United States · Licensing examHow do you check a contractor license?
| Where | Search | Search by |
|---|---|---|
| California | CSLB Check a License | License number, business name, personnel name, salesperson |
| North Carolina | NCLBGC license search | License or qualifier number, company, name, phone, address, classification |
| Minnesota | DLI license lookup (iMS) | Full license or registration number as a guest, or a holder search |
| West Virginia | Contractor License Search | Number, classification, company, DBA, city, county |
| Illinois | IDFPR License Look Up | Roofing contractors and other IDFPR licenses |
| New York City | DOB License Search; DCWP license lookup | DOB licenses and registrations; DCWP for home improvement |
What does a general contractor license number look like?
- California: digits only, up to 8 of them, printed on the contractor's pocket license. CSLB says the number never contains letters.
- West Virginia: it starts with WV, and the board's search needs at least the start of the number, with the WV.
- Illinois: roofing license numbers start with 104. Roofers must put the number and their name on every contract, bid and permit application.
A number alone proves little. Run it through the search and check that the name and business match the person in front of you.
What to look for in the result
- The status: active, not expired, suspended or inactive.
- The classification. A roofing or landscape license doesn't cover a whole-house remodel.
- In North Carolina, the limitation: a limited license caps any single project at $750,000.
- In California, the bond details. CSLB's license record names the surety company, which you need if you ever make a bond claim.
- In Minnesota, the iMS record also shows continuing education and enforcement actions.
Sources: CSLB · NCLBGC · Minnesota DLI and 5 more. Checked October 2026.
- CSLB: Check a license ↗
- NCLBGC: License search ↗
- Minnesota DLI: License and registration lookup ↗
- WV Contractor Licensing Board: License search ↗
- IDFPR: Roofing contractor ↗
- IDFPR: Find a Licensed Roofer brochure ↗
- NYC Buildings: Know your construction professional ↗
- CSLB: Fast Facts on license bonds (rev. 8/2025) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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