New Jersey Contractor License Requirements
2026 Guide — Everything you need to know about contractor licensing in New Jersey.
2,136
Contractors in NJ
556
Verified Licenses
10 yrs
Avg. Experience
10
Cities Covered
New Jersey Licensing Board
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration
License Types in New Jersey
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)
Registration required for residential improvement work
Electrical Contractor
Licensed through Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Plumbing Contractor
Licensed through local jurisdictions
Bond Requirements
No state-level surety bond is required for general contractors.
No surety bond; must contribute to the New Home Warranty Security Fund if applicable
Insurance Requirements
General Liability Insurance
Required. General liability of $500,000 per occurrence required for HIC registration
Workers' Compensation
Required when you have employees.
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Disorderly persons offense (first); fourth-degree crime (subsequent); fines up to $10,000; cannot file liens
How to Verify a License in New Jersey
1. Use Our Free Verification Tool
Search our database of 2,136 contractors in New Jersey by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the Official State Board
Visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor RegistrationFrequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey require a contractor license?
Yes, New Jersey requires contractors to obtain a state license through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration. 3 license types are available depending on the scope of work.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in New Jersey?
No surety bond; must contribute to the New Home Warranty Security Fund if applicable
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in New Jersey?
Disorderly persons offense (first); fourth-degree crime (subsequent); fines up to $10,000; cannot file liens
Is insurance required for contractors in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey requires contractors to carry insurance. General liability of $500,000 per occurrence required for HIC registration
How do I verify a contractor's license in New Jersey?
You can verify a contractor's license through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration website at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hic/. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 2,136 contractor profiles in New Jersey.
How many licensed contractors are there in New Jersey?
Our database includes 2,136 contractor profiles in New Jersey, with 556 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in New Jersey has 10 years of experience.