How to check if a contractor is licensed
Before you sign or pay a deposit, take five minutes to confirm the license.
- Get the license number and exact business name.
- Search the state record with our lookup (14 States) or the official portal for your state.
- Check the status is active — not suspended, revoked or expired.
- Check the expiration date against your project timeline.
- Match the classification to the job.
- Check bond and insurance — California publishes bond and workers' comp; elsewhere ask for certificates.
- Check local rules — cities and counties may require registration or permits.
FAQ
Does a missing result mean the contractor is unlicensed?
No. Names are often registered differently (LLC vs. trade name). Search the license number, then confirm on the official state portal.
Do all states license general contractors?
No. Some states (for example Texas) do not issue a statewide general contractor license; trades like electrical, HVAC and plumbing are licensed separately, and cities or counties may register contractors.
Can I see a contractor's bond and insurance?
Only where the state publishes it. California's CSLB publishes contractor bond and workers' compensation details; many other states do not, so ask the contractor for certificates.
Is LicenseCheckUSA a government site?
No. We are an independent site by AK Digital Marketing LLC that reads official state open data and links you to the official portal to confirm.