CLC
Skip to content

Check any contractor's license. Free.

Search official state licensing boards by name, license number, or trade. Check status, bond, and complaints before you hire.

Try: Roofing · California #614891 Pool · California Construction · Florida Electrical · California
License status Bond & insurance Complaints & disputes
382K+ Total licenses
370K+ Active
142 License types
Apr 14 Last updated

Browse by state.

See all →
California Live
Contractors State License Board
Licenses 244K
Active 232K
Florida Live
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Licenses 138K
Active 138K
Arizona
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Licensing Guide →
Georgia
Georgia Secretary of State - Professional Licensing
Licensing Guide →
New York
NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing Guide →
North Carolina
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Licensing Guide →
Texas
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Licensing Guide →
See all 50 states →

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 Always confirm the license is active before signing a contract, since a contractor can hold a license number that is no longer valid.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.

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.