A license lookup is the single fastest way to separate a real local business from a pop-up operator. It's free, it takes about two minutes, and in most states it also tells you whether the business carries the bond or insurance the state requires. Yet in industry surveys, roughly one homeowner in ten says they struggle to verify a contractor's credentials. Here's exactly how to do it.
How to check a contractor's license in 5 steps
- Get the license number in writing. Ask for it before the estimate. Many states require contractors to print it on bids, contracts, trucks and ads. A pro who dodges this question has told you what you need to know.
- Find your state's licensing board. Use the table below, or search "[your state] contractor license lookup" and make sure the site ends in .gov (a few boards use .org or .com, as noted below).
- Search by license number, then by business name. The name on the license should match the name on your estimate and contract. A different name can mean the license belongs to someone else.
- Read the details, not just "active." Check the license class (does it cover your job?), the expiration date, bond and insurance status, and any disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance. A license doesn't always prove insurance. Ask the insurer to send the certificate to you directly, with your address listed, so you know it's current.
State contractor license lookup links
Licensing rules are set by each state, and sometimes by the county or city too. These are the official boards for some of the states our readers ask about most. For any state not listed, NASCLA, the national association of state contractor licensing agencies, keeps a consumer reference library that points to every board.
| State | Where to look it up | Who needs a license (simplified) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Registrar of Contractors (ROC) | Most trades, including landscaping over $1,000 |
| California | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) | Jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials |
| Florida | Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation | Building, roofing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical |
| Louisiana | State Licensing Board for Contractors | Commercial and residential contractors, home improvement |
| Maryland | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) | Home improvement contractors and salespeople |
| Massachusetts | Home Improvement Contractor program | Home improvement contractor registration |
| Michigan | Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) | Residential builders and trades |
| Minnesota | Dept. of Labor & Industry | Residential building contractors and remodelers |
| Nevada | State Contractors Board | Nearly all construction work |
| New Jersey | Division of Consumer Affairs | Home improvement contractor registration |
| North Carolina | Licensing Board for General Contractors | General contractors above the state dollar threshold |
| Oregon | Construction Contractors Board (CCB) | Anyone paid to build, repair or improve property |
| Tennessee | Board for Licensing Contractors | Contractors above the state dollar threshold, home improvement in some counties |
| Texas | TDLR and State Board of Plumbing Examiners | Electricians, HVAC, plumbers (no statewide general contractor license) |
| Utah | Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) | Contractors and trades |
| Virginia | Dept. of Professional & Occupational Regulation | Contractors and tradesmen |
| Washington | Dept. of Labor & Industries | Contractor registration and trades |
Rules change and have exceptions, so always confirm on the board's own site. Trade-specific licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are often handled by a separate board. Our electrician, plumber, roofer and HVAC guides include state-by-state notes for those trades.
What the lookup result actually tells you
- Status: active, expired, suspended or revoked. Only "active" (sometimes "current" or "clear") is good.
- Classification: a pool license doesn't cover a roof. Match the class to your project.
- Bond: many states require a license bond. It's a small pot of money that can help you if the contractor breaks the law, not full protection for your project.
- Workers' comp: some boards show whether the business has employees and coverage. If a worker without coverage is hurt on your property, you could face a claim.
- Complaints and discipline: one old complaint isn't a deal-breaker. A pattern of unpaid judgments or suspensions is.
What if my state doesn't license that trade?
Some states don't license general contractors or handymen at all, and many don't license landscapers, painters or cleaners. In that case, do the next-best checks: confirm the business is registered with your Secretary of State, ask your city or county building department whether a local license or permit is needed, ask for a certificate of insurance, and look for a real local address and phone number plus recent reviews from your area.
Handyman limits: when a small job needs a licensed pro
Many states let unlicensed handymen take small jobs under a dollar limit, often around $500 to $1,000 including labor and materials. California's limit, for example, is under $1,000. Splitting one job into several small invoices to stay under the limit is usually illegal, and it's a red flag. Electrical, plumbing and gas work typically needs a licensed tradesperson no matter how small the job is.