Pittsburgh Contractor and Trade License Renewal (PLI)

Last reviewed October 2026 · 7 min read

The City of Pittsburgh licenses its own contractors and tradespeople through the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI): a General Contractor License for work under a Commercial Building Development Application and for certain residential and demolition permits, and Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Suppression and Stationary Power Engineer trade licenses, issued to individuals. Every license expires 365 days after it was issued, and the 2026 fee schedule puts each renewal at $90. You can renew up to 45 days before the expiration date through OneStopPGH or at the OneStopPGH counter, and PLI doesn't have to remind you. A trade license renewal needs proof of 8 hours of continuing education from the previous 12 months. After the expiration date there's a 60-day grace period: a $50 late fee from day 31, and on day 61 the license lapses and you apply for a new one.

At a glance

Who needs a General Contractor License: The City of Pittsburgh requires a General Contractor License for all work performed under a Commercial Building Development Application, and for permits to construct new one or two family dwellings, for renovations or additions to one or two family dwellings that are rental or investment property, and for demolition permits for commercial structures or residential primary structures
Trade licenses: Issued to individuals, not to companies. An Electrical Trade License is required to perform electrical work within the City; a Mechanical license to install, erect, enlarge, repair, alter, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system; a Fire Suppression Trade License for that work on fire suppression systems (cooking hood work doesn't need one); and a Stationary Power Engineer license for anyone who controls or operates pipes, boilers, stationary or locomotive engines, or other containers, tanks or vessels under pressure of water, liquid, gas or steam
Renews every: Year: all licenses expire 365 days from the date of issuance unless renewed. A renewed license starts the day after the old one's expiration date
When you can renew: Up to 45 days before the expiration date, under PLI's Rules and Regulations (amended March 12, 2026). Renewing on time is your responsibility: the rules say you renew and pay without notice from PLI
Renewal fee: $90 a year for a General Contractor, Electrical, HVAC/Mechanical, Fire Suppression or Stationary Engineer license (2026 fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026). PLI fees change annually, so check the current fee schedule before you pay
Late fee: $50 for each license (2026 fee schedule), charged if the license isn't renewed within 30 days after the expiration date: the late fee is incurred on the 31st day
How to renew: Through the OneStopPGH platform, or in person at the OneStopPGH counter at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Online you pay by credit card or eCheck (each carries a small processing fee); at the counter by credit card, check, money order or cashier's check made out to "Treasurer - City of Pittsburgh". PLI can't take payment by mail or cash. PLI's Contractor Licenses page says an incomplete application is returned to the applicant
Continuing education (trade licenses): Renewing an Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Suppression or Stationary Power Engineer license takes a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of 8 hours of continuing education completed within the previous 12 months from the license renewal date (one CEU is one hour). PLI accepts relevant courses from accredited institutions listed in the ICC Preferred Provider's Directory or among Pennsylvania L&I's Uniform Construction Code CE providers, and trainings from trade-specific union and apprenticeship programs; for stationary power engineers, relevant IUOE and OSHA courses. PLI reviews any other course case by case on request (PLIAppTech@pittsburghpa.gov, decided within 10 business days), and a pending decision isn't a valid reason to renew late
General contractor documents: A contractor license application needs a valid government-issued photo ID, a general liability certificate of insurance, a workers' compensation certificate of insurance (or a notarized statement that the business has no employees), a tax compliance letter from the City Department of Finance (taxcompliance@pittsburghpa.gov), and the business's EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification, which is valid for 5 years. PLI's rules say documents without their own expiration date must be updated and resubmitted for each renewal, and a no-employees affidavit must be provided annually
Insurance: General liability of at least $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, covering the applicant at the location where the licensed work takes place, with the City of Pittsburgh as certificate holder and additionally insured, and workers' compensation with the City as certificate holder. Trade license holders don't have to show insurance or tax compliance to get the license, but must provide them to obtain permits. If a certificate or certification expires during the license year, send PLI the updated one: a license can be suspended or revoked over expired required documents
Grace period and lapse: The grace period starts when the license expires and runs 60 days. If the license isn't renewed within 60 days after the expiration date, it automatically lapses on the 61st day: you must apply for a new license and meet all new license requirements, which may include re-testing, and permits for the licensed work are suspended until a valid license is connected to them. Fees paid are forfeited
Refunds: None once a license has been issued
On the job: A general contractor must carry a copy of the PLI-issued license at all times while working under PLI permits
Pennsylvania HIC registration: PLI's rules let a contractor with a current and valid Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration provide it instead of a general contractor license. PLI's Contractor Licenses page doesn't mention this, so confirm with PLI before you rely on it. The HIC registration renews separately, with the Attorney General's office
Questions: PLIAppTech@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2175

This guide covers the City of Pittsburgh only. Neighbouring municipalities and the rest of Pennsylvania have their own rules.

