If you’ve ever searched “licensed contractors in PA,” you’re not alone. Thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners want to know how to find a legitimate builder, remodeler, or handyman they can trust.
But here’s the thing many people don’t realize: Pennsylvania does not require most contractors to be licensed. Instead, the state requires many contractors to be registered through a program run by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.
Let’s break it down so you can protect your home – and your wallet – when hiring someone for your next home improvement project.
What Is the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act?
In 2009, Pennsylvania enacted the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). This law was designed to reduce fraud and protect homeowners from shady contractors.
Under HICPA, home improvement contractors who earn more than $5,000 per year in PA must register with the Attorney General’s Office.
Registration is not the same as licensing. A license typically involves testing, education requirements, and ongoing certification. In Pennsylvania, registration is more like a formal listing, but it still offers key protections.
What Are Contractors Required to Do?
To register, contractors must:
- Submit an application to the Attorney General’s Office
- Maintain liability insurance (minimum coverage required)
- Use written contracts that meet specific state requirements, including cancellation terms and itemized pricing
This ensures that contractors doing business in Pennsylvania are at least meeting baseline consumer protection standards.
How Can You Tell If a Contractor Is Registered?
Before you sign any home improvement contract, look up the contractor’s registration number. All registered contractors are issued a unique PA HIC number (e.g., PA123456).
You can check the validity of that number using the state’s official Contractor Registration Search Tool.
If a contractor can’t – or won’t – provide their HIC number, it’s a red flag.
Does the York Builders Association Require Contractor Registration?
Yes. The York Builders Association (YBA) requires that all home improvement contractors in our membership stay current with their PA HIC registration.
This is just one way we help protect homeowners and promote trustworthy professionals in the industry. When you use our Find a Pro tool, you’re not just finding someone with experience—you’re finding someone who meets important legal and ethical standards.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Hiring someone who isn’t registered could put you at risk for:
- Poor workmanship or unfinished jobs
- Lack of insurance if something goes wrong
- Contracts that don’t protect your rights
- Little to no recourse if the project fails
When it comes to your home, cutting corners on research isn’t worth the risk. Start with a contractor who’s registered – and ideally, one who’s part of a trusted industry organization like the YBA.
FAQs About Contractor Registration in Pennsylvania
Q: Does Pennsylvania require contractors to be licensed?
A: No, not in most cases. PA requires registration, not licensing, for home improvement contractors earning over $5,000 per year.
Q: What is HIC registration?
A: It stands for Home Improvement Contractor registration through the PA Attorney General. Registered contractors must carry insurance and follow consumer protection rules.
Q: How do I find out if a contractor is registered?
A: Visit hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov and enter the contractor’s name or PA HIC number.
Q: What types of work require HIC registration?
A: Most home improvement work – remodeling, roofing, electrical, HVAC, painting, deck construction, and more – falls under this requirement.
Q: What if a contractor says they’re exempt?
A: Some contractors (e.g., those earning under $5,000/year or working exclusively on new construction) may not be required to register but always verify.
Q: Is registration the same as a license?
A: No. A license involves testing and professional credentials. PA’s HIC registration does not, but it still adds a level of oversight.
Ready to Find a Trustworthy Contractor?
Use YBA’s Find a Pro tool to connect with reliable, registered professionals in your area. Every YBA contractor listed meets state requirements and agrees to uphold high standards of quality and integrity.
