New Jersey contractor license lookup

1. Who needs a license

Any business that sells or makes home improvements on New Jersey residential property must register yearly, unless exempt. This includes part-time workers, out-of-state businesses and subcontractors. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

• Building a new home is not a home improvement. Commercial property is not covered unless it is being converted to homes. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
• Exempt: new home builders registered with DCA, work on your own or family property or for a charity, people licensed by another board working within their scope, community association employees, public utilities, and retailers worth over $50 million. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

Penalties

• Civil penalties up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for each later offense. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
• A knowing violation can be a fourth-degree crime. Unregistered work can lead to future registration being denied. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

2. License types and classes

3. Required insurance and bonds

Bond

A bond is required. Additional security: $50,000 for a contract over $120,000 (or over $750,000 in 12 months); $25,000 for $10,000 to $120,000 (or $150,000 to $750,000); $10,000 below that. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Required unless exempt by law. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab), source: NJ HIC/HEC application instructions (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: HIC: $500,000 per occurrence. HEC: $1,000,000 per occurrence. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab), source: NJ HIC/HEC application instructions (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 NJ Consumer Affairs website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Pick the profession or licensee type, then enter any mix of first name, last name, license number and city (at least 2 characters each). Partial names work. (source: NJ License Verification (opens in a new tab))

You can search by: Profession or licensee type, First name, Last name, License number, City. (source: NJ License Verification (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Red flags when hiring

• Not found on the NJ license verification site. (source: NJ License Verification (opens in a new tab))
• No written contract for a job over $500. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
• No registration number on ads, business cards or vehicles. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
• Offers moving services under a home improvement registration. That needs a separate Public Mover license. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

6. Consumer protections and complaints

Registration number on ads

• The registration number must appear on the contractor's ads, business cards, vehicles and documents. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

Contact

• HIC/HEC unit: 973-424-8150 or [email protected]. (source: NJ HIC/HEC application instructions (opens in a new tab))