New Jersey Contractor License

So, you have decided to get a contractor license in New Jersey, but don’t know where to start. Then you are in the right place, as here you will find the step-by-step guide and any information that you need to complete and submit the application and get your license.

You are the lucky one, as in New Jersey the requirements for a contractor license are quite simple, for example, there is no educational requirement.

Why Do I Need an NJ Contractor License?

The answer is quite simple, it is the law. In New Jersey, anyone who sells or makes home improvements needs to be licensed. Working as a general contractor without a license in NJ is illegal.
The licensure process takes a long time and may need a lot of effort, but having a license will give you some benefits. The contractor license:

1. Gives you a state-approved stamp
2. Makes you look more professional and serious in your work
3. Makes you competitive in the market
4. One of the requirements is to get general liability and business insurance, due to that you and your company’s assets will be protected.

As you may notice there are a lot of benefits of getting a license. And here is how you can quickly and easily get it.

Important to know while getting an NJ contractor license

You need to have a contractor license if you make a profit by doing any “home improvements”, no matter if you are a part-time or full-time worker.

First of all, you need to be licensed, if you work as a business and do the following activities:

• Remodeling
• Plumbing
• Altering
• Painting
• Repairing
• Renovating
• Restoring
• Moving
• Demolishing
• Modernizing
• HVAC

This also includes work on driveways, sidewalks, swimming pools, terraces, patios, landscaping, fences, porches, windows, doors, cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, fire protection devices, security protection devices, heating and AC equipment, water softeners, heaters, purifiers, solar heating or water systems, insulation, siding, and carpeting and flooring.

In a word, for any work that is connected with “home improvements” you need to get a license. The only exception is a landscaper. If you only mow lawns and trim shrubs, then you don’t need to register with the state. But if you plant flowers, shrubs, and trees, or lay sod, or establish lawns then you are required to register.

If you have any questions or trouble contact the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs by phone at 1-888-656-6225.

Note: For more information visit New Jersey Contractor Registration Act website.

General Requirements for Licensure

The first important step to do is to complete the application. With your application, you need to provide.

1. Your business name, address, and phone number. This information must be the same as in the other documents, and also must be registered.
2. The type of business you own. Determine the type of your license, it can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, or LLP. Also, you need to provide the Trade Name Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Formation it depends on the business type. If you have a company that is outside of New Jersey then you need to provide a copy of the New Jersey Certificate of Authority of business and the formation documents from your home state.
3. Proof of general liability insurance that is at least $500,000 for each occurrence.
4. A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
5. Your Social Security Number.
6. A signed disclosure statement.
7. Check or money order in the amount of $110(non-refundable) that must be sent to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

You also need to provide a fingerprint, this is for a background check. If you have a criminal history, you are in default of a loan, or if you have citizenship other than the U.S. you may be required to provide additional documents.

But generally, in New Jersey, the licensure process is milder than in the other states. In New Jersey, you are not required to issue certificates of education and experience or even recommendation letters.

Get Business Insurance

As I have mentioned, the extremely important step is to get business insurance. It doesn’t matter if it is a worker’s compensation or general liability insurance, with the high-quality insurance plan you, your employees, and your business will be protected from an accident or loss of property. In addition, it will add another level of professionalism to your contractor license.

Do You Need Additional Contractor’s Licenses?

No, you do not need an additional contractor license. There is just one license that is acceptable in the whole state. With this license, you can work on residential and commercial spaces of the state.

How do I check a contractor’s license in NJ?

You can verify the contractor license in New Jersey by phone at 973-504-6370 or by visiting here.

What is the difference between a business license and a contractor’s license?

The business license is provided for a limited liability company that suggests shareholders’ limited debts and liabilities. But the contractor license allows a licensed person to set up a business and sole responsibility for all debts and liabilities

Does a handyman need a license in NJ?

New Jersey doesn’t provide a separate license for the handyman. But to do any type of handyman work in New Jersey they need to get a home improvement contractor license.

What is a HIC license?

HIC license is a home improvement contractor license. That every person who wants to work as a general contractor needs to get.