Massachusetts contractor license lookup
Massachusetts contractors working on existing owner-occupied homes of 1 to 4 units must register as Home Improvement Contractors (HIC). Construction Supervisor Licenses (CSL) are separate. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab), source: Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the OCABR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the MA Contractor Hub to look up a contractor's HIC registration and history before hiring. (source: Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, HIC Program sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
Contractors and subcontractors who solicit, bid on or perform work on an existing owner-occupied residential property with 1 to 4 units must register as a Home Improvement Contractor. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
- An HIC registration is different from a Construction Supervisor License (CSL). They are not interchangeable. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
- Contracts over $1,000 must be in writing and include the contractor's registration number. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- Working without a valid registration: fine up to $5,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §19 (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| HIC | Home Improvement Contractor registration | Work on existing owner-occupied homes with 1 to 4 units (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab)) |
| CSL | Construction Supervisor License: Unrestricted | Buildings under 35,000 cubic feet, 1- and 2-family homes and agricultural buildings (source: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab)) |
| CSL 1-2 | CSL: One and two family dwellings | One and two family homes with accessories (source: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab)) |
| CSL Roof | Specialty CSL: Roof covering | Roof coverings, including limited sheathing and rafter repair (source: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab)) |
| CSL Specialty | Other specialty CSLs | Masonry; windows, doors and siding; solid fuel-burning appliances; demolition; insulation (source: Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
We're still verifying this, check the official board: OCABR website (opens in a new tab).
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the OCABR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the MA Contractor Hub to look up a contractor's HIC registration and history before hiring. (source: Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- No written contract for a job over $1,000. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
- No HIC registration number on the contract. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
- Asks for a deposit above one-third of the price, unless it covers special-order materials. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
- Abandons the job or ignores the plans without your consent. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §17 (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Written contract and deposit
- Home improvement work over $1,000 needs a written contract with set contents, including the contractor's registration number. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
- The deposit can't be more than one-third of the price, or the cost of special-order materials if that is more. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab))
Complaints and arbitration
- Homeowners can file a complaint, apply for arbitration or claim against the Guaranty Fund (up to $25,000) through the MA Contractor Hub. (source: Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab))
- Any party can also sue in court to enforce the law. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §3 (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.
- Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Mass.gov: Construction Supervisor License types (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- M.G.L. c.142A §2 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- M.G.L. c.142A §3 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- M.G.L. c.142A §17 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- M.G.L. c.142A §19 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
What is the Massachusetts Guaranty Fund?
A fund of last resort that can pay eligible homeowners up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against registered contractors. Claims are made through the MA Contractor Hub. (source: Mass.gov: MA Contractor Hub (opens in a new tab))
Is an HIC the same as a CSL?
No. They are different credentials and are not interchangeable. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
What is the penalty for working without an HIC registration?
A fine of up to $5,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both. (source: M.G.L. c.142A §19 (opens in a new tab))