How to Verify a Contractor's License and Insurance
You can generally verify a contractor's license through your state's contractor licensing board website, and verify insurance by asking the provider for a certificate of insurance and, if needed, contacting the insurance carrier directly to confirm it is active.
Verifying a license
Most states maintain a public, searchable database of licensed contractors, often through a state contractor licensing board or department of consumer affairs. Search using the license number or business name provided by the contractor to confirm the license is active, matches the business name, and covers the type of work being performed.
License requirements vary by state and by the type of work involved. Some states license general contractors separately from specialty trades, and mold remediation licensing requirements vary significantly by state.
Verifying insurance
Ask the provider for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and, if they have employees, workers' compensation coverage. A certificate of insurance typically lists the insurance carrier and policy period.
If you want additional confirmation, you can contact the insurance carrier listed on the certificate directly to confirm the policy is currently active, since a certificate alone does not guarantee the policy has not since lapsed or been canceled.
Why this step matters
Verifying licensing and insurance independently helps confirm that a provider meets your state's requirements for the work being performed and that you have some financial protection in case something goes wrong during the project.
This website's role
This website is a connection service, not a licensing authority or insurer. It does not perform license or insurance verification on behalf of providers, and it does not guarantee that any provider a homeowner connects with is currently licensed or insured. Verifying this information is the homeowner's responsibility before agreeing to any work.
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an on-site professional assessment. It was written by the Home Damage Connect editorial team, not by a licensed contractor. Providers connected through Home Damage Connect are independent businesses; Home Damage Connect does not perform restoration or remediation work.
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Home Damage Connect is a connection service and does not perform restoration or remediation work. Providers are independent. Availability is not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Home Damage Connect is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and Home Damage Connect does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on Home Damage Connect.