The 60-day grace period lets you renew late, with the $50 late fee after day 30. It doesn't keep permits safe after day 60: a lapsed license suspends the permits for its work until a valid license is connected.

A course approval request to PLI takes up to 10 business days and doesn't excuse a late renewal: send it well before your renewal date.

How to renew

Find the expiration date on your PLI license and set a reminder about two months ahead: you can renew from 45 days before it.
Trade license holders: make sure you have 8 CE hours completed within the 12 months before your renewal date, from an accepted provider. Send PLI any course that isn't from an accepted provider early: its review takes up to 10 business days.
General contractors: get a current tax compliance letter from the City Department of Finance and certificates of insurance naming the City of Pittsburgh (or a notarized no-employees affidavit), and check your RRP certification hasn't expired.
Renew through OneStopPGH or at the OneStopPGH counter, upload what PLI asks for, and pay the fee on the current fee schedule ($90 in 2026). PLI's contractor page says an incomplete application is returned.
Missed the date? Renew within 30 days to avoid the late fee, and before day 61 at the latest: after that the license lapses and you apply for a new one.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

3 months outTrade license holders: count your CE hours from the last 12 months and book any you still need (8 hours).
2 months outGeneral contractors: request a tax compliance letter and check your certificates of insurance are current and name the City of Pittsburgh.
45 days outRenewing opens. Renew through OneStopPGH and pay the fee.
Expiration dayNot renewed yet? You're in the 60-day grace period: renew within 30 days to avoid the $50 late fee.
Day 60 after expirationLast day to renew. On day 61 the license lapses and you must apply for a new one.

Put this renewal in your calendar

Know your expiration date? Download a free calendar file with reminders before it, no sign-up needed. It's made in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us (your browser keeps it only if you follow the sign-up link, for your new ledger). A Google Calendar button sends just that one event to Google.

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification, valid for 5 years
Your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration, if you hold one
The certificates of insurance on file with PLI
General liability insurance policy
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs
Commercial auto insurance

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

How often do you renew a Pittsburgh contractor license?

Every year: all PLI licenses expire 365 days from the date of issuance unless renewed, and you can renew up to 45 days before the expiration date.

How much does it cost to renew a Pittsburgh contractor or trade license?

$90 a year for a General Contractor, Electrical, HVAC/Mechanical, Fire Suppression or Stationary Engineer license under the 2026 fee schedule, plus a $50 late fee if you renew more than 30 days after the expiration date. PLI fees change annually.

How many CE hours does a Pittsburgh electrical or mechanical trade license need?

8 hours of continuing education completed within the previous 12 months from the license renewal date, from an accepted provider, with a valid government-issued photo ID.

What happens if my Pittsburgh license expires?

You have a 60-day grace period to renew, with a $50 late fee from the 31st day. On the 61st day the license automatically lapses: you must apply for a new license and meet all new license requirements, and permits for the licensed work are suspended until a valid license is connected.

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Contractor Licenses

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Pennsylvania guides

All Pennsylvania guides on one page

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

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Pittsburgh Contractor and Trade License Renewal (PLI)

