Last verified: Oct 24, 2026 Next check due: Jan 24, 2027 4 official sources How we verify

Connecticut general contractor license

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))

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))

Fee	Amount
Home Improvement Contractor registration $120 fee plus the $100 Guaranty Fund fee. Non-refundable.	$220 (source: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Apply online Apply online as an individual or as the LLC or corporation you contract under. (source: DCP: Home Improvement Contractor Application (opens in a new tab))
Insurance Carry at least $20,000 general liability ($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))

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))

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))

Registrations expire every 31 March. Renewal costs the same as the application. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (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))

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DCP website (opens in a new tab).

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))

Last verified: Oct 24, 2026. Next check due: Jan 24, 2027. Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.

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