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Contractor License Verifier
Verify trade registrations and prevent permit violations before starting work.
Verify Contractor Licensing
Verify License online
Each state maintains an official database for verified general contractors, electricians, and plumbers.
Launch Official Lookup System →Hiring Red Flags to Watch
🚩 Asking you to pull owner-builder permits
If the contractor refuses to pull building permits themselves and asks you to apply as an owner-builder, they might be unlicensed or blacklisted by the department.
🚩 Refusing to provide license/insurance proof
Legitimate contractors will readily supply their commercial liability insurance certificate and license credentials for verification.
🚩 Cash-only payments or full prepayment
Avoid workers demanding cash payments upfront or refuse to draw a payment milestone schedule in writing.
🚩 No written contract
Always demand a signed, written contract outlining project specs, start dates, finish milestones, and fee breakdowns.