Updated April 2026
Rhode Island Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Registration (mandatory)
- Licensing Board
- Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- All residential and commercial work
5-hour pre-registration course required. CRLB must be certificate holder on general liability insurance. $5,000 penalty per violation for unlicensed work. Separate roofing and utility contractor licen
State-Specific Details
5-hour pre-registration course required. CRLB must be certificate holder on general liability insurance. $5,000 penalty per violation for unlicensed work. Separate roofing and utility contractor licenses.
Rhode Island requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding All residential and commercial work in labor and materials. The Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Rhode Island 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 Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Rhode Island license data to our search tool — check our Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Rhode Island, report them to the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB). 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.