A note on this site's history: Home Trades Nearby previously ran a provider directory whose business listings (names, phone numbers, license numbers, and reviews) were illustrative sample data, not real, independently-verified businesses. We removed that directory rather than keep publishing unverified listings. Before you hire anyone — found through this tool, a referral, or any other source — look up their license yourself using the official state tools below. That's true no matter where you found a contractor's name.
Official state license lookup tools
We link only to the official government (or government-linked) search tool for each state — never to a paid lead-generation site. Search by the business name or license number on the contractor's paperwork or truck.
AlabamaLicensing Board for General ContractorsSearch AL licenses →
ArizonaRegistrar of ContractorsSearch AZ licenses →
CaliforniaContractors State License BoardSearch CA licenses →
FloridaDept. of Business & Professional RegulationSearch FL licenses →
GeorgiaSecretary of State license verificationSearch GA licenses →
MichiganLARA — Verify a LicenseSearch MI licenses →
North CarolinaLicensing Board for General ContractorsSearch NC licenses →
NevadaState Contractors BoardSearch NV licenses →
OhioeLicense OhioSearch OH licenses →
TennesseeDept. of Commerce & InsuranceSearch TN licenses →
TexasDept. of Licensing & RegulationSearch TX licenses →
VirginiaDept. of Professional & Occupational RegulationSearch VA licenses →
WashingtonDept. of Labor & IndustriesSearch WA licenses →
Don't see your state?
We're adding official links for more states over time. In the meantime, three reliable ways to verify a license anywhere in the U.S.:
- Search "<your state> contractor license lookup" or "<your state> secretary of state license verification" — most states run a public search tool.
- Several states (including Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, and New York) license general contractors at the city or county level instead of statewide — check your local building or permits department.
- Ask the contractor directly for their license number and the issuing agency, then confirm it independently before you sign anything or pay a deposit.
Red flags to watch for
- No license number on request. A licensed pro can give you their number instantly.
- Cash-only, upfront-in-full. Legitimate contractors invoice for milestones, not the full job before starting.
- Pressure to sign today. "Today-only" pricing is a classic high-pressure tactic.
- No fixed business address. A truck and a phone number are not enough — verify a real address too.