Updated April 2026
Wisconsin Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- All dwelling construction (1–2 family)
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $25,000 (bond or letter of credit)
12-hour course and exam required. Dwelling Contractor Credential for 1–2 family residential. Trade licenses separate from dwelling contractor license. Both license numbers required on permits.
Wisconsin requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding All dwelling construction (1–2 family) in labor and materials. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Wisconsin 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 Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Wisconsin license data to our search tool — check our Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($25,000 (bond or letter of credit)). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Wisconsin 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
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Wisconsin
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Wisconsin, report them to the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). 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.