Verify the Alabama Contractor Through the Right Board — Then Check the Project
Alabama contractor verification is not a one-search task. Commercial/general contractors are primarily regulated through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, while qualifying residential builders, remodelers and roofers are regulated through the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
After finding the state record, you still need to match the legal business, classification or residential license type, ALBGC bid limit when applicable, local business license, building/trade permit, specialty-board credentials and complaint history that applies to the job.
There Is No Single “Alabama Contractor License” Database
Start by identifying the project. Choosing the wrong state board can give a false impression that a contractor is unlicensed—or that a credential covers work it does not regulate.
Tool 1: Alabama Board & Threshold Resolver
Choose the actual project type and complete undertaking amount. This helper does not query a government database; it directs you to the official licensing system that should be checked next.
ALBGC License Search: Exact Click-by-Click Verification
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors currently defines covered general contracting at an undertaking of $100,000 or more, including labor and materials, with a separate current $5,000 swimming-pool provision.
Step-by-step: use the official ALBGC roster
- Open the official Alabama General Contractors License Roster .
- Use the exact license number from the bid or proposal whenever you have it.
- If you only have a company name, search the precise legal/business name rather than a salesperson’s name.
- Open the full contractor detail.
- Copy the License Number.
- Match the Name with the entity signing your contract.
- Compare the public business address and telephone information with the contractor’s current documents.
- Read the Bid Limit for a prime contractor.
- Read every Specialty / Classification displayed.
- Record the Expiration Date.
- For a subcontractor record, note that ALBGC subcontractor records can show subcontractor status rather than a prime bid limit.
- If the project starts later, repeat the search shortly before contracting or mobilization.
- If the record is missing or conflicts with what the contractor gave you, call 334-272-5030.
ALBGC Bid Limit: Do Not Confuse It With the $100,000 License Threshold
For prime contractors, Alabama’s licensing framework can place a maximum bid/contract limit on the license. The statutory bid-limit symbols currently published by ALBGC include:
| ALBGC symbol | Maximum single-contract amount | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| A | Not to exceed $100,000 | Compare the project/bid amount with the live roster and ask ALBGC if a boundary case is unclear. |
| B | Not to exceed $250,000 | A $400,000 job should not be treated as covered by a B prime limit. |
| C | Not to exceed $500,000 | Match the complete undertaking, not only the contractor’s labor portion. |
| D | Not to exceed $1,000,000 | Check before bid award and again if scope/change orders materially increase project value. |
| E | Not to exceed $3,000,000 | Classification still must fit the work even when financial bid capacity is sufficient. |
| U | Unlimited | Unlimited bid amount does not mean unlimited classification/scope. |
How a homeowner, owner or awarding authority should use the bid limit
- Calculate the complete contract/project amount.
- Open the ALBGC roster.
- Find the prime contractor’s bid-limit symbol.
- Compare the limit with the project value.
- Check the classification separately.
- If a large change order could push the contract beyond the limit, ask ALBGC before approving the change.
- Do not apply a prime-contractor bid limit to an ALBGC subcontractor record in the same way; Alabama law states subcontractors do not receive the prime bid-limit structure.
Tool 2: ALBGC Prime Bid-Limit Screen
This is an independent comparison helper. It does not determine Board eligibility and does not replace the live ALBGC record.
HBLB Licensee Search: Verify the Builder or Roofer Correctly
The Home Builders Licensure Board is the key state licensing authority for qualifying home building, residential remodeling and residential roofing.
Step-by-step: HBLB Licensee Search
- Open HBLB Licensee Search .
- Select Click here to begin your search.
- If the builder gave you a license number, search that number first.
- If you only have a name, search the individual or company. HBLB says its name field uses “sounds like” matching, so alternate spellings can appear.
- Remember that HBLB licenses can be issued to both individuals and corporations.
- Confirm that the exact licensed entity matches the contract.
- Identify the license type: Unlimited, Limited or Roofer.
- Confirm current license validity rather than relying on an old wallet card or photograph of a prior-year certificate.
- Ask the builder to show the current wallet/digital card as a second identity check.
- Open HBLB’s disciplinary-action page as a separate step.
