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How to get a general contractor license in New Jersey

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors registers general contractors in New Jersey. Registration is not a competency license. The Home Improvement Contractors, active business licensee file, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs lists 26,120 active general contractor business records as of October 1, 2026.

Who licenses general contractor work in New Jersey

CredentialState registration (no competency license)
BoardNew Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
License typesHome Improvement Business Contractor, Home Elevation Business Contractor

How to get licensed

  1. Register with New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Business Contractor or Home Elevation Business Contractor.
    Board page
  2. Post a additional security (compliance bond, letter of credit or other security) of $10,000 to $50,000 scaled to contract size, with $10,000 the minimum. source
  3. Carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, plus workers' compensation insurance unless exempt. source
  4. Pay the initial registration application fee, nonrefundable: $110. source
  5. Registration renews every year by March 31. source

General contractor requirements in New Jersey

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamNot found on an official source.
ExperienceNot found on an official source.
BondAdditional security (compliance bond, letter of credit or other security) of $10,000 to $50,000 scaled to contract size, with $10,000 the minimum. source
InsuranceCommercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, plus workers' compensation insurance unless exempt. source
RenewalRegistration renews every year by March 31. source
ReciprocityNo reciprocity provision found on official sources; this is a business registration open to any business that meets the requirements.
Fees
  • $110 (Initial registration application fee, nonrefundable). source
  • $90 (Annual renewal fee, due by March 31). source
  • $115 (Late renewal fee for applications received April 1 to April 30). source
  • $20 (Duplicate or replacement registration fee). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in New Jersey, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in New Jersey

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in New Jersey?
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors registers general contractors in New Jersey. Registration is not a competency license.
How do I check a general contractor license in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors keeps the record for general contractors in New Jersey. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in New Jersey?
$110 (Initial registration application fee, nonrefundable). $90 (Annual renewal fee, due by March 31). $115 (Late renewal fee for applications received April 1 to April 30). $20 (Duplicate or replacement registration fee).
How often does a general contractor license renew in New Jersey?
Registration renews every year by March 31.

Other trades in New Jersey

General contractor license in other states

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.