Rhode Island contractor license lookup
Rhode Island contractors must register with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB). (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: CRLB: Contractor Search (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the CRLB website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search CRLB's registrants and licensees by name or number and check the registration is current. (source: CRLB: Contractor Search (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$500 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Contractors must register; work under one contract of less than $500 is exempt, but anyone advertising as a contractor must register. (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Unregistered contractors can't work or get a building permit in any of RI's 39 cities and towns. (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | General contractor registration | CRLB registration (source: CRLB: General Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Insurance
- Workers' comp: Certificate naming CRLB (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: $500,000, CRLB as certificate holder (source: CRLB FAQs (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 CRLB website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search CRLB's registrants and licensees by name or number and check the registration is current. (source: CRLB: Contractor Search (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Advertising as a contractor without a registration number. (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Can't show they're in the CRLB search. (source: CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
We're still verifying this, check the official board: CRLB website (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.
- CRLB: General Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CRLB: Apply (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CRLB: Renew (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CRLB FAQs (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- RI Secretary of State: 440-RICR-10-00-7 Rules and Regulations for Licensed Residential Contractors (proposed) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CRLB: Home page announcement on R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-65.4 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CRLB: Contractor Search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Does Rhode Island accept other states' registrations?
No. Reciprocity is unavailable for the general contractor registration. (source: CRLB: Apply (opens in a new tab))
What are the fines?
Administrative fines start at $250 for a first offense and $500 for later ones. (source: CRLB: General Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))