- If you cannot find the builder or the record is unclear, call 800-304-0853 or 334-242-2230.
Unlimited, Limited and Roofer Are Not Interchangeable
Unlimited
HBLB’s rules allow the broader residential homebuilding scope. When qualifying residential work affects structural integrity or involves more than one trade, an Unlimited license is generally required.
An Unlimited HBLB license also authorizes residential roofing; a separate Roofer license is not required for an Unlimited licensee.
Limited
A Limited license is for qualifying residential work involving a single trade that does not affect the structural integrity of the residence or structure.
A Limited license does not by itself authorize residential roofing.
Roofer
The Roofer license is limited to qualifying residential roofing. HBLB’s current threshold is over $2,500.
New Roofer applicants must satisfy HBLB’s $10,000 License/Permit Bond requirement.
Residential solar is an important edge case
HBLB’s published solar advisory interprets residential solar-panel work as requiring an Unlimited HBLB license in the circumstances described by the Board, including residential work over the HBLB threshold and roof-mounted work. Electrical licensing can also apply separately.
How to check a residential solar company
- Search the installer through HBLB.
- Confirm the required Unlimited residential authority.
- Search the electrical contractor through the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors.
- Ask who will obtain the building/electrical permit.
- Confirm both entities on the local permit before installation.
Check HBLB Disciplinary Actions and Unlicensed-Builder Prosecutions
HBLB maintains a separate public page for final disciplinary actions and unlicensed-builder prosecutions.
What to do after opening the HBLB disciplinary page
- Open HBLB Disciplinary Actions .
- Check the current disciplinary-action months.
- Check the separate Unlicensed Builder Prosecutions section.
- Compare the legal name in the action with the contractor you are considering.
- Do not treat a similar company name as a confirmed match without checking identifying information.
- If you need information older than the material currently posted, submit a written inquiry to HBLB Legal Division.
Separate Alabama Trade License Lookups for Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing and Gas
A general contractor or home builder can coordinate a project, but that does not eliminate separately regulated trade credentials.
| Trade | Official Alabama authority | What to do after opening | Board contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors License Search | Search the electrical contractor/journeyman → confirm current status → match the business/individual doing electrical work → separately confirm the electrical permit with the city/county. | 334-679-1020 |
| HVAC / Refrigeration | Alabama HACR Licensee Search | Open License Lookup → use at least two requested search criteria when the portal requires them → match contractor/business name, license type and location → check local mechanical permit. | 334-242-5550 |
| Plumbing / Gas | Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Consumer Portal | Choose Licensed Plumber / Gas Fitter Search → confirm the Master/Journeyman credential → if a company is contracting for the work, confirm the company is properly registered and has the appropriate Principal Master. | 205-945-4857 |
Current Alabama Contractor Licensing Thresholds
| Project / role | Current threshold | Primary authority | Do not overlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $100,000 or more | ALBGC | Classification, prime bid limit, trade licenses and local permit. |
| General-contracting subcontract | $100,000 or more | ALBGC | Subcontractor must be licensed before beginning covered work. |
| Residential home building / remodeling | Over $10,000 | HBLB | Cost includes materials, labor, supervision, overhead and profit. |
| Residential roofing | Over $2,500 | HBLB | Unlimited HBLB holder can roof; Limited alone cannot. |
| Swimming pool through Sept. 30, 2026 | $5,000+ | ALBGC current Chapter 8 framework | Residential pool exemption changes October 1, 2026. |
October 1, 2026: Alabama General-Contractor Exemptions Change
The future version of Alabama Code §34-8-7 is already published by the Alabama Legislature but does not take effect until October 1, 2026.
Through September 30, 2026
Current ALBGC guidance continues to identify swimming-pool construction of $5,000 or more within the general-contractor licensing law, subject to existing exemptions.
Effective October 1, 2026
Act 2026-396 changes §34-8-7 and adds an exemption for construction or repair of a residence/private dwelling or residential swimming pool from Chapter 8.
How to check the right version of the law
- Open Alabama Code §34-8-7 .
- Look for the version selector showing the current and future effective versions.
