How can I verify that a Massachusetts contractor is properly registered or licensed?
Ask for the contractor's Home Improvement Contractor registration number and Construction Supervisor License number, then verify both through the Commonwealth's official licensing lookups, and request insurance certificates directly from the insurer.
Massachusetts uses two separate credentials that homeowners often conflate. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration is a state registration that applies to most residential home improvement work. A Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is a competency license generally associated with supervising work that requires a building permit. A given company may hold one, the other, or both through different individuals.
Ask for the numbers in writing, along with the exact legal name they're registered under. Then verify them yourself through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's official licensing and registration lookups rather than relying on a logo, a business card or a website badge. Your local building department can also confirm what credentials they require for a permit on your project.
Verify insurance separately. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurance agency showing general liability and workers' compensation, and confirm the policy is current and the named insured matches the company you're contracting with.
Requirements and exemptions vary by scope and by trade, and specialized trades such as electrical and plumbing are licensed separately. Because the details depend on your specific project, confirm what applies with your local building department or the appropriate Massachusetts authority. Nothing here is legal advice.
