HVAC contractor license cost (NH)

Direct answer (48 words): New Hampshire doesn’t issue a single “HVAC contractor” license. To contract legally, most firms hold a Mechanical Business Entity license ($250/2 years) and employ a licensed fuel gas fitter (initial $190; renewal $180). Trainee, domestic appliance, and hearth licenses have different two‑year fees. Exams and education are separate costs.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-07

How to get an HVAC “contractor” license in New Hampshire (cost‑focused)

1. Decide your scope of HVAC work. NH licenses fuel gas, hearth, domestic appliance (gas), and plumbing—not a general HVAC card. Pick the endorsement(s) that match your services. Mec 100 definitions.
2. Meet hours and education. Accrue the endorsement‑specific field experience (1,000–2,000 hours in 60 months) before testing. Some oil‑heat hours may count. RSA 153:28.
3. Apply to OPLC for individual licensure. Submit the individual application and required materials; the Board must authorize you before taking a board‑approved exam. Mec 304.01; Mec 308.02.
4. Pass the exam and pay license fees. Exam fees are paid to the approved testing entity (separate from OPLC). Then pay the initial license fee (commonly $190 for most fuel gas endorsements). Plc 1002.25.
5. License your business (the contractor step). File for the Mechanical Business Entity license and designate a responsible managing employee who holds the appropriate NH license; pay $250 for a 2‑year license (fee‑exempt if truly solo with no employees). Mec 307.04; Plc 1002.25.
6. Renew every 2 years and complete CE. Keep up with any continuing education set in rule and renew both individual and business licenses on the 2‑year cycle. Mec 403–406; RSA 153:28, I(b).

HVAC contractor license cost in New Hampshire: what you’ll actually pay

Budget two buckets: (1) the individual license (commonly $190 initially; $180 to renew for service/installation/piping) and (2) the business entity license ($250 per 2 years if you have employees). Other endorsements have their own two‑year fees. All figures are codified in Plc 1002.25.

Is there a general HVAC license in NH?

No—New Hampshire regulates fuel gas fitting (service, installation, piping), domestic appliance (gas), hearth, and plumbing; contractors license their business entity and employ a licensed qualifier. See definitions and business eligibility in Mec 100–102 and Mec 307.04.

Education, hours, and testing at a glance

Experience minimums sit at 1,000–2,000 hours over 60 months depending on endorsement; the Board approves testing organizations and requires authorization before you can sit. Statutory hour thresholds are in RSA 153:28; testing organization approval is in Mec 308.02.

Comparing license costs across NH trades

If you’re evaluating compliance budgets across service lines, our breakdowns of New Hampshire private investigator license costs and the step‑by‑step NH PI licensing process show how state fees vary by board—useful context when planning overhead for a multi‑trade firm. Security firms should also see the NH security guard license cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total first‑year cost to start an HVAC contracting business in NH?

Typical startups budget $190 for an individual fuel gas license (most endorsements), plus $250 for the 2‑year Mechanical Business Entity license if you employ technicians—$440 in state fees. Exams, education, and any local permits are additional. Sources: Plc 1002.25; Mec 307.04.

Do I need liability insurance to get licensed?

State mechanical rules list eligibility criteria for business licensure and do not require proof of liability insurance. Many clients or municipalities still expect it. Verify local permit conditions. See Mec 307.04 for the official eligibility items.

How often do NH HVAC (mechanical) licenses renew?

Individual and business mechanical licenses renew every 2 years. Continuing education is required for renewals as set by rule. See Mec 302.03, Mec 403–406, and RSA 153:28, I(b).

Which HVAC tasks actually require NH licensure?

Fuel gas piping, fuel gas equipment installation and service, hearth systems, and plumbing require the applicable licenses. The business performing the work must also hold the Mechanical Business Entity license and employ a licensed qualifier. See Mec 100–102 and Mec 307.04.

What are the minimum experience hours for each endorsement?

Fuel Gas Installation Technician – 1,000 hours; Fuel Gas Service Technician – 2,000 hours; Fuel Gas Piping Installer – 1,000 hours. Hours must be earned within 60 months; some oil‑heat hours may count toward totals. Source: RSA 153:28.

Ready to simplify licensing and track costs? License Navigator can map your endorsements, exams, and renewals—and keep your contracting business compliant in New Hampshire.