Massachusetts general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

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

Experience and steps

1. Register out-of-state companies Out-of-state corporations and LLCs first register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
2. Apply online Register and pay through the MA Contractor Hub. Paper applications are no longer accepted. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
3. Pay the Guaranty Fund Pay the Guaranty Fund amount based on your number of employees. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))

Exam

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

Bond

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

Insurance

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

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))
• Renewal fee: $100. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (opens in a new tab))

Start renewing 30 to 60 days before expiry. If it lapses you must reapply and pay the full registration and Guaranty Fund fees. (source: Mass.gov: HIC Registration and Renewal (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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

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

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))