Hiring a contractor in New Jersey: check, red flags, complaints
Check the registration on the NJ verification site, get a written contract for jobs over $500 and look for the registration number on their ads. (source: NJ License Verification (opens in a new tab))
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))
Checked against official New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors sources. See sources.
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))
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))
Contact
- HIC/HEC unit: 973-424-8150 or [email protected]. (source: NJ HIC/HEC application instructions (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NJ HIC/HEC application instructions (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NJ License Verification (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].