Is your contractor
actually licensed?
Free state-by-state contractor license verification: bond amounts, exam requirements, and official lookup links for 51 states across 20 trades, compiled from state licensing boards, NCSL, and NASCLA across all 50 states and DC (last reviewed January 2026). Don't sign before you check. See our methodology.
- States with licensing
- 36
- Trade types
- 20
- State × trade rules
- 1,020
- No state license
- 15
Data from state licensing boards, NCSL, and NASCLA. Always verify directly with your state's licensing board before signing any contract.
- Carpenter
- Demolition
- Electrician
- Elevator Mechanic
- Excavation
- Fire Protection
- Flooring Installer
- General Contractor
License Requirements by Trade
Click a trade to compare requirements across all states
Carpenter
Builds and repairs structures, fixtures, and furniture using wood and other materials
Demolition
Safely tears down or removes structures, buildings, or hazardous materials
Electrician
Installs and maintains electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures
Elevator Mechanic
Installs, maintains, and repairs elevators, escalators, and lifts
Excavation
Performs earthmoving, grading, trenching, and site preparation work
Fire Protection
Installs sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and suppression equipment
Flooring Installer
Installs hardwood, carpet, tile, vinyl, and other floor coverings
General Contractor
Oversees all aspects of construction projects, coordinates subcontractors
Hiring Tips from Consumer Advocates
Protect yourself with these essential steps before and during any contractor project.
Always Verify a License Before Hiring
Before signing any contract, verify the contractor's license on your state licensing board website. License lookup tools are free and take less than a minute. Never accept a license number without verifying it yourself.
Get At Least Three Written Bids
Always get at least three written bids for any project over $1,000. Bids should be itemized and specify materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule. Beware of bids significantly lower than others.
Check Insurance Separately from Licensing
A contractor can be licensed but uninsured. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming you as additional insured. Verify it is current by calling the insurer. Both general liability and workers' compensation are important.
Never Pay More Than 10-30% Upfront
Be cautious of contractors demanding large upfront payments. A typical schedule: 10-30% down, incremental payments as work progresses, and 5-10% retained until completion and inspection.
Get Everything in Writing Including Change Orders
A detailed written contract protects you. It should include scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Any changes must also be in writing as change orders.
Check the Contractor Complaint History
Most state licensing boards show complaint history and disciplinary actions. Ongoing unresolved complaints are a red flag. Also check the BBB and Google Reviews.
Know Your Rights as a Homeowner
Our free guides cover everything from verifying licenses to handling contractor disputes and understanding bonds and insurance.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
Step-by-step instructions to check a contractor's license with your state board before you hire.
10 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor
Warning signs that signal a contractor is inexperienced, unlicensed, or running a scam.
What to Do When Work Goes Wrong
Your options for getting bad contractor work fixed — from complaints to bond claims to court.
Understanding Bonds and Insurance
How contractor bonds and liability insurance protect you — and how to file a claim.
Disclaimer: PlainHireCheck provides publicly available state licensing data for informational purposes only. Always verify contractor credentials directly with your state's licensing board before hiring. License requirements and fee amounts change — this data was last updated January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Live Rankings
SSR-driven rankings derived from the PlainHireCheck database, refreshed as state board records arrive. See all rankings.
| Publisher | Kiznis Studio |
| Sources | Public state contractor licensing board records |