Updated April 2026
Pennsylvania Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Registration only (home improvement)
- Licensing Board
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- $5,000+ per year triggers registration
Registration under Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Not a full licensing system. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh maintain separate, more stringent GC licensing. Most regulation at local l
State-Specific Details
Registration under Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Not a full licensing system. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh maintain separate, more stringent GC licensing. Most regulation at local level.
Pennsylvania requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding $5,000+ per year triggers registration in labor and materials. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Pennsylvania should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Visit the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Pennsylvania license data to our search tool — check our Pennsylvania page for updates.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
While Pennsylvania does not require a surety bond for all contractors, you should still verify that your contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees). Ask for certificates of insurance before signing any contract.
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Pennsylvania puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Pennsylvania
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Pennsylvania, report them to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration). Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
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.