RBQ licence: who needs one, which subclasses and what security bond?

Who needs an RBQ licence?

Any person or business that carries out or has construction work carried out must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), unless an exemption applies. The RBQ covers contractors working for a third party (including those who bid or advertise), developers, and owners building on their own account, who then apply for an owner-builder licence. However, an individual building their own single-family home or a structure for personal or family use is exempt from the licence on that basis.

Some work is not construction work within the meaning of the RBQ: tree felling, roof snow removal, material delivery, inspections. It may fall under the CCQ (see our 2026 CCQ guide). And the RBQ licence is not the competency certificate: the first authorizes the business, the second is issued to workers by the CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec). For a first pointer, try our "Do I need an RBQ licence?" quiz; only the RBQ can confirm your situation.

General contractor or specialty contractor: what is the difference?

A general contractor organizes, coordinates or carries out work under Schedule I; a specialty contractor carries out work under Schedules II and III. A general contractor can have a subcontractor carry out Schedule II work related to a building covered by its own subclass, but cannot always carry it out itself. Electrical work is reserved for contractors in subclass 16 (licence obtained through the CMEQ), and plumbing and heating for those in subclasses 15.1 to 15.5 (CMMTQ): this work must therefore be subcontracted.

Which licence subclasses should you apply for?

The ones that match the work you want to carry out or have carried out. They are listed on the licence, and the RBQ encourages clients to check that they match the work set out in the contract. The general category has 11 subclasses, including 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 (new residential buildings covered by a guarantee plan, classes I and II), 1.2 (small buildings), 1.3 (buildings of all kinds), 1.4 (roads and piping) and 1.9 (building mechanical systems). The specialty category has 44 (31 in Schedule II, 13 in Schedule III), for example 2.5 (excavation and earthwork), 9.0 (finishing work), 15.5 (plumbing) and 16.0 (electrical). The full list is on the RBQ website.

How much is the RBQ licence security bond?

As of October 13, 2026, it is $40,000 for a general contractor (Schedule I) and $20,000 for a specialty contractor (Schedules II and III). This is the ceiling of the protection offered to clients, not what you pay: the RBQ requires it but does not issue it. It is provided by an insurer, a contractors' association, a credit union or a bank, and its cost depends on the issuer. If you hold subclasses in both categories, confirm the amount with the RBQ. Holders whose licence only includes 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 are exempt, because the guarantee plan compensates their clients.

An increase has been proposed, but it is not in force. On February 25, 2026, the RBQ published in the Gazette officielle du Québec a draft regulation that would raise the security bond to $60,000 (general) and $30,000 (specialty), and extend the period for discovering defects and poor workmanship from one year to five years. On October 13, 2026, the RBQ's "Projets de règlement en cours" (draft regulations in progress) page showed these drafts at the comment analysis stage.

The RBQ accepts four forms of security bond: an individual insurance policy, a group policy through a contractors' association, a certified cheque or a draft payable to the Minister of Finance (not releasable for five years), or an irrevocable and unconditional letter of credit. The original must be mailed to the RBQ.

What does the licence security bond cover?

It compensates a client who has suffered a loss: work not carried out (deposits paid), unfinished work, and defects and poor workmanship discovered within 12 months after the work is completed. It does not cover new homes or condos (the guarantee plan applies), claims from subcontractors, damages for delay, moral or punitive damages, or lawyers' fees. The client must have contracted with a contractor whose licence was valid when the contract was signed or when the work was carried out, and has no more than three years after discovering the problem to take action. The amount is shared among all valid claims, on a pro rata basis. The public register shows pending claims and compensation paid.

How do you get an RBQ licence?

In eight steps: confirm that you need one, choose a legal form, register with the Registraire des entreprises (Quebec enterprise registrar), determine your subclasses, declare the criminal and tax history of officers and lenders, provide the financial guarantees, qualify your respondent or respondents, then submit the form and fees. The respondent is assessed in administration, job site safety, project and site management, and execution of work (exams, recognized training or professional record).

2026 fees for a new licence (indexed every January 1): $1,291.69 for a general contractor and $849.41 for a specialty contractor; priority processing raises them to $1,698.84 and $1,256.56. As of October 13, 2026, the RBQ was processing regular applications received up to September 8: leave yourself some margin before signing a contract.

How do you renew your RBQ licence?

Every year, you have to pay the maintenance fees and charges before the due date. The RBQ mails a notice of assessment 60 days beforehand. For 2026: $989.81 for a general contractor and $547.53 for a specialty contractor. If payment is not made by the due date, the licence ceases to have effect and you have to reapply. The security bond must also be received by that date; otherwise the RBQ recommends suspension.

What happens if you work without an RBQ licence?

It is an offence under the Building Act, punishable by heavy fines, including for a contractor who gives work to another contractor without a licence. RBQ 2026 schedule:

The amounts are doubled for a first repeat offence and tripled after that. Using another business's name or licence number is a separate offence, with the same amounts as having no licence. On the client side, the security bond is only available if the contractor held a valid licence.

How do you check a contractor's or subcontractor's licence?

Enter their licence number in the RBQ's Register of licence holders. The record shows the categories and subclasses, the security bond issuer, claims and compensation, and the respondents. Check that the licence is in force and that the subclasses match the work.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the RBQ licence security bond?

As of October 13, 2026, it is $40,000 for a general contractor and $20,000 for a specialty contractor. A draft regulation published on February 25, 2026 provides for $60,000 and $30,000, but it is not in force. Holders whose licence only includes subclasses 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 do not have to provide a security bond.

Who needs an RBQ licence?

Anyone who carries out or has construction work carried out must hold an RBQ licence, unless an exemption is provided by law. This applies in particular to contractors working for a third party and to developers.

What happens if I do not renew my RBQ licence on time?

If the maintenance fees and charges are not paid by the due date, the licence ceases to have effect and a new application must be filed. If the security bond is not received by the same due date, the RBQ recommends suspending the licence.

What is the fine for doing work without an RBQ licence?

According to the RBQ's 2026 schedule, from $14,098 to $105,734 for an individual and from $42,292 to $211,465 for a legal person without a licence. These amounts are doubled for a first repeat offence and tripled after that.

Where does SubmitX fit in?

The RBQ remains the only official source for validating a licence. SubmitX is management software for Quebec contractors: the AI prepares a draft quote that you approve, and GST and QST are calculated automatically (see GST and QST on a construction quote). Also try the free quote generator. 7-day trial with no credit card; Free, Starter and Pro plans, pricing on request (Pricing).

Sources

Official pages consulted on October 13, 2026 (in French):

• RBQ: Work requiring a licence
• RBQ: Work not requiring a licence
• RBQ: All the steps to obtain a licence
• RBQ: Subclasses, general contractor
• RBQ: Subclasses, specialty contractor
• RBQ: Glossary
• RBQ: Licence security bond FAQ
• RBQ: Eligible types of security bonds
• RBQ: Filing a claim against the security bond
• RBQ: Draft regulations in progress
• RBQ: News release of February 25, 2026 (draft regulations)
• Gazette officielle du Québec, February 25, 2026: draft regulation respecting the professional qualification of contractors and owner-builders
• RBQ: Fees for construction contractors (2026)
• RBQ: Paying licence maintenance fees
• RBQ: Fine amounts (2026)
• RBQ: Checking a contractor's licence

Last checked: October 13, 2026. The amounts (security bond, fees, fines) change: the security bond regulation is being amended, and fees and fines are indexed every January 1. Always check the version in force on rbq.gouv.qc.ca.

This is not legal or tax advice. This content is for information only; confirm your situation with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec or a legal advisor.