# Renewals, Continuing Education & Staying Compliant
A license is **ongoing**, not one-and-done.
## Renewals
Licenses renew on a cycle (often 1–2 years). Miss it and you may **lapse** — which can invalidate your right to contract or collect. Calendar renewal dates well ahead.
## Continuing education (CE)
Many states require **CE hours** each renewal cycle (code updates, business, safety). Keep certificates of completion.
## Staying compliant
- Keep your **bond and insurance** active and on file.
- Maintain your **qualifying party** — if the person whose experience qualifies the license leaves, you may need to replace them or risk the license.
- Update the board on **business changes** (address, entity, ownership).
## Why it matters
In many states, an **unlicensed or lapsed** contractor **cannot enforce a contract or collect payment**. Staying current isn't paperwork — it's protecting your right to get paid.
**Takeaway:** Keep your license current — a lapse can cost you the right to collect.
> *Educational content — not legal, accounting, or licensing advice. Rules vary by state and change; verify with the licensing board and a CPA.*
