Short answer: to check a contractor license in Philadelphia, search the company on L&I’s free “Find a Licensed Contractor” tool. If the contractor only works on existing one- or two-family homes, search the PA Attorney General’s Home Improvement Contractor database instead. Then ask for a certificate of insurance and make sure the contractor pulls permits before work starts.
Which license should a Philadelphia contractor have?
It depends on the work. Specifically, the City uses three types, so first figure out which one applies to your job.
| License or registration | Who needs it | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia contractor license | Most contractors doing construction, demolition or repair work in the city | L&I “Find a Licensed Contractor” |
| Philadelphia trade license | Plumbers, electricians, fire suppression and full demolition contractors | L&I “Find a Licensed Contractor” |
| PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration | Contractors who only work on existing one- or two-family homes | PA Attorney General HIC search |
Even with a general contractor on the job, licensed trade contractors must handle the plumbing and electrical work.
How to check a contractor license in Philadelphia, step by step
1. Search L&I
First, use the City’s “Find a Licensed Contractor” tool. It also shows licensing violations.
2. Check the suspended list
In addition, L&I keeps a list of contractors who lost their licenses through suspension or revocation.
3. Search the HIC database
Next, for home improvement work, search the PA Attorney General’s HIC registry by name or number.
4. Ask for insurance
Then ask for a certificate of insurance that lists general liability and workers’ compensation.
5. Check reviews
Also, read Google reviews, ask for references and check for Better Business Bureau complaints.
6. Confirm the permits
Finally, after you hire, look up the permits on the City’s Atlas map and check that the contractor posted them at the house.
What a City contractor license requires
A Philadelphia contractor license is not just paperwork. In order to get one, the company must show:
- General liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence
- Auto liability of at least $300,000
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- A supervisor with OSHA 30 safety training
- That it is current on City taxes
The license also renews every year. So, an active license tells you the company is still insured and in good standing.
Red flags in a contract
Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act protects homeowners. Watch for these warning signs:
- No written contract. In fact, home improvement work needs a written contract with a start and end date.
- A big deposit. For most jobs, the law caps the deposit at one-third of the price plus special-order materials.
- No license or HIC number on the contract or estimate.
- “We don’t need a permit.” In reality, most renovation work in Philadelphia does.
- Cash only or pressure to sign today.
Hiring the right contractor for your project
A license is only the minimum. Beyond that, look for a contractor who has done your type of project and can show it. For instance, you can browse our renovation projects or read how to hire a Philly renovation contractor.
Also, compare bids line by line, not just by the total. Our guide to general contractor vs. single-trade estimates shows what to look for. If you are using a renovation loan, read the top mistakes when choosing a 203(k) contractor.
Want a licensed, insured contractor?
Ask us for our license and insurance certificate with your free estimate. We hold Philadelphia contractor license #43984, and we pull every permit before work starts.
Contractor license FAQs
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Philadelphia?
Search the company on the City of Philadelphia L&I “Find a Licensed Contractor” tool. For contractors who only work on existing one- or two-family homes, search the PA Attorney General Home Improvement Contractor database.
Does a contractor need a license to work on my house in Philadelphia?
Yes. Most contractors need a Philadelphia contractor license. Contractors who only work on existing one- or two-family homes register as PA Home Improvement Contractors instead, and plumbers and electricians need their own trade licenses.
What insurance does a Philadelphia licensed contractor need?
To hold a City contractor license, a company needs at least $500,000 per occurrence in general liability, $300,000 in auto liability, and workers’ compensation coverage.
How much deposit can a contractor ask for in Pennsylvania?
Under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, a contractor can usually ask for no more than one-third of the price plus the cost of special-order materials.
How do I know if my contractor pulled a permit?
Look up your address on the City of Philadelphia Atlas map. In addition, the contractor should post the permits at the property before work begins.
Related guides and services
Sources: City of Philadelphia, find a licensed contractor; City of Philadelphia, get a contractor license; PA Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
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