How to get a contractor license in New Jersey
The short version: 1) Get insured 2) Post additional security 3) Apply by mail. (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
The 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))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application Non-refundable. | $110 (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab)) |
| Renewal by 31 March | $90 (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab)) |
| Late renewal (1 to 30 April) | $115 (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab)) |
| Reinstatement (after 30 April) | $140 (source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: HICB FAQ (archived 31 Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and insurance
Bond: 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))
- Workers' comp: Required unless exempt by law.
- 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))
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].