J&M Displays, Inc. • Licensing

State-by-State Display Operator Licensing Requirements

Individual states are implementing specific testing/ training to be eligible to shoot fireworks. Some states require their own course/ training and others will accept approved courses that you may have already passed. If you shoot fireworks, or have shows in any of these states, make sure you and your shoot team have the appropriate training that is required.

Arkansas

Effective August 2005 the state of Arkansas requires lead shooters to hold a valid Fireworks Shooters License. The license is good for 5 years and costs $50. To obtain a license you must show that you have attended a fireworks training class and have assisted in at least five fireworks show in the last 5 years. The license fee is waived if the shooter can show that they are a police officer or firefighter(volunteer or paid) in Arkansas. There are not currently any standards for training other than the class must be taught by a licensed shooter and include live fire. Please check with the agency's office for more information. (501)618-8624

Iowa

There is no state Shooter License at this time.

Illinois

Pursuant to the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act, any person, company, association, group of persons, or corporation who distributes display fireworks for sale in Illinois, or provides them as part of a pyrotechnic display service in Illinois, or provides only pyrotechnic services must be licensed by the OSFM. Moreover, any person that conducts pyrotechnic or flame effect displays in Illinois must be licensed by the OSFM.

Please check the agency’s website in 2006 or call their office to obtain more information. (217)785-0969

Kansas

In order to shoot commercial (Class B or DOT 1.3) fireworks, you must hold a valid Display Operator's License issued by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office. This license is valid for four years and there are renewal requirements. Please check the agency’s website or call their office to obtain more information. (785)296-0154

Michigan

There is no state Shooter License at this time. Please check the agency’s website for more information.

Minnesota

Fireworks display operators are required to be certified by the State of Minnesota, effective January 1, 1996. All fireworks displays must have a supervising operator conducting the display. The operator may have assistants; however, they must be at least 18 years of age. Operators must be at least 21 years of age. Please check the agency’s website or call their office to obtain more information. (651)215-0500

Missouri

Effective August 28, 2004, Missouri State Statue (RSMO. 320.126.4) was passed requiring all fireworks displays “shall be supervised, managed, or directed by a Missouri licensed operator or pyrotechnic operator on site. Operators must be approved and licensed by the Division of Fire Safety. A special display permit can not be issued until a licensed operator is identified. Please check the agency’s website or call their office to obtain more information. (573)751-2930

Nebraska

State Fire Marshal regulations requires any public display where Class B fireworks will be shot to be supervised by a licensed Public Display Operator. If Class C (consumer) fireworks, those that are bought at retail stands, are being shot it is not necessary to have a license. Please check the agency’s website or call their office to obtain more information. (402)471-2027

Wisconsin

There is no state Shooter License at this time.