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Contractor License in Pennsylvania

State license

Pennsylvania has no statewide contractor license. Home improvement contractors must register with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). This is a registration, not a competency license, and building/trade licensing otherwise happens at the local level.

Quick facts

When a license is needed$5,000 or more of home improvement work per calendar year (annual gross, not per project) triggers registration. Contractors doing less than $5,000 per year and very large retailers (net worth over $50 million) are exempt.
InsuranceLiability insurance is required under HICPA (personal injury and property damage coverage). Confirm current minimum coverage amounts directly with the Office of Attorney General.
Fees$100 for a two-year registration (new and renewal). Updates to existing registration information are free.
RenewalRegistration must be renewed every two years.
Main agencyPennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Official sitehttps://hic.attorneygeneral.gov
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Pennsylvania board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Pennsylvania

  1. Determine whether you perform at least $5,000 of home improvement work per calendar year (the registration trigger).
  2. Gather business information and proof of the liability insurance required under HICPA.
  3. Complete the Home Improvement Contractor registration online at the Attorney General's HIC portal (or by mail).
  4. Pay the $100 two-year registration fee.
  5. Include your assigned HIC registration number on all home improvement contracts and advertising.

Frequently asked questions

When must I register as a Pennsylvania home improvement contractor?

When you perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per calendar year. The threshold is annual gross revenue from home improvements, not per project.

Is HICPA registration a license?

No. It is a registration with the Office of Attorney General and is not an endorsement or approval of the contractor's competency or skill.

How much is registration and how long does it last?

$100 for a two-year registration, applying to both new and renewal applications. Updating existing information is free.

Who is exempt from registering?

Contractors doing less than $5,000 of home improvement work in a calendar year, and large retailers with a net worth over $50 million.

Do I need to display my registration number?

Yes. Registered contractors must include their HIC registration number on contracts and advertising.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Pennsylvania licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.