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How to check if a contractor is licensed in Kentucky

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

In Kentucky, the state keeps license or registration records for electrical contractors, plumbing contractors and HVAC contractors, and each has an official lookup or board listed below. For general contractors and roofing contractors, our survey found no state-level license, so check with the city or county where the work is done. Check the record before you sign a contract or pay a deposit, and treat the board's own record as final.

Which board covers which trade

TradeWho keeps the recordOfficial lookup
General contractorCity or countyOur survey of official Kentucky sources found no state-level general contractor license. Check with the city or county where the work is done.
ElectricalKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of ElectricalSearch electrical licenses
PlumbingKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of PlumbingSearch plumbing licenses
HVACKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVACSearch HVAC licenses
RoofingCity or countyOur survey of official Kentucky sources found no state-level roofing contractor license. Check with the city or county where the work is done.

Step by step

  1. Ask the city or county building department where the work is done how they license general contractors.
  2. For electrical work, also check the electrical contractor lookup from Kentucky Department of Housing.
    Open the lookup
  3. For plumbing work, also check the plumbing contractor lookup from Kentucky Department of Housing.
    Open the lookup
  4. For HVAC work, also check the HVAC contractor lookup from Kentucky Department of Housing.
    Open the lookup
  5. The DHBC licensee search covers electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses; license number, issue date and expiration date show only once a license is active. source

If the contractor is not licensed, or you have a complaint

  • Complaints about an unlicensed or faulty electrician go to the DHBC Electrical Division on its formal consumer complaint form. source
  • Complaints about an unlicensed or faulty HVAC installer go to the DHBC Division of HVAC on its formal consumer complaint form. source

Homeowner protections in Kentucky

  • A plumbing license is not valid without the required liability insurance, and insurers must tell the state when that insurance is cancelled. source
  • An HVAC license is not valid without the required liability and property damage insurance. source
  • On an insurance-paid home repair contract, the homeowner may cancel until midnight of the fifth business day after the insurer says all or part of the claim is not covered. source
  • A contractor may not offer to pay or rebate an insurance deductible to win the job. source

Questions

How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Kentucky?
Our survey of official Kentucky sources found no state-level general contractor license. Check with the city or county where the work is done. For electrical, plumbing, HVAC or roofing work, use that trade's official lookup in the table on this page where the state keeps one.
What can I do if a contractor in Kentucky is not licensed?
Complaints about an unlicensed or faulty electrician go to the DHBC Electrical Division on its formal consumer complaint form. Complaints about an unlicensed or faulty HVAC installer go to the DHBC Division of HVAC on its formal consumer complaint form.

All Kentucky licensing rules by trade

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.