Vermont contractor license lookup
Vermont residential contractors must register with the Office of Professional Regulation for jobs of $10,000 or more. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab), source: OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the OPR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use OPR's Find a Professional to look up a residential contractor or download the roster. Any sanctions are public. (source: OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$10,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Residential contractors doing residential work estimated at $10,000 or more (labor and materials) must register with OPR (26 V.S.A. 5501). (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Exempt include employees of a registered business, trades licensed by Public Safety within scope, and subcontractors not contracting with the homeowner. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Individual registration | Self-employed, no employees (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
| Business | Business registration | Contractors with employees (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Insurance
- Workers' comp: Not stated by OPR (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate (source: OPR: Residential Contractor 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 OPR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use OPR's Find a Professional to look up a residential contractor or download the roster. Any sanctions are public. (source: OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- No written contract with price, dates, scope and change-order terms. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- Not in OPR's registry on a job of $10,000 or more. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Written contract and down payment
- Get a written contract before work starts. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
- With a maximum-price contract, the down payment can be up to half the labor cost or half the materials price, whichever is greater. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Getting money back
- The Office of Professional Regulation can't recover damages for you. For that, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program. (source: OPR: Residential Contractors (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.
- OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- OPR Initial Licensing, Renewal Fees and Dates (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
How much down payment can a Vermont contractor ask for?
With a maximum price, up to half the labor cost or half the materials price, whichever is greater. With no maximum price, as negotiated. (source: OPR: Residential Contractor FAQs (opens in a new tab))
Where do I complain?
OPR handles unprofessional conduct. For money damages or billing disputes, use the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program. (source: OPR: Residential Contractors (opens in a new tab))