RBQ Licence Renewal — What’s Changed in 2025

RBQ renewal 2025 changes for contractors
Key renewal highlights from the RBQ in 2025.

If you hold a contractor licence through the RBQ or are planning to renew your licence in Quebec, you’ll want to stay up to date on the latest changes. The renewal process, fees, obligations and compliance rules have seen important updates in 2025 – and missing them could result in delays or additional costs.

In this guide we’ll walk through the major changes for RBQ licence renewal in 2025, what they mean for you, and how to stay ahead.

1. Fee and Tariff Adjustments for 2025

One of the first changes you’ll notice when renewing your licence is the updated fee structure. According to the latest tariff information:

  • The maintenance-renewal fee for a general contractor licence (Annex I) for 2025 is **$944.99**. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • For a specialized contractor licence (Annex II/III) the renewal fee is **$522.74** for 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • New licence application and category-modification fees have also been updated for 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Tip: Make sure you budget for these renewal fees ahead of time and check that your billing notice from the RBQ matches the 2025 tariff.

2. Enhanced Financial Guarantee & Qualification Requirements

In March 2025 the RBQ published a project of regulation modifying the Règlement sur la qualification professionnelle des entrepreneurs et des constructeurs-propriétaires (RQPECP). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} These changes affect renewal and ongoing licence obligations:

  • Increased licence guarantee/cautionnement required: for example, the guarantee for specialized contractors would increase to **$30 000**, and for general contractors to **$60 000** under the proposed regulation. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Greater scrutiny of business structure, ownership information and past financial/insolvency records of licence-holders. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • The concept of “client” is expanded to include subsequent purchasers and heirs, strengthening the guarantee’s scope. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Although the new regulation is still in consultation (as of March 2025) and not all provisions may be fully in force yet, contractors renewing in 2025 should prepare for stronger compliance and potentially higher guarantee amounts at renewal time.

3. Continuing Education – Mandatory Training & Reporting

Maintaining your licence is no longer just about paying the fee and keeping your name clean. The RBQ’s requirements for continuing education (formation continue) are increasingly enforced for certain licence categories. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

What you need to know

  • Respondents in execution of construction work in certain sub-categories (e.g., general contractors, electrical, plumbing) are required to complete a set number of continuing education hours within a two-year reference period. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • The reference period currently in force runs from **1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026** for many categories. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • You must declare your completed hours in the RBQ continuing-education portal when you renew your licence. Failure to report may affect renewal eligibility. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Action step: Check if your licence sub-category requires continuing education, confirm your completed hours and upload the attestation before renewal.

4. Licence Maintenance – Updating Your Record & Paying on Time

The RBQ emphasises that renewal isn’t just about payment. In 2025 you must ensure all your company details are up to date and your renewal payment is submitted on time: :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

  • You’ll receive a notice of assessment about 60 days before your licence expiry date. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  • If you do **not** pay your maintenance fees by the due date, your licence will cease to have effect and you’ll need to re-apply as a new licence. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  • If there are any changes to your enterprise (e.g., company name, legal structure, respondents, or address), you must notify the RBQ as soon as possible. Late updates may hinder renewal. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

5. What to Expect for 2025 Renewals – Key Takeaways

As you plan your renewal for your RBQ licence in 2025, keep these game-changers in mind:

  • Higher renewal fees in many cases, so budget early.
  • Stronger financial guarantee demands and more thorough compliance verification.
  • Mandatory continuing education hours for certain licence categories and the expectation of proof submission.
  • The importance of accurate and timely updates of business information — failing this can delay or invalidate renewal.
  • Consider that additional regulatory changes (proposed or in-force) may roll-out later in 2025, so stay alert for email notices from RBQ. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

6. Step-by-Step Renewal Checklist for Contractors

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth renewal process:

  1. Check the exact expiry date of your licence and note the renewal notice arrival (approx. 60 days ahead).
  2. Confirm the renewal fee amount (2025 tariff) and set aside payment.
  3. Review whether your licence sub-category has mandatory continuing-education hours and compile proof of completion.
  4. Update the RBQ on any changes in your company structure, respondents, address or ownership.
  5. Prepare any required financial guarantee or documentation if your business falls under newly updated guarantee thresholds.
  6. Pay your renewal fee on time via the online portal or accepted methods listed by RBQ. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  7. After payment, retain your new licence document and keep records of your renewal for your files.

7. Why This Matters for Your Business

Compliance with your RBQ licence renewal is not just about staying legal — it directly impacts your business growth and credibility. A valid licence ensures:

  • You can legally submit bids and sign contracts in Quebec construction projects.
  • Clients, suppliers and financiers view your business as trustworthy and low-risk.
  • You avoid costly re-application, downtimes or project delays due to licence suspension or expiry.

Given the enhanced scrutiny and new requirements for 2025, the renewal process demands more proactive planning than before.

Conclusion – Stay Ahead of the 2025 Renewal Curve

In 2025, the renewal of your RBQ licence involves more than just ticking a box. From adjusted fees to mandatory training and stricter guarantee conditions, the landscape has shifted. Ensure you’re on top of each requirement and you’ll renew smoothly — without surprises.

If you’d like help reviewing your licence renewal checklist, preparing your continuing education hours, or verifying your business compliance ahead of renewal, we at RenoGiants are here to help.

Contact RenoGiants to review your RBQ renewal readiness

Need a custom renewal checklist PDF or training resource? Email us or use the contact link above.