How do I check a contractor's license before hiring and file a complaint?

Contractor licensing is state law, and the authority that verifies licenses and
hears complaints is the contractor-licensing board for the state where the work is
performed. The reliable sequence is: run the company's license number through the
board's official online license search before you sign anything, save the result,
and if something goes wrong file a complaint with that board — and report deceptive
sales or fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. There is no
single national contractor license, so the board, the license class, and the
complaint process vary by state.

What the rule says

License lookup. Every state licensing board publishes an official online search.
California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB) "Check A License" tool looks up
a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson registration and verifies
information "including complaint disclosure." The page gives practical search tips:
a California contractor license number contains no alphabetic characters and is no
more than 8 digits, and if you search by name and the business name contains first
and last names, type the last name first. Texas's Department of Licensing and
Regulation (TDLR) runs an Active License Search that inquires by license type,
license number, or name. Florida's Department of Business and Professional
Regulation (DBPR) "Verify a Licensee" portal searches by name, license number, city
or county, or license type, and provides information about applicants and licensed
individuals for the professions it regulates. Use the state board's own tool, not a
third-party lookup site, and check the result yourself before you sign.

What licensing boards can do. Licensing boards are regulatory agencies: they
investigate violations and take administrative disciplinary action against licensed
and unlicensed persons and entities. CSLB states that it addresses violations of
California's Contractors License Law — whether the contractor is licensed or
unlicensed — for up to four years from the date of the act, and that it is "a
regulatory board with authority to investigate and take administrative disciplinary
action." Florida's DBPR describes the disciplinary action available as
"administrative in nature," for example reprimand, fine, restriction of practice,
remedial education, administrative cost, probation, license suspension, or license
revocation. Arizona law lists the grounds on which a contractor license may be
suspended or revoked, including abandoning a contract without legal excuse,
departing from plans, specifications, or building codes, misrepresenting a material
fact in obtaining a license, committing a fraudulent act that substantially injures
another person, and failing to complete a project for the price stated in the
contract (Arizona Revised Statutes section 32-1154).

What boards cannot do. A board complaint is not a lawsuit. CSLB states that "the
purpose of a CSLB investigation is not to obtain restitution," and that consumers
whose primary goal is recovering money should consider pursuing damages through the
courts. DBPR warns that it "cannot represent you in civil matters to recover fees
paid or seek remedies for injuries" and suggests consulting a private attorney for
those issues. Board action can stop bad conduct and discipline the license, but
money damages usually require small claims court or a private lawsuit.

Filing a complaint. The board that licensed the contractor is the primary
complaint route, and it handles complaints about unlicensed activity too. CSLB
publishes a general complaint form and a dedicated Solar Complaint Form, both
available online. TDLR's complaints and enforcement pages let you file a complaint
and "inform TDLR of unlicensed activity or violations of the law and rules," and
describe its investigation and resolution procedures, enforcement plan, and
penalties and sanctions. DBPR accepts a complaint against a licensee or against an
individual you suspect of performing unlicensed activity.

FTC fraud reporting. The FTC accepts reports of fraud, scams, and bad business
practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In its consumer alert on solar and clean energy
scams, the FTC warns that scammers pose as government or utility representatives,
promise "free" or low-cost solar programs, and use the pitch to sell or steal
identity information — and it asks people who spot such a scam to tell the FTC at
ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports to the FTC support federal enforcement; they do not by
themselves get your money back or resolve a contract dispute.

Which authority controls

For licensing and contractor discipline, the state licensing board and the state
licensing statutes control, in the state where the work is performed. For deceptive
practices and fraud, the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. section 45) and FTC enforcement apply
nationwide, alongside state consumer-protection laws and state attorneys general.
For price, equipment, workmanship, and payment, the written contract controls. This
guide requires a separate check of which authority applies to any particular dispute.

What may still be required or restricted

• Permits and inspections. The contractor license is separate from the building
  and electrical permits for the job; the permit office, not the licensing board,
  handles those.
• Local and specialty licenses. Cities and counties may require business
  licenses or registrations in addition to the state contractor license.
• Bonding and insurance. Some states require contractors to carry bonds,
  workers' compensation, or liability coverage; ask the contractor and the board
  what applies.
• Unlicensed work. Some work is exempt from licensing in some states; if the
  work is not exempt, an unlicensed contractor is outside the licensing system and
  the board's complaint process may still be the right place to report it, but
  contract and court remedies may be limited.

Facts that could change the answer

• State and locality. The license class, board, complaint deadline, and
  procedure differ by state; check the board for the state where the work is
  performed.
• What is being installed. Solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and heat pumps
  can fall under different license classes (electrical, solar, or general) even in
  the same state.
• Who holds the license. Licensing attaches to the company or individual
  contractor, not to a brand name; verify the specific entity that will do the work.
• Timing. Statutes, rules, and board forms change; always check the board's
  current search and complaint process.

Practical decision path

1. Before signing anything, run the company's license number through the state
   board's official license search and note the status, license class, and any
   disclosed complaints; save the result.
2. Ask the company which license class covers the work and whether it has the
   licenses, certificates, or bonding required by your state, county, and city.
3. Get detailed bids in writing — scope of work, materials, price, and timeline —
   and read the contract before signing.
4. If a problem arises, try to resolve it with the company first, and document
   everything: photos, dates, and written communications.
5. File a complaint with the state licensing board using its official complaint
   form (use the solar complaint form for solar work where the board provides one),
   and report scams or fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
6. If money is at stake and the board cannot help you recover it, consider small
   claims court or a consultation with a private attorney.
7. Before work begins, obtain the written requirement from the authority named in the guide and keep the record.

Records to keep

Keep the saved license-search result, the signed contract, written bids, payment
receipts, photos and notes documenting the work, and copies of every complaint and
report you file, with any responses. These records are what let you verify the
contractor, enforce the contract, and pursue a complaint later.

When professional advice may help

Board complaints do not recover money: if you are owed a refund or damages, an
attorney or small claims court may be needed, and a licensed contractor or the board
can tell you which license class applies to your project. Before work begins, obtain the written requirement from the authority named in the guide and keep the record.