Why license verification matters
Hiring an unlicensed contractor for permitted work puts you at risk: your homeowner's insurance can deny claims, unpermitted work can complicate your home sale, and you have almost no legal recourse if the work is defective or a worker is injured on your property.
5 Steps to Verify Any Contractor License
- 1
Ask the contractor for their license number
Any legitimate contractor provides their license number without hesitation — often they already include it on their business card, estimate, or website. If they hesitate or say they cannot find it, that is a warning sign.
- 2
Search your state's licensing board website
Google your state name plus "contractor license lookup" — for example, "Texas contractor license lookup" — and go to the official .gov site. Every state with a licensing requirement has a public search tool.
- 3
Verify the license is active and covers the trade
Confirm the license status shows 'Active' or 'Current'. Check the classification — a plumbing license does not authorize electrical work. Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints.
- 4
Confirm insurance separately
A license verifies the contractor is authorized to work. Insurance is separate. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing general liability and workers' compensation. Call the insurer to confirm it is current.
- 5
Check for complaints or disciplinary actions
Most state boards show complaint history alongside license information. One unresolved complaint in many years is less concerning than a pattern. Cross-reference with your state's attorney general consumer complaint database if anything looks off.
State Licensing Lookup Links
Direct links to official state licensing databases for the most common markets GrowLocalHub covers.
Texas
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Covers electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and many other trades
Florida
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Covers all licensed contractor types statewide
California
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
One of the most robust state licensing systems in the US
Georgia
Georgia Secretary of State – Licensing Boards
Covers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, general contractors
North Carolina
NC Licensing Boards
Separate boards for general contractors, electricians, plumbers
Arizona
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
Covers all licensed contractor classifications
Not listed here? Search for "[your state] contractor license lookup" to find the official .gov licensing board website.
What Each License Type Covers
Confirm the license classification matches the work being performed. A general contractor license does not authorize an electrician to do plumbing.
| License Type | Covers |
|---|---|
| General Contractor License | Overall project management, subcontractor coordination, major renovations |
| Electrical Contractor License | Panel upgrades, wiring, outlets, fixtures, EV charger installation |
| Plumbing Contractor License | Pipe repair and installation, water heaters, gas lines, fixtures |
| HVAC Contractor License | AC installation, furnace work, duct systems, refrigerant handling (requires EPA cert) |
| Roofing Contractor License | Roof installation, repair, replacement (license requirements vary widely by state) |
Red Flags When Checking a License
Contractor says their license is 'in process' or 'pending renewal'
License number they provide does not appear in the state database
License is for a different state than the one you are in
License covers a different trade than what they are quoting
License shows complaints or disciplinary actions
Contractor becomes defensive or angry when asked for their number
A License Alone Is Not Enough — Verify Insurance Too
A contractor license confirms they are legally authorized to do the work. It does not protect you if someone is injured on your property or if their equipment causes accidental damage.
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing general liability coverage
- Confirm they carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees
- Call the insurer directly to verify the policy is current — certificates can be faked
- Ask for a copy to be sent directly from their insurer, not just handed to you
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
- Visit your state's contractor licensing board website and search the contractor's name or license number. Most states offer a free public lookup tool. You can also ask the contractor directly for their license number and verify it takes less than 60 seconds online.
- Is a license required for all contractors?
- Licensing requirements vary by state and trade. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and general contractors typically require a state license. Handymen and painters often do not. Always check your specific state's requirements for the trade you are hiring.
- What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor?
- Hiring an unlicensed contractor for work that legally requires a license can result in your homeowner's insurance refusing to cover related claims, difficulty selling your home if work was not permitted, no legal recourse if work is substandard, and personal liability if a worker is injured on your property.