How to Verify a Contractor’s License in Any State (2026 Directory)
Verifying a contractor’s license takes about five minutes and is free — you search the official state (or city) database for the license number, confirm it’s active and matches the company name, then check for complaints and bond status. The catch: every state does it differently. Some license contractors statewide (California, Florida, Arizona), some only license the trades (Texas), and some leave it entirely to cities (New York, Illinois). Find your state below.
Why Does Verification Matter So Much?
An unlicensed contractor isn’t just a paperwork problem — it usually means no bond, no workers’ comp, no recovery fund eligibility, and no leverage when things go wrong. If their worker is injured on your property, your homeowner’s policy may be the target. And several state recovery funds (which pay defrauded homeowners) only cover work done by licensed contractors — hire unlicensed and you forfeit the safety net before work even starts.
State-by-State Verification Guides
| State | Who licenses contractors | Our step-by-step guide |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | No state GC license — trades only (TDLR, TSBPE) | Verify a license in Texas |
| California | CSLB — license required at $1,000+ | Verify a license in California |
| Florida | DBPR — certified vs. registered system | Verify a license in Florida |
| New York | No state license — NYC & county systems | Verify a license in New York |
| Illinois | State licenses roofing & plumbing; GCs local | Verify a license in Illinois |
| Pennsylvania | AG registration (HICPA) — “PA number” | Verify a license in Pennsylvania |
| Ohio | OCILB trades; residential GCs local | Verify a license in Ohio |
| Georgia | State board — license required at $2,500+ | Verify a license in Georgia |
| North Carolina | NCLBGC — GC license at $30,000+ | Verify a license in North Carolina |
| Arizona | ROC — license required above $1,000 | Verify a license in Arizona |
More states coming — this directory expands weekly.
The Universal 5-Minute Verification Routine
Whatever your state, the routine is the same:
- Get the license number from the contractor — refusal is itself the answer. In many states it must appear on contracts, ads, and vehicles.
- Search the official database (linked in each state guide above) — never trust a photocopied certificate or a screenshot.
- Match three things exactly: business name, license classification (a roofer’s license doesn’t cover your electrical panel), and status = active.
- Check the history: complaints, disciplinary actions, bond claims. One old resolved complaint is normal; patterns are not.
- Verify insurance separately — ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ comp sent directly from their insurance agent.
What Else Should You Check Before Hiring?
License status is the floor, not the ceiling. Round out the vetting with:
- Deposit norms and state caps — see how much deposit to pay a contractor
- Pressure-tactic radar — see 7 high-pressure sales tactics
- Post-storm caution — see storm chaser scams
- Price sanity check against our cost guides: HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical, foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed? Search the official database for your state (linked above) using the license number or business name. Confirm the license is active, matches the exact business name on your contract, and covers the trade they’re doing. It’s free and takes about five minutes.
What if my state doesn’t license general contractors? Several states (Texas, New York, Illinois) don’t license GCs statewide — but the trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) usually are licensed, and your city or county may require GC registration. Our state guides cover exactly who regulates what in each system.
Is hiring an unlicensed contractor illegal for me, the homeowner? Usually the violation is the contractor’s, not yours — but you absorb the consequences: no bond or recovery fund protection, permit problems, potential liability for injuries, and trouble selling a home with unpermitted work.
Does a business license count as a contractor license? No. A city business license or an LLC registration proves the company exists — not that anyone is qualified or bonded to do construction work. Always verify the contractor license in the trade-specific database.
What does it mean if a license is “inactive” or “suspended”? Inactive means they can’t legally contract right now (often unpaid renewals or lapsed bond). Suspended usually follows discipline or unpaid claims. Either way: do not hire until it shows active — and ask why.
Last updated: June 10, 2026. Sources: state contractor licensing boards and consumer protection agencies (linked in each state guide); NASCLA directory of state licensing agencies. This article is consumer information, not legal advice.