Official-board routes 51 jurisdictions 20 trades

Verify a contractor before you hire

Choose a state and trade to reach the official licensing record before signing a contract.

Start a lookup Browse state rules
Jurisdictions tracked51Official lookup routes39Complaint channels39
Directory coverage for consumer verification

Official record finder

Find the right state record

Use the state that governs the work. Add a trade to open the matching requirement page with the board, lookup route, and any available complaint channel.

A safer hiring check

Verify before you hire

Choose a state and trade to reach the relevant official licensing board, then confirm the contractor’s active license, legal business name, insurance, and complaint record before you sign or pay a deposit.

  1. 1. Find the boardSelect the state that governs the work.
  2. 2. Check the recordUse the official lookup with the license number.
  3. 3. Keep proofMatch the record to the contract and insurance certificate.

How this tool works

Selecting a state routes you to the state-level licensing summary, which lists the official board, verification URL, complaint channel, and the count of trades that state regulates. Adding a trade filter routes deeper to the state+trade page where requirement minimums (bond, insurance, exam) are documented from public records. Source data is refreshed from NASCLA, NCSL, and individual state licensing boards; see the methodology page for full sourcing.

This tool is informational. PlainHireCheck is not a licensing board and cannot issue, verify, or certify a contractor's license. Always confirm a contractor's standing on the official state verification URL before signing a contract. Per the FTC's hiring-a-contractor guidance, written contracts and license verification are baseline consumer protections.