Connecticut contractor license lookup
Connecticut home improvement contractors, new home builders and home improvement salespeople must register with the Department of Consumer Protection. Check them on eLicense. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab), source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the DCP website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search the contractor's name or registration number on eLicense and check the registration is active. (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$200 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
Anyone who owns a home improvement business or does home improvement work over $200 on a private residence (up to 6 units) must register. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
- Exempt if total home improvement contracts are $1,000 or less in 12 months, or for licensed trades working within their license. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
- New home builders need a New Home Construction Contractor registration. (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| HIC | Home Improvement Contractor | Home improvement work over $200 on homes of up to 6 units (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab)) |
| NHC | New Home Construction Contractor | Building new homes (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab)) |
| HIS | Home Improvement Salesperson | Sells home improvement work (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Bond
No bond is required. DCP may require a $15,000 bond as a condition of registration. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
Insurance
- Workers' comp: As required by law (source: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: At least $20,000; $1M for underground oil tank removal (source: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (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 DCP website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search the contractor's name or registration number on eLicense and check the registration is active. (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- A contract without the registration number, start and completion dates, or a notice of cancellation rights. Such contracts can't be enforced against the owner. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
- No refund within 10 days of a written request when no substantial work was done after 30 days. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Guaranty Fund
- The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund can pay up to $25,000 per claim when you can't collect a court judgment against a registered contractor. It does not cover new home construction. (source: DCP: Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
Contract and advertising rules
- The contractor's registration number must appear in their ads and on your contract. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
- A home improvement contract that lacks the registration number, start and completion dates and a notice of your cancellation rights can't be enforced against you. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
How to complain
- Email the DCP complaint form and documents to [email protected]. (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (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.
- DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DCP: Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
What is the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund?
It can pay up to $25,000 per claim on an unpaid court judgment against a registered contractor. It doesn't cover new home construction. (source: DCP: Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
What is the penalty for unregistered work?
A class B misdemeanor (class A for refund failures on jobs over $10,000), and civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))