HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hvac contractor in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Verified 2026-08-28 4 stops $700–$2,200 est. 8–14 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

    Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

    Official government source

    $20–$60 (exam fee)1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

  2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Oregon

1 stop

  1. Oregon Construction Contractors Board — HVAC Contractor License

    Oregon HVAC contracting businesses must hold a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license, which requires 16 hours of pre-license training, passing the CCB exam, a surety bond, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage if you have employees. Certain specialized work (boilers, some refrigeration and electrical connections) additionally requires individuals licensed through the Oregon Building Codes Division — verify which BCD licenses your scope of work triggers.

    Official government source

    $400 (two-year CCB license) + $60 exam + bond and insurance premiums6–10 weeks

City of Portland / Multnomah County

1 stop

  1. City of Portland — Mechanical Permit

    Portland requires a mechanical permit for HVAC installation from the Portland Bureau of Development Services. Contractors must hold a valid Oregon CCB license.

    Official government source

    $100–$500 per project2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,200 · 8–14 weeks to obtain all licenses

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