- Use the version in effect on the relevant contract/work date.
- For work beginning around October 1, 2026, confirm the licensing interpretation with ALBGC rather than relying on an article saved before the effective date.
State License Found? Now Verify the Local Permit and Business License
Use the job address to identify the permit authority. Do not use the contractor’s office address to decide the building jurisdiction.
| Location | Official local resource | Step-by-step after opening | Local numbers / office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | City of Birmingham Permitting | Open Birmingham Permit Guide first if you do not know the permit type → answer the project questions → open the Online Permit Center → create/login to the account when required → locate/apply for the permit → monitor application progress → schedule required inspections → download/print permit record for your project file. |
Permit help:
205-254-2904 PEP: 710 N. 20th Street, Room 207, Birmingham, AL 35203 Google Maps |
| Birmingham business license | Birmingham Tax & License | Confirm the contractor is conducting business in city limits → check whether a city business license is required → if applying, review the Supplemental Documentation Checklist → state-certified occupations must provide appropriate state credential evidence → new business-license applications are handled through Tax & License. |
205-254-2198 Room TL-100, City Hall 710 N. 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Huntsville | Huntsville Building License & Permits | Start with Zoning when approval is required → confirm Huntsville business/contractor licensing → use ePlans Review for projects requiring plan review → submit project plans → confirm subcontractor Schedule C/business licenses → obtain building and trade permits → schedule inspections → verify final approval. |
Inspection:
256-427-5331 305 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801 Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Google Maps |
| Montgomery | Montgomery Inspection Department | Open the Online Permitting Portal → register as Contractor or Not Contractor → choose Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Gas/Mechanical permit → complete all required fields → monitor plan review → request inspections → confirm all trade approvals → verify the final inspection / Certificate of Occupancy where required. |
Inspections:
334-625-2073 25 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Google Maps |
| Montgomery business license | Montgomery License & Revenue | Confirm the contractor/business activity in Montgomery → verify city business-license requirements → ensure state trade credentials are also on file when required → for permit work, compare the name on the city license with the permit applicant. |
334-625-2036 25 Washington Ave., 3rd Floor, Montgomery, AL 36104 |
| Mobile | Build Mobile Permitting | Open the City’s online permitting/CSS system → search by project/permit number or property address → open the correct case → review required and completed activities → treat DONE as approved → investigate FAIL or PEND → confirm final approval before final payment. |
Permitting:
251-208-7602 Inspections: 251-208-7198 Government Plaza, 205 Government St., Mobile, AL Google Maps |
Tool 3: Alabama Local Permit Route Helper
Select the project location. If the address is outside city limits, use the county’s building/inspection authority rather than assuming the nearest city has jurisdiction.
Strengthen Alabama Homes: Up to $10,000 and a Contractor-Verification Opportunity
For qualifying wind-mitigation work, Strengthen Alabama Homes is not just a rebate. Its process controls when work can start, which contractors can participate, how bids are obtained and when grant money is paid.
Potential grant
The program states that qualifying grants can pay up to $10,000 toward eligible FORTIFIED mitigation. Amounts above the grant are the homeowner’s responsibility.
The program is administered through the Alabama Department of Insurance.
Insurance benefit
Alabama homes that obtain a qualifying FORTIFIED designation can qualify for wind-insurance premium benefits under applicable Alabama insurance requirements and insurer rules.
After completion, the program instructs the homeowner to provide the FORTIFIED designation to the insurance agent and upload the updated declaration page.
2026 application schedule currently published
| County | Remaining 2026 opening after this review date | Important |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile County | October 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. | First-come, first-served; system closes when available funding for the period is committed. |
| Baldwin County | October 8, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. | Check the live schedule immediately before applying because funding status can change. |
Strengthen Alabama Homes: exact workflow before hiring
- Open the live Grant Award Schedule .
- Confirm your county has an open application period.
- Create the online homeowner profile and submit the application.
- Upload required documentation within the program’s required period. The current process calls for applicable income documents, homeowners/wind insurance declarations and the notarized vendor disclosure.
- If the property is in a designated special flood-hazard area, provide the required flood-insurance documentation.
