Residential or Limited

Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements

Do You Need a Contractor License in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts regulates home improvement or residential work, but has no full general contractor license. Threshold: Based on scope (construction supervisor license and home improvement registration). Trades such as electrical and plumbing often have separate rules. Confirm with the official site, because rules change.

Updated November 6, 2026 · Source: summary from contractorlicenserequirements.com; not legal advice.

Open the Official Massachusetts Site

System
Residential or Limited
When it applies
Based on scope (construction supervisor license and home improvement registration)
Summary checked
By its authors, 2026-09-04 to 2026-10-26. Not verified by us against state law.

How to Check a Contractor in Massachusetts

If your job is on a home, ask for the home improvement or residential registration number and check it with the state. For commercial work, ask your city or county which rules apply. Either way, ask for insurance and a written contract.

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Common Questions

How do you check a contractor in Massachusetts?

If your job is on a home, ask for the home improvement or residential registration number and check it with the state. For commercial work, ask your city or county which rules apply. Either way, ask for insurance and a written contract.

Does a license mean the contractor is insured?

Not always. Ask for a current certificate of liability insurance and proof of workers’ compensation, and call the insurer to confirm if the job is large.

Contractors in Massachusetts

All 272 listed in Massachusetts, most in Leominster, Arlington, Fitchburg, Gardner, Lunenburg, Somerville.

Other States With the Same System

Next: hiring checklist · how to check a license · compare bids

Sources: Washington L&I, Oregon CCB and New York DOL open data; © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Data last updated November 6, 2026 · Sources & method