Contractor License Requirements in Oregon

Oregon requires contractor licensing for construction work. The licensing process is overseen by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Oregon requires licensing through the CCB for all contractors. The state separates residential and commercial licenses. A surety bond of $15,000 to $75,000 is required depending on license type. All contractor employees must receive OSHA training. Oregon is strict about unlicensed contracting with penalties up to $5,000 per offense.

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.

Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB)

Search by: CCB number, Business name, Owner name, City

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

1. 1
   Visit the Oregon CCB contractor searchGo to ccb.state.or.us and use the contractor search tool. Oregon requires all contractors to be licensed through the CCB, making this the single source for verification.
2. 2
   Search by CCB number or business nameEnter the contractor's CCB license number, business name, or owner name. You can also search by city and contractor type (residential or commercial).
3. 3
   Verify the license type and statusOregon separates residential and commercial licenses. Confirm the license type covers your project. Check that the status is "Active" and the bond and insurance are current.
4. 4
   Review the bond and insurance detailsOregon requires surety bonds ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on license type. The CCB search shows bond amount and status. General liability insurance and workers' compensation are also displayed.
5. 5
   Check complaints and claims historyThe CCB maintains detailed records of complaints, claims against the contractor's bond, and any disciplinary actions. Oregon's system is transparent -- review the full history before hiring. Penalties for unlicensed contracting in Oregon can reach $5,000 per offense.

What to Look for in Verification Results

• License must be "Active" -- Oregon strictly enforces licensing requirements
• License type must cover your project (Residential vs. Commercial)
• Surety bond must be current and in the correct amount
• Workers' compensation and general liability insurance must be current
• Check for any complaints, bond claims, or disciplinary actions
• Verify all employees have completed required OSHA safety training

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Oregon 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 Oregon, unlicensed contracting can result in fines and criminal penalties for the contractor, and the homeowner may lose the ability to enforce the contract.

Oregon does not currently have reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with other states. Contractors licensed in other states must apply for a new Oregon license through the standard application process. Some states may credit out-of-state experience toward licensing requirements -- contact the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for details.