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Contractor license lookup by state

Check a contractor's license or registration on the official state website — free, and in a couple of minutes. Pick your state below.

Links checked October 2026. Rules change — always confirm on the official site.

Found a broken or outdated link? Tell us and we'll fix it.

How to check a contractor's license

  1. Ask for the license or registration number and the business's exact legal name.
  2. Open your state's official site from this page — don't use a link the contractor sends you.
  3. Check the name matches the quote and the status is active, not expired or suspended.
  4. Make sure the license covers this kind of work (some licenses are limited to certain trades or job sizes).
  5. Look for complaints or disciplinary actions, if the state site lists them.
  6. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you directly by the insurer.

Warning signs

  • The contractor won't give a license number, or the name on the license doesn't match the quote.
  • Pressure to pay a large deposit in cash, or to "skip the permit to save money".
  • Door-to-door offers after a storm from businesses with no local address.

Common questions

How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Ask for the license or registration number and the exact business name, then look it up on your state's official site (listed on this page) — not on a link the contractor sends you. Check that the name matches, the status is active, and the license covers the type of work you're hiring for.

What if my state doesn't license general contractors?
Several states license only certain trades (such as electrical, plumbing or HVAC) or leave contractor licensing to cities and counties. In that case, check the trade license where it applies, call your city or county building department, and ask for proof of insurance.

Is a license the same as being insured?
No. A license shows the contractor met the state's requirements. Insurance protects you if someone is hurt or your property is damaged. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance sent directly from the insurance company, and ask about workers' compensation.

What should I do if a contractor isn't licensed?
Don't pay a deposit until you've checked. Unlicensed work can be hard to get permitted, insured or fixed later. If someone is working without a required license, you can report it to the state office listed for your state.