How to check a contractor's license in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, this doesn't mean contractors can operate without any oversight. Many cities and counties in New Hampshire have their own licensing requirements, and specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) typically require state licensing even when general contracting doesn't.

No state general-contractor license. OPLC licenses electricians (RSA 319-C) and, through the Mechanical Licensing Board, plumbers, gas fitters, hearth technicians, and mechanical business entities (RSA 153:27-153:38 — former standalone plumbing chapter RSA 329-A was repealed). NH DES licenses septic designers/installers (RSA 485-A), asbestos contractors (RSA 141-E), and lead abatement (RSA 130-A). Consumer remedies come from RSA 358-A (Consumer Protection Act) and RSA 637:4 (Theft by Deception); NH has no standalone 'home improvement fraud' criminal statute (RSA 638:26 is identity fraud, not contractor fraud). Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth each regulate general contracting via municipal building / electrical / plumbing / mechanical permits rather than a local GC license. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees under RSA 281-A.

How to Verify a Contractor in New Hampshire

Since New Hampshire doesn't have statewide licensing, you'll need to:

1. Check local requirements. Contact your city or county building department to find out if contractors need a local license, permit, or registration to work in your area.
2. Verify specialty licenses. If your project involves plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other specialty trades, those contractors should hold state-issued specialty licenses. Check the official New Hampshire licensing site for specialty license verification.
3. Ask for proof of insurance. Even without a licensing requirement, any reputable contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for certificates before signing a contract.
4. Check the Better Business Bureau. In states without licensing boards, the BBB and online reviews are your primary tools for vetting contractors.
5. Verify business registration. Check that the contractor is registered as a business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Protecting Yourself Without State Licensing

In states like New Hampshire where there's no state licensing board to file complaints with, it's especially important to:

• Get a detailed written contract before any work begins
• Never pay more than 10-30% upfront
• Verify the contractor pulls all required building permits
• Get multiple bids and check references
• Use a credit card for payments when possible (chargeback protection)

Should New Hampshire Require Contractor Licensing?

States without contractor licensing consistently have higher rates of consumer complaints about home improvement fraud. Licensed states provide consumers with surety bond protection, complaint investigation, and disciplinary enforcement that unlicensed states lack. If you're in New Hampshire, consider advocating for statewide contractor licensing through your state legislature.

Sources

Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.

• NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) — home — Umbrella agency for the Electricians' Board, Mechanical Licensing Board, and other trade boards. Mailing address: 121 South Fruit Street, Suite 1, Concord, NH 03301-2410. Phone: (603) 271-2152. Email: oplc@oplc.nh.gov. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• OPLC — License Lookup — Authoritative real-time database for electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, mechanical business entities, and other OPLC-regulated licensees. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 319-C — Electricians — Establishes the Electricians' Board, license categories (Master, Journeyman, Apprentice), examination, and supervision rules. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 153 — State Fire Code, Mechanical Licensing Board (RSA 153:27-153:38) — RSA 153:28 sets the Mechanical Licensing Board's rulemaking authority for fuel gas fitters and plumbers; RSA 153:29 covers examinations and license categories; RSA 153:29-a establishes Mechanical Business Entity Licenses. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 329-A — Plumbers (repealed) — Former standalone plumbing chapter. Repealed; plumber licensure is now administered by the Mechanical Licensing Board under RSA 153. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 485-A — Water Pollution and Waste Disposal (Subsurface Systems) — Statutory authority for NH DES permitting of Individual Sewage Disposal System Designers and Installers. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH Department of Environmental Services — home — Administers septic (RSA 485-A), asbestos (RSA 141-E), and lead-abatement (RSA 130-A) contractor licensing and certification. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 358-A — Regulation of Business Practices for Consumer Protection — NH Consumer Protection Act; 358-A:2 lists unlawful deceptive acts; 358-A:10 grants a private right of action with minimum $1,000 damages, costs, fees, and possible double/treble damages. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 637 — Theft — Theft by Deception (RSA 637:4) is the primary criminal statute used for contractor-fraud prosecutions in New Hampshire; there is no standalone 'home improvement fraud' statute. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 638:26 — Identity Fraud — Frequently miscited as a 'home improvement fraud' statute. RSA 638:26 is actually NH's identity-fraud statute and does not cover generic contractor fraud. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH RSA 281-A — Workers' Compensation — Mandatory workers' compensation for every NH contractor with employees; RSA 281-A:18 makes a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor's workers' comp obligations. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• NH Department of Justice — Consumer Protection & Antitrust Bureau — Complaint intake for deceptive home-improvement and contractor practices under RSA 358-A. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Manchester — Licenses and Permits (City Clerk) — Manchester Business Licensing and Enforcement Division, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101; (603) 624-6348. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Nashua — Fire Marshal's Office Contractor's Page / Permits — Nashua Fire Marshal's Office permit submission requirements for fire-related work (sprinkler, alarm, suppression, tank installs). Nashua does not issue a standalone general-contractor license; building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are handled separately by the Building Safety Department. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Concord — Permits & Fees — Concord Code Administration online self-service portal for building, zoning, miscellaneous, and health/licensing permits. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Portsmouth — DPW Forms & Permits — Portsmouth DPW Excavation Contractor License (formerly Drain Layers Permit), renewed annually, with MUTCD typicals required. DPW: 680 Peverly Hill Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801; (603) 427-1530. (retrieved 2026-04-20)

Other States

Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.