Pennsylvania general contractor license

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. 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 liability insurance At least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))
2. Register online Apply through PA-HICRS (or on paper) and pay $100. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab), source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))
3. Use your PA# Put your PA# on all ads, contracts, estimates and proposals. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab))

Exam

No exam is required. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: PA Attorney General website (opens in a new tab).

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))

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
• Renewal fee: $100. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

• Pennsylvania uses a registration, not a license, so there is nothing to transfer. Out-of-state contractors register the same way. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))