A note on this directory's data: Home Trades Nearby's business listings (names, phone numbers, license numbers, and reviews) are illustrative sample data built to demonstrate this directory's layout and have not been independently verified against real state licensing records. Before you hire anyone — through this site or any other directory — 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.