Contractor License Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires contractor licensing for construction work. The licensing process is overseen by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs - Home Improvement Contractor Registration. Massachusetts requires home improvement contractor registration and construction supervisor licensing. Construction supervisors must pass a state exam. All residential projects require a construction supervisor to hold a valid license. The state also requires a written contract for jobs over $1,000.

Important

Never hire a contractor who cannot provide a valid license number. A legitimate contractor will have no hesitation sharing their license credentials for you to verify independently. If a contractor refuses, discourages you from checking, or makes excuses, treat that as a serious red flag.

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs - Home Improvement Contractor Program

Search by: Registration number, Business name, Owner name

Follow these steps to verify a contractor's license in Massachusetts:

1. 1
   Search the HIC registration databaseVisit the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs Home Improvement Contractor registration search page. All home improvement contractors in Massachusetts must be registered.
2. 2
   Enter the contractor's registration number or nameSearch by HIC registration number for the most accurate results. You can also search by business name or owner name. The results will show the registration status and any construction supervisor associated with the business.
3. 3
   Verify the Construction Supervisor licenseMassachusetts requires a licensed Construction Supervisor on every residential project. Verify the supervisor's license is current through the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. This is separate from the HIC registration.
4. 4
   Check the registration status and insuranceConfirm the HIC registration is active. Massachusetts requires general liability insurance and workers' compensation for registered contractors. The registration lookup shows insurance status.
5. 5
   Review any arbitration awards or complaintsThe Office of Consumer Affairs tracks complaints and arbitration cases. Check for any history of disputes, arbitration awards, or binding resolution outcomes. Multiple complaints are a warning sign.

What to Look for in Verification Results

• HIC registration must be active and current
• A licensed Construction Supervisor must be associated with the project
• Insurance (general liability and workers' comp) must be on file
• Check for arbitration awards or consumer complaints
• Written contracts are required by law for jobs over $1,000
• The registration number must appear on all contracts and advertisements

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Massachusetts carries significant risks for both the homeowner and the contractor:

• No consumer protections: State recovery funds and guaranty programs typically only cover work performed by licensed contractors.
• Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to work done by an unlicensed contractor.
• Permit problems: Building permits often require a valid contractor license. Work done without permits can create issues when selling your property.
• Quality concerns: Licensed contractors have demonstrated minimum competency through exams, experience requirements, or both.
• Legal liability: Homeowners may bear greater legal responsibility for injuries or property damage caused during unlicensed work.
• Penalties: In Massachusetts, unlicensed contracting can result in fines and criminal penalties for the contractor, and the homeowner may lose the ability to enforce the contract.

Massachusetts does not currently have reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with other states. Contractors licensed in other states must apply for a new Massachusetts license through the standard application process. Some states may credit out-of-state experience toward licensing requirements -- contact the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs - Home Improvement Contractor Registration for details.