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How to get a general contractor license in Pennsylvania

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) registers general contractors in Pennsylvania. Registration is not a competency license. Registration is required once a contractor does $5,000 or more of home improvements in a calendar year.

Who licenses general contractor work in Pennsylvania

CredentialState registration (no competency license)
BoardPennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededRegistration is required once a contractor does $5,000 or more of home improvements in a calendar year. source
License typesHome Improvement Contractor registration

How to get licensed

  1. Register with Home Improvement Contractor Registration as a Home Improvement Contractor registration.
    Board page
  2. Carry liability insurance of at least $50,000 for personal injury and at least $50,000 for property damage. source
  3. Pay the registration fee of $100 for a new two-year registration: $100. source
  4. Registration is valid for two years and renews every two years. source

General contractor requirements in Pennsylvania

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.
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceLiability insurance of at least $50,000 for personal injury and at least $50,000 for property damage. source
RenewalRegistration is valid for two years and renews every two year. source
ReciprocityNo reciprocity found: out-of-state contractors must comply with the Pennsylvania registration law like any other contractor. source
Fees
  • Registration fee of $100 for a new two-year registration. source
  • Renewal fee of $100 every two year. source
  • $0 (No fee to update existing registration information). source

Hiring a general contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Pennsylvania

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) registers general contractors in Pennsylvania. Registration is not a competency license. Registration is required once a contractor does $5,000 or more of home improvements in a calendar year.
How do I check a general contractor license in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) keeps the record for general contractors in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
Registration fee of $100 for a new two-year registration. Renewal fee of $100 every two year. $0 (No fee to update existing registration information).
How often does a general contractor license renew in Pennsylvania?
Registration is valid for two years and renews every two years.

Other trades in Pennsylvania

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.