How do I check a contractor’s license?

A license check helps you confirm that the contractor is registered to do business in your state and that the record is active. It can also show whether there have been past disciplinary actions, changes in business name, or other issues you should ask about before hiring.

For seismic or storm retrofit work, details matter. The right scope depends on the home, location, and what a contractor or licensed engineer finds during an on-site assessment. BedrockMatch is not a contractor or engineer, so we cannot tell you what your home needs, but checking a license helps you make sure you are talking to a real, accountable business.

A license check is also only one step. You should still review the written scope, confirm pricing in writing, and verify bond and insurance yourself. See what should be in a retrofit contract for a simple checklist.

Ask for the contractor’s full legal business name, license number, and the name of the person who will sign the contract. If a salesperson or project manager visited your home, ask how that person is connected to the licensed business.

It is also reasonable to ask for:

• The exact license number
• The state where the license is issued
• The business address on file
• Proof of bond and insurance
• Whether employees or subcontractors will do the work

Make sure the name on the estimate, business card, website, and contract all match closely. Small differences can be innocent, but you should ask until it is clear. If the work may qualify for a program such as Brace + Bolt in California, ask the contractor whether they are familiar with program rules, then check whether you qualify through the program directly.

The safest place to verify a license is usually your state contractor licensing board or state consumer protection website. Search for the official state site, then enter the license number and business name exactly as given to you.

When you look up the record, check these basics:

1. The license is active or in good standing
2. The business name matches the contract
3. The classification appears consistent with the type of work being offered
4. The address and contact information are not completely different
5. Any disciplinary notes are explained clearly

Do not rely only on a screenshot sent by the contractor. Look up the record yourself on the official state website. If you want help finding contractors to compare, you can get matched, free and still do your own license check before choosing who to hire.

A license record may show whether a bond is on file, but you should still ask for current proof directly. For insurance, ask for a certificate of insurance and read the dates carefully. If anything is unclear, call the insurance agency listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is current.

Bond and insurance are not the same thing, and both can matter. A better question is not "Do you have it?" but "Can you show me current proof, and does it cover this job?" You can read more in should a retrofit contractor be bonded and insured?.

Also ask whether the people doing the work are employees or subcontractors. If subcontractors will be used, ask who they are and whether they are separately licensed and insured where required.

One red flag does not always mean you must walk away, but it does mean you should slow down and ask questions. A careful contractor should be able to explain their record in plain language.

Watch for issues like:

• License status that is inactive, expired, suspended, or revoked
• A business name that does not match the contract or payment instructions
• Recent changes in company name with no clear explanation
• Disciplinary actions, unresolved complaints, or large gaps in licensing history
• Pressure to pay cash or make checks to a person instead of the licensed business

Another warning sign is when the contractor avoids written details about scope, materials, or permits. Whether a retrofit is appropriate for your home depends on an on-site assessment, so be cautious if someone claims to know exactly what you need without inspecting the property.

After you verify the license, ask a few practical questions so you can compare contractors on the same basis. Keep notes and ask for the answers in writing when possible.

Helpful questions include:

• What exact work is included and excluded?
• Who will supervise the job on site?
• Will permits be required, and who will handle them?
• What is the expected start date and timeline?
• What payment schedule do you use?
• What happens if hidden conditions are found after work begins?

It is fine to ask whether the contractor has done similar retrofit jobs in your area, but avoid relying on broad promises. No one can honestly guarantee a specific safety outcome, damage reduction, or insurance savings. If cost is a concern, ask whether there are public programs you can check, such as California Earthquake Brace + Bolt or FEMA-related hazard-mitigation grants, if available in your area.

If the license number, company name, address, or insurance details do not match, pause the process. Do not sign, do not pay a deposit, and ask the contractor to explain the difference in writing.

If the explanation is incomplete or you still feel unsure, move on to another bid. You stay in control of who you hire. BedrockMatch is a matching service, not a contractor, and homeowners can compare local options through our help center or get matched, free.

Before you hire anyone, verify the contractor’s license, bond, and insurance yourself and make sure the final scope and price are written clearly in the contract. That extra step can save time and stress later.