Every fact on LicenseCheckHQ comes from an official state government website, links straight to it, and has a last-verified date. If we can't confirm something on an official page, we don't publish it.
Our checking process
Official sources only. We read the state licensing board's own pages, forms, fee schedules and state law. We don't use blogs, forums or other guides as sources.
Every fact gets a link. Each rule, fee, class and threshold on a state page has a "source" link to the exact official page it came from.
Class names stay close to the board's wording. We shorten long descriptions but don't reword what a license covers.
Not sure? Not published. If two official pages disagree, or we can't find an official page, the section says "We're still verifying this, check the official board" with a link to the board. We never guess.
Dated and re-checked every 3 months. Each page shows a "Last verified" date and a "Next check due" date, three months later. Fees and rules change, so we re-check on that schedule.
The full source list for each state is at the bottom of its page, under "Sources and last verified".
Same layout on every state page
Each state has a hiring page for homeowners and separate pages for contractors. Every page of the same kind uses the same order, so you can switch states and find things in the same spot.
State hiring pages (for homeowners)
Quick answer and official lookup button
Who needs a license
License types and classes
Required insurance and bonds
How to look up a contractor
Red flags when hiring
Consumer protections and complaints
Sources and last verified
Trade pages (for contractors)
Quick answer and official lookup button
Who needs a license
License classes
Fees, exam, bond and insurance
How to look up a contractor
Reciprocity
Red flags when hiring
How to complain
Sources and last verified
Application, exam and renewal fees, continuing education and how to apply are only on the contractor pages: how to get a license, license cost, reciprocity and the trade pages.
Independent, not a government site
LicenseCheckHQ is not affiliated with any state licensing board or government agency. It is built by Clint, a working refrigeration and HVAC technician. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the board before you hire or apply.
Found something out of date? Email [email protected] and we will re-check it against the official source.