Pennsylvania contractor license lookup
Pennsylvania has no state contractor license. Home improvement contractors register with the Attorney General (a PA#). Registration is not a skills license. Check a PA# free online. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab), source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab), source: PA Attorney General: HIC registration search (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the PA Attorney General website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Enter the contractor's Registration Number (PA#) for an exact result, or use the other search filters. (source: PA Attorney General: HIC registration search (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Contractor Registration sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
Contractors who do at least $5,000 of home improvements a year must register with the Attorney General. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab), source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- Large home improvement retailers (net worth over $50 million) are exempt, but their subcontractors still register. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- Local governments can't require their own home improvement registration, but can require building permits. Existing local electrician and plumber licensing still applies. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- Home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- Home improvement fraud is a third-degree felony if more than $2,000 is involved, or a first-degree misdemeanor if $2,000 or less. It is one grade higher if the victim is 60 or older. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- A second or later offense is a second-degree felony, whatever the amount. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| PA# | Home Improvement Contractor registration | Required for $5,000+ of home improvements a year; not a competency license (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab), source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Insurance
- General liability: At least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab), source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (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 PA Attorney General website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Enter the contractor's Registration Number (PA#) for an exact result, or use the other search filters. (source: PA Attorney General: HIC registration search (opens in a new tab))
You can search by: Registration number. (source: PA Attorney General: HIC registration search (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- No PA# on the ad, estimate or contract. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))
- A contract over $500 that isn't in writing. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- Asking for payment before the contract is signed. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- On a job over $5,000, a deposit of more than one-third of the price (plus special-order materials). (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
- Treating registration as proof of skill. The Attorney General says it is not an endorsement. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Contract and registration number
- The contractor's PA registration number must appear on all ads, contracts and estimates. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))
- Home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing. (source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
Help and complaints
- Attorney General HIC HelpLine: 1-888-520-6680, [email protected]. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- PA Attorney General: HIC registration search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Does Pennsylvania license contractors?
Not statewide. Home improvement contractors register with the Attorney General instead. Some trades are licensed locally. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab), source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) (opens in a new tab))
Is a registered contractor guaranteed to be good?
No. Registration is not an endorsement of a contractor's skill. Check references and get a written contract. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))