Contractor licensing laws vary depending on the state, municipality and what contractor you’re looking to hire.
Here are Angie’s List top 5 tips on how to verify that your contractor is in compliance.
- Before hiring, check contractor reviews on Angie's List. Contractors are encouraged to report their licensing, bonding and insurance status.
- Determine if contractors must be licensed to perform the job. If so, ask for their trade license number, not to be confused with their business or occupational number, and proof of bonding and insurance. Make sure all are current and cover your project.
- Verify the information with your state’s licensing board. Most states have an online database you can search or a hotline you can call to make sure your contractors’ licenses are valid and current. Also check if the companies have ever been disciplined.
- Research local licensing requirements: Many municipalities have their own regulations in addition to or instead of state laws. Check requirements and license status with local departments of commerce, consumer affairs or professional regulation.
- Once you’ve settled on a contractor, keep all paperwork: Include proof of licensing, bonding and insurance, the contract, invoices, receipts of payments, and all letters and e-mails. Photos of the job in progress can be helpful, too.