Alaska contractor license lookup
Bonds run $5,000 to $25,000, and home builders need a residential endorsement. (source: CBPL Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: CBPL license search (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the CBPL website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search CBPL's license database for the contractor. Check the type (general, residential endorsement, handyman) fits your job. (source: CBPL license search (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Construction Contractors sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
General, mechanical, specialty and handyman contractors must register with CBPL. Building homes needs a Residential Contractor Endorsement. (source: CBPL Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Handyman registration only covers projects with an aggregate contract of $10,000 or less. (source: CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| General | General Contractor | $25,000 bond (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab)) |
| General-Residential | General Contractor with Residential Endorsement | $20,000 bond; needed to build homes (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab)) |
| Mechanical | Mechanical Contractor | $10,000 bond (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab)) |
| Specialty | Specialty Contractor | $10,000 bond (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab)) |
| Handyman | Handyman | Projects of $10,000 or less; $5,000 bond (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Bond
$25,000 bond required. General $25,000; with residential endorsement $20,000; mechanical or specialty $10,000; handyman $5,000. Must stay in effect 3 years. (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))
- A cash deposit can replace the bond. (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab))
Insurance
- Workers' comp: As required by AS 23.30 (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: $20,000 property damage, $50,000 one person, $100,000 more than one person (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))
Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the CBPL website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search CBPL's license database for the contractor. Check the type (general, residential endorsement, handyman) fits your job. (source: CBPL license search (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- A handyman taking a project over $10,000. (source: CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Building a home without a residential endorsement. (source: CBPL Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Bond claims
- If a registered contractor doesn't pay or finish, you can make a claim against their bond. (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- CBPL Construction Contractors (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 12 AAC 02.180 (Centralized Licensing Regulations) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CBPL Construction Contractors FAQs (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CBPL license search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
What are the penalties for unregistered work?
Administrative fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 after that; a court can add up to $1,000 per violation per day. (source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))
Can I claim against the bond?
Yes. The contractor's bond must stay in effect for 3 years. (source: CBPL Bond and Insurance Quick Facts (opens in a new tab), source: AS 08.18 Contractor Statutes (opens in a new tab))