How to check a contractor's license in Massachusetts
By Luis Sierra, 413 Home Pros · Updated 2026-10-16 · Sources linked inline
Which credential to check
| Work | Credential | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Remodeling, roofing, siding, windows on existing 1–4 unit owner-occupied homes | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration | MA Contractor Hub HIC search (see Mass.gov instructions) |
| Structural building work (permitted construction, many roofs) | Construction Supervisor License (CSL) | DOL Check a license · CSL info |
| Plumbing and gas fitting | Journeyman/Master Plumber, Gas Fitter (Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters) | DOL Check a license |
| Electrical | Journeyman/Master Electrician (Board of State Examiners of Electricians) | DOL Check a license |
Step by step
- Ask for the number in writing. Legitimate contractors put HIC, CSL or trade license numbers on estimates, trucks or websites.
- Search the state database. Match the person or company name, license type and expiration date. "Active" is what you want.
- Check the permit. For plumbing, gas, electrical and structural work, the licensed contractor should pull the permit from your town's building department (see each town page for the office).
- Get a written contract. Massachusetts HIC law (M.G.L. c. 142A) requires a written contract for residential home improvement jobs over $1,000 and generally limits the upfront deposit to one-third of the price (except special-order materials). Details: Mass.gov HIC registration.
How 413 Home Pros uses licenses
On our profiles we show a license number only when it is published on the business's own website or confirmable on a state source, and we say which. A missing number does not mean a business is unlicensed. It means we have not confirmed one. Always run your own check. See how we verify.
Browse: plumbers · electricians · roofers · handymen.
FAQ
Which license does a roofer or remodeler need?
For work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 unit homes, the contractor generally needs an HIC registration; structural work such as roofing also generally requires a Construction Supervisor License holder on the permit.
What protects me if an HIC does bad work?
Hiring a registered HIC gives access to state arbitration and the Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund, which can reimburse eligible losses when a judgment cannot be collected. Unregistered contractors are not covered.
This guide is general information, not professional, legal or tax advice. Figures change; check the linked sources. Found an error? Email info@413homepros.com.
More guides
- Furnace & Boiler Replacement Cost in Springfield, MA (2026)
- Mass Save Heat Pump & Weatherization Rebates: Springfield, MA Guide (2026)
- Ice Dams in Western Mass: Prevention & What to Do (2026 Guide)
- Winter Home Checklist for Springfield & Western Mass (2026)
Find a pro: Best handyman in Springfield, MA · All verified pros