor license (JCCL license types; MABCD license types).
3. Designate a Qualifying Individual (QI). JCCL requires a QI who meets exam/education standards; MABCD requires a Master/Qualified Person with Kansas Standard ICC test results (75%+) (JCCL QI; MABCD exam).
4. Pass the approved ICC exam. JCCL recognizes ICC Standard Master Mechanical (Exam 556/KGL) and certain equivalent national exams; MABCD requires the Kansas Standard ICC exam (JCCL exam IDs; MABCD).
5. Prepare insurance and documents. JCCL: GL insurance (ACORD) and workers’ comp or notarized waiver. MABCD: GL ≥ $300,000, workers’ comp (or waiver), and auto liability, naming MABCD as certificate holder (JCCL checklist; MABCD insurance).
6. Submit the application and pay fees. JCCL new license: $325 for one license ($100 app + $225 license); annual renewal thereafter. MABCD Mechanical: $360 for a 2‑year license expiring in odd years; allow up to two weeks for review (JCCL fees; MABCD fee table; processing time).
7. Complete continuing education and renew. JCCL: 8 CE hours per classification each calendar year. MABCD: 12 CE hours per renewal with 6 code‑related (JCCL CE; MABCD CE).

Kansas HVAC contractor license overview

Kansas leaves HVAC contractor licensing to counties and cities. Two of the most common pathways are through Johnson County’s Class DM Mechanical license and Wichita/Sedgwick County’s Mechanical trade license. If you work across multiple jurisdictions, you may need more than one license and must also follow each permit office’s rules (Johnson County permits; MABCD portal).

Exams accepted in Kansas jurisdictions

Johnson County recognizes the ICC Standard Master Mechanical (Exam 556/KGL) and certain equivalent national ICC exams; Pearson VUE administers the tests. Sedgwick County requires the Kansas Standard ICC exam with a 75% minimum score and test release if taken outside Kansas (JCCL exam matrix; MABCD exam rule).

Insurance and bond expectations

Expect general liability and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation. JCCL specifies GL proof via ACORD and allows a notarized WC waiver when applicable. MABCD sets a GL minimum of $300,000 and requires auto liability and WC (or waiver), with MABCD listed as certificate holder (JCCL checklist; MABCD insurance rules).

Renewal and continuing education

Johnson County renews annually and requires 8 CE hours per classification each calendar year. MABCD Mechanical licenses renew every two years (odd years) with 12 CE hours per period, including 6 code‑specific hours (JCCL CE policy; MABCD CE policy).

Costs to get a HVAC contractor license in Kansas

Plan for jurisdiction‑specific costs. Johnson County charges $325 for a new single license ($100 application + $225 license). Wichita/Sedgwick charges $360 for a 2‑year Mechanical license. You’ll also incur ICC exam fees, insurance premiums, and CE costs as needed (JCCL fees; MABCD fees; ICC exam info).

If you want a national context and preparation tips, see our guidance on navigating HVAC contractor licensing in 2026 and our evergreen checklist of HVAC contractor licensing requirements and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a statewide HVAC contractor license in Kansas?

No. Kansas does not issue a statewide HVAC license; licensing is handled by cities and counties. The Kansas Business One Stop directs contractors to local trade licensing resources (official).

Which ICC exam do I need for Johnson County?

For Class DM Mechanical, Johnson County recognizes the ICC Standard Master Mechanical exam (Exam 556/KGL) and certain equivalent national exams, typically with a 75% passing score (JCCL exam matrix).

How much are HVAC license fees in Wichita/Sedgwick County?

Mechanical contractor licenses cost $360 for two years and expire December 31 of odd‑numbered years. Allow up to two weeks for license review and issuance (fee table; processing note).

What insurance do I need?

Johnson County requires general liability insurance (ACORD form) and workers’ compensation or a notarized waiver if not required. MABCD requires general liability of at least $300,000, workers’ compensation (or waiver), and auto liability, listing MABCD as certificate holder (JCCL; MABCD).

Do I need continuing education to renew?

Yes. JCCL requires 8 CE hours per license classification each calendar year. MABCD requires 12 CE hours per renewal cycle with at least 6 hours code‑related in your trade (JCCL CE; MABCD CE).

Ready to save hours chasing forms and fee tables? License Navigator tracks Kansas’s local HVAC rules and builds your step‑by‑step checklist—so you can get licensed faster and start scheduling installs.