- After the application documentation is approved, select an approved FORTIFIED Evaluator within the specified portal deadline.
- Pay the evaluator fee; the grant does not cover that evaluation fee.
- The home must pass the FORTIFIED evaluation before moving forward.
- After the home passes, select three program contractors to bid.
- Before choosing those contractors, independently run each one through HBLB Licensee Search.
- SAH’s 2026 contractor requirements call for a valid Unlimited HBLB license and program-specific compliance.
- Compare the HBLB legal entity with the company listed in the SAH portal/bid.
- Wait for all three bids and the grant award before selecting the final bid.
- Do not start the mitigation work before the required program approvals.
- After work, the evaluator documents the FORTIFIED installation and IBHS issues the designation when requirements are met.
- The program pays covered grant funds directly to the contractor; the homeowner pays approved costs exceeding the grant.
- Provide the FORTIFIED certificate to your insurance agent and confirm the applicable wind-mitigation discount.
SAH 2026 contractor requirements contain useful risk checks
- Valid Unlimited Alabama Home Builders license.
- Free from applicable HBLB disciplinary action under the program eligibility criteria.
- Other required state/jurisdiction business licenses or work permits.
- Program-specified general liability coverage.
- Program-specified automobile, employer, umbrella and errors/omissions coverage.
- Workers’ compensation compliance.
- Alabama Department of Revenue Certificate of Compliance.
- FORTIFIED contractor registration/training requirements.
Alabama Homeowners’ Recovery Fund: What It Can Pay and What It Cannot
$30,000 per qualifying transaction
HBLB states that the Fund can pay up to $30,000 in qualifying actual economic damages based on one transaction.
$90,000 licensee aggregate
The Board states that a maximum of $90,000 can be paid based on the actions of a single licensee.
Roofer claims excluded
The Board says a Recovery Fund claim cannot be based on the actions of a licensee holding a residential Roofer license.
Recovery Fund: critical timeline
- Confirm the residential home builder held the required HBLB license when the contract was made and the covered work was undertaken.
- File the appropriate HBLB consumer complaint within the Board’s complaint period.
- If pursuing a Recovery Fund claim, file a civil lawsuit against the licensed residential home builder.
- Within 10 days of filing the civil complaint, send HBLB a certified-mail letter stating that you intend to make a Recovery Fund claim.
- Include a copy of the filed civil complaint with that notice.
- Do not name HBLB as a defendant solely because you are pursuing the Fund.
- Obtain a valid judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction; HBLB states that a consent judgment does not qualify.
- Follow the Recovery Fund regulations and required collection-effort procedures.
- Document actual economic damages separately from pain, inconvenience or other non-covered amounts.
Costs the Fund does not cover under current HBLB guidance
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Loss of consortium.
- Interest.
- Attorney’s fees.
- Court costs.
Official Alabama PDFs and Documents: What to Read After Opening Them
Do not use a PDF merely because it appears on a government domain. Check its date and compare it with current law when a monetary threshold or rule may have changed.
ALBGC Act 2024-277 Threshold Change
Use this document to correct the old $50,000 rule.
Extract these facts
- Effective date: October 1, 2024.
- General contractor threshold: $100,000.
- Qualifying subcontractor threshold: $100,000.
- Temporary labor-broker exemption clarification.
2026 ALBGC Prime Renewal PDF
This is useful even for consumers because it shows what a current prime contractor must maintain at renewal.
Important 2026 details
- $200 renewal fee.
- Money order or cashier’s check requirement stated on the form.
- Current company financial statement requirement.
- $10,000 minimum net worth and working capital.
- Renewals submitted more than 45 days before current expiration may be returned.
- If a contractor fails to renew within one year of expiration, the form warns that a new application and examinations may be required.
ALBGC Prime Contractor Application
The prime-application packet is useful for understanding classifications and the information behind a prime license.
Useful sections
- Company/entity information.
- Financial information.
- Work/job references.
- Major classifications.
- Sub-classifications and specialty classifications.
- Building Construction (BC).
- Building Construction Under Four Stories (BCU4).
- Highways & Streets (HS).
- Municipal & Utