How to get a contractor license in Pennsylvania
The short version: 1) Get liability insurance 2) Register online 3) Use your PA#. (source: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (opens in a new tab), source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
The exam
No exam is required. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration (new or renewal), every 2 years Non-refundable. Online card payments add $2; ACH is free. | $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)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and 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))
Common questions
How much does PA contractor registration cost?
$100 every two years, non-refundable. (source: PA Attorney General: Home Improvement Contractor Registration (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.
- 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)
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