Dwelling Contractor

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​The Electronic Safety and Licensing ​Application (eSLA) is now live for Dwelling Contractor. Public Lookup is also live for this credential. Visit the Customer Information page for​ instructions on first-time login, and to view the full list of program areas in eSLA. ​​​​

                                Go to esla.wi.gov​​​​ ​​to get started​.​

License Information

Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.31, no person may obtain a building permit for a one- and two-family dwelling unless the person complies with all of the following, except as provided under Wis. Stats. § 101.654(1)(b) and (1)(c)(2):

  • Holds a Dwelling Contractor certification or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification issued by the Department;
  • Holds or engages, as an employee, a person who holds a certification issued by the Department as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.​​​​ 

Application for Licensure

For a Dwelling Contractor Certification that has been expired more than 1 year please submit an application, supporting documentation and fee for reinstatement.

FormDescription
3096Application for Dwelling Contractor Certification
3073​Trades Payment Form

​Reinstate a Dwelling Contractor Certification that has been Expired more than 1 Year

Submit an application, supporting documentation and fee:

  • Application for Dwelling Contractor Certification (Form #3096) 
  • $65.00 total fee ($15.00 application fee, $25.00 credential fee, and $25.00 late renewal fee)

Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • To renew an expired Dwelling Contractor certification within 1 year of expiration:
    • Submit an application, supporting documentation and fee

Renewal Method

Department of Safety and Professional Services

Trades Credentialing Unit
PO Box 78780
Milwaukee, WI  53293-0780


If you have questions regarding your renewal, please email DSPSCredTrades@wisconsin.gov.

When mailing your renewal, please allow up to 21 calendar days [per Wis. Admin. Code SPS § 305.04 (1)] from the date your payment is processed to receive an update regarding your renewal.

Getting Certified to Work with Lead Based Paint

Training and certification are required for professionals who offer or conduct regulated lead-based paint activities in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. These activities include:

  • Abatement of Lead Hazards
  • Lead Testing, Inspection, and Risk Assessment
  • Most paint-disturbing renovation work (for example, replacing windows, scraping paint prior to re-painting)
  • Post renovation and post-abatement clearance (including dust wipe sampling to measure lead dust left behind)

By getting certified and working safely, you protect your own and others' health, and show professional responsibility. For more information about certification, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services​ website.​