🔍 Free Tool · Updated 2026
Contractor License Lookup
Instantly verify any contractor’s license across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. — using official state licensing board databases.
50
States + D.C.
Official
Gov. Sources
100%
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Search Contractor License
From the contractor’s business card, contract, or bid sheet.
State Licensing Board
Official SourceContractor License Lookup
VERIFY ON OFFICIAL BOARDState
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License # Entered
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Name / Business
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Licensing Board
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This tool directs you to the official state licensing board. All license status, bond, and insurance data comes directly from the government database.
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What to Verify
Check that the license is active, covers the right trade type, and is held by the exact person or business you are hiring.
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Bond & Insurance
Most state boards show current bond and workers’ comp status. Verify both before signing any contract.
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Complaint History
Many boards list disciplinary actions and complaints. Multiple unresolved complaints are a red flag.
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License Scope
A roofing license does not cover electrical work. Confirm the classification matches your specific project.
Contractor Verification Checklist
Green Flags ✓
- License is “Active” or “Current” status
- License covers the specific trade you need
- Bond is current and sufficient
- Workers’ comp insurance is active
- No unresolved disciplinary actions
- Name on license matches the contract
Red Flags ✕
- License is expired, suspended, or revoked
- License is in a different name than contract
- No license found for the name or number
- Bond expired or below minimum
- Multiple complaints or citations on record
- Contractor refuses to provide license #
Contractor Licensing Boards by State
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring an unlicensed contractor leaves you with zero legal recourse if work is defective, unfinished, or causes property damage. Licensed contractors must carry bond and insurance, which protects you financially. In most states, contracts with unlicensed contractors are also unenforceable in court.
No — they are different. A business license allows a company to operate commercially. A contractor license certifies that a person is qualified and legally authorized to perform construction work. You need to verify both, but the contractor license is the most critical for any construction project.
Some states like Texas and Illinois do not require a statewide general contractor license, but they do license individual trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). In those states, verify that all subcontractors hold valid trade licenses. Also check with your city or county — local licensing requirements often fill the gap.
Most state boards display: license number and classification, license status (active/expired/revoked), business name and owner, license expiration date, bond information, workers’ compensation insurance status, and any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the contractor.
License cards can be outdated or even forged. Always verify directly on the state’s official licensing board website. A legitimate contractor will always be comfortable with you verifying their license online — any hesitation is itself a red flag.
There is no separate “ADU license.” An ADU is a standard construction project, so your contractor needs a valid general contractor license for the state where the project is located. In California, that means a valid CSLB license. Some states classify ADU work under residential contractor categories, which may have different licensing requirements than commercial contractors.
A surety bond protects you if the contractor fails to complete work or causes financial harm. Insurance (general liability and workers’ comp) protects you if a worker is injured on your property or the contractor damages your home. Both are required by most state boards but can lapse independently — always verify both are current before signing a contract.
Never pay more than 10–15% as an initial deposit. In California, state law caps deposits at $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Legitimate contractors do not require large upfront payments. Demanding 50% or more before starting work is a major red flag.
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License lookup links direct to official government databases. FindADUPros.com does not store or display license data — all results come directly from state licensing boards. Links are periodically verified; if a link is broken, search “[State] contractor license lookup” on Google to find the current board.