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Hiring a Contractor?
Check Their License First.

Search official state licensing board records. Verify license status, bond info, and complaint history — free and instant.

382,172 contractor licenses · Powered by official government data

How It Works

1

Search

Enter a contractor's name, license number, or business name.

2

Verify

See their license status, classifications, bond details, and complaint history.

3

Hire with Confidence

Make informed decisions backed by official state records.

Our Data Coverage

Real-time data from official state licensing boards and city building departments.

382.2K

Contractor Licenses

370.2K active

2

States Covered

Full search in CA & FL

670.2K

Building Permits

28.5K contractors with history

9.1K

Cities & Towns

Updated 2026-04-14

License Data

California (CSLB) 243,680
Florida (DBPR) 138,632

Building Permits

Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego County
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Browse by State

Select a state to search contractor licenses or learn about licensing requirements.

Arizona California 244K Florida 138K Georgia New York North Carolina Texas

Why Verify a Contractor's License?

Before signing a contract or handing over a deposit, checking a contractor's license is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. A valid license confirms the contractor has met state requirements for training, insurance, and bonding — and gives you recourse if something goes wrong.

Protect Your Investment

Unlicensed contractors may not carry insurance. If something goes wrong, you're on the hook for damages and injuries.

Legal Requirements

Most states require contractors to be licensed for work above a certain dollar threshold. Hiring unlicensed contractors can void your homeowner's insurance.

Check Complaint History

Licensing boards track complaints and disciplinary actions. See if a contractor has a history of issues before you hire them.

Verify Bond & Insurance

Licensed contractors carry surety bonds and workers' compensation insurance, protecting you from liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a contractor is licensed? +
You can search for any contractor by name, license number, or business name using ContractorLicenseCheck.com. We pull directly from official state licensing board databases. In California, for example, you can also check through the CSLB license lookup. Each state has its own licensing board, and our site lets you search across them from one place.
What does it mean if a contractor's license is "active"? +
An "active" license means the contractor has met all current state requirements — their license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. It also typically means their bond and insurance are up to date. Always confirm the license is active before signing a contract, since a contractor can hold a license number that is no longer valid.
What is a contractor surety bond? +
A surety bond is a financial guarantee that protects homeowners if a contractor fails to meet their obligations. Most states require contractors to carry a surety bond as a condition of licensure. If the contractor violates the terms of their license, you can file a claim against the bond to recover damages. You can get a free bond quote if you're a contractor who needs one.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor? +
Hiring an unlicensed contractor can expose you to significant risk. In many states, including California and Florida, you may lose access to legal remedies if disputes arise. Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims for work done by unlicensed contractors. You could also be held liable for injuries that occur on your property if the contractor doesn't carry workers' compensation insurance.
How often should I verify a contractor's license? +
Check a contractor's license status before signing any new contract, even if you've worked with them before. Licenses can be suspended or revoked between projects due to complaints, unpaid bonds, or lapsed insurance. A quick search on ContractorLicenseCheck.com takes less than a minute and confirms their license is still active.
What states require contractor licensing? +
Most states require some form of contractor licensing, though requirements vary widely. Some states like California and Florida require state-level licenses for most construction work, while others regulate licensing at the city or county level. Visit our state-by-state directory to see the specific requirements and licensing boards for each state.
Is this site free to use? +
Yes. ContractorLicenseCheck.com is completely free to use. No account or sign-up required. We pull data from official state licensing boards and make it searchable in one place so homeowners can make informed hiring decisions.

Need a Contractor's Surety Bond?

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