Last reviewed October 2026 · 7 min read

At a glance

Who needs a General Contractor License: The City of Pittsburgh requires a General Contractor License for all work performed under a Commercial Building Development Application, and for permits to construct new one or two family dwellings, for renovations or additions to one or two family dwellings that are rental or investment property, and for demolition permits for commercial structures or residential primary structures
Trade licenses: Issued to individuals, not to companies. An Electrical Trade License is required to perform electrical work within the City; a Mechanical license to install, erect, enlarge, repair, alter, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system; a Fire Suppression Trade License for that work on fire suppression systems (cooking hood work doesn't need one); and a Stationary Power Engineer license for anyone who controls or operates pipes, boilers, stationary or locomotive engines, or other containers, tanks or vessels under pressure of water, liquid, gas or steam
Renews every: Year: all licenses expire 365 days from the date of issuance unless renewed. A renewed license starts the day after the old one's expiration date
When you can renew: Up to 45 days before the expiration date, under PLI's Rules and Regulations (amended March 12, 2026). Renewing on time is your responsibility: the rules say you renew and pay without notice from PLI
Renewal fee: $90 a year for a General Contractor, Electrical, HVAC/Mechanical, Fire Suppression or Stationary Engineer license (2026 fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026). PLI fees change annually, so check the current fee schedule before you pay
Late fee: $50 for each license (2026 fee schedule), charged if the license isn't renewed within 30 days after the expiration date: the late fee is incurred on the 31st day
How to renew: Through the OneStopPGH platform, or in person at the OneStopPGH counter at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Online you pay by credit card or eCheck (each carries a small processing fee); at the counter by credit card, check, money order or cashier's check made out to "Treasurer - City of Pittsburgh". PLI can't take payment by mail or cash. PLI's Contractor Licenses page says an incomplete application is returned to the applicant
Continuing education (trade licenses): Renewing an Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Suppression or Stationary Power Engineer license takes a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of 8 hours of continuing education completed within the previous 12 months from the license renewal date (one CEU is one hour). PLI accepts relevant courses from accredited institutions listed in the ICC Preferred Provider's Directory or among Pennsylvania L&I's Uniform Construction Code CE providers, and trainings from trade-specific union and apprenticeship programs; for stationary power engineers, relevant IUOE and OSHA courses. PLI reviews any other course case by case on request (PLIAppTech@pittsburghpa.gov, decided within 10 business days), and a pending decision isn't a valid reason to renew late
General contractor documents: A contractor license application needs a valid government-issued photo ID, a general liability certificate of insurance, a workers' compensation certificate of insurance (or a notarized statement that the business has no employees), a tax compliance letter from the City Department of Finance (taxcompliance@pittsburghpa.gov), and the business's EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification, which is valid for 5 years. PLI's rules say documents without their own expiration date must be updated and resubmitted for each renewal, and a no-employees affidavit must be provided annually
Insurance: General liability of at least $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, covering the applicant at the location where the licensed work takes place, with the City of Pittsburgh as certificate holder and additionally insured, and workers' compensation with the City as certificate holder. Trade license holders don't have to show insurance or tax compliance to get the license, but must provide them to obtain permits. If a certificate or certification expires during the license year, send PLI the updated one: a license can be suspended or revoked over expired required documents
Grace period and lapse: The grace period starts when the license expires and runs 60 days. If the license isn't renewed within 60 days after the expiration date, it automatically lapses on the 61st day: you must apply for a new license and meet all new license requirements, which may include re-testing, and permits for the licensed work are suspended until a valid license is connected to them. Fees paid are forfeited
Refunds: None once a license has been issued
On the job: A general contractor must carry a copy of the PLI-issued license at all times while working under PLI permits
Pennsylvania HIC registration: PLI's rules let a contractor with a current and valid Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration provide it instead of a general contractor license. PLI's Contractor Licenses page doesn't mention this, so confirm with PLI before you rely on it. The HIC registration renews separately, with the Attorney General's office
Questions: PLIAppTech@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2175

This guide covers the City of Pittsburgh only. Neighbouring municipalities and the rest of Pennsylvania have their own rules.

A course approval request to PLI takes up to 10 business days and doesn't excuse a late renewal: send it well before your renewal date.

How to renew

Find the expiration date on your PLI license and set a reminder about two months ahead: you can renew from 45 days before it.
Trade license holders: make sure you have 8 CE hours completed within the 12 months before your renewal date, from an accepted provider. Send PLI any course that isn't from an accepted provider early: its review takes up to 10 business days.
General contractors: get a current tax compliance letter from the City Department of Finance and certificates of insurance naming the City of Pittsburgh (or a notarized no-employees affidavit), and check your RRP certification hasn't expired.
Renew through OneStopPGH or at the OneStopPGH counter, upload what PLI asks for, and pay the fee on the current fee schedule ($90 in 2026). PLI's contractor page says an incomplete application is returned.
Missed the date? Renew within 30 days to avoid the late fee, and before day 61 at the latest: after that the license lapses and you apply for a new one.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

3 months outTrade license holders: count your CE hours from the last 12 months and book any you still need (8 hours).
2 months outGeneral contractors: request a tax compliance letter and check your certificates of insurance are current and name the City of Pittsburgh.
45 days outRenewing opens. Renew through OneStopPGH and pay the fee.
Expiration dayNot renewed yet? You're in the 60-day grace period: renew within 30 days to avoid the $50 late fee.
Day 60 after expirationLast day to renew. On day 61 the license lapses and you must apply for a new one.

Put this renewal in your calendar

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification, valid for 5 years
Your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration, if you hold one
The certificates of insurance on file with PLI
General liability insurance policy
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs
Commercial auto insurance

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

How often do you renew a Pittsburgh contractor license?

Every year: all PLI licenses expire 365 days from the date of issuance unless renewed, and you can renew up to 45 days before the expiration date.

How much does it cost to renew a Pittsburgh contractor or trade license?

How many CE hours does a Pittsburgh electrical or mechanical trade license need?

8 hours of continuing education completed within the previous 12 months from the license renewal date, from an accepted provider, with a valid government-issued photo ID.

What happens if my Pittsburgh license expires?

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Contractor Licenses

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Pennsylvania guides

All Pennsylvania guides on one page

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

Start free

Not ready to sign up? Get the free tracking spreadsheet