Wisconsin contractor license lookup
In Wisconsin, a building permit for a one- or two-family home needs a DSPS Dwelling Contractor certification and a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Owner-occupants are exempt. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab), source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the DSPS website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Check the Dwelling Contractor and Qualifier credentials through DSPS's LicensE system. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
No one may get a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling without a Dwelling Contractor (or Restricted) certification, and holding or employing a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))
- This does not apply to owners who live or will live in the dwelling and pull the permit themselves. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| DC | Dwelling Contractor | Business certification for permits on one- and two-family homes (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab), source: DSPS: Credential fees and renewal dates (opens in a new tab)) |
| DC-R | Dwelling Contractor Restricted | Restricted certification (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab), source: DSPS: Credential fees and renewal dates (opens in a new tab)) |
| DCQ | Dwelling Contractor Qualifier | Individual credential (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
Bond
No bond is required. A $25,000 bond, or $250,000 per-occurrence general liability insurance instead. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (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 DSPS website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Check the Dwelling Contractor and Qualifier credentials through DSPS's LicensE system. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Can't pull a permit for your home, or asks you to pull it as owner. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))
- No proof of a bond or liability insurance. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
We're still verifying this, check the official board: DSPS 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.
- DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DSPS: DCQ new licensure (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DSPS: Dwelling Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DSPS: Credential fees and renewal dates (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Do I need a Dwelling Contractor to build my own home?
Not if you live or will live in it and pull the permit yourself. (source: DSPS: Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (opens in a new tab))