New Jersey general contractor license

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. 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. Get insured Get commercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, plus workers' comp unless exempt. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
2. Post additional security Post a compliance bond, letter of credit or other security of $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000, depending on contract size. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply by mail Send the paper application and fee by mail or in person in Newark. Renewals are online only. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

Exam

No exam is required. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

• No exam is listed among the registration requirements. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

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))

Renewal

• Renew every 1 year. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))
• Renewal fee: $90. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

Renew online by 31 March each year. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab))

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. Reciprocity (license transfer)

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

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

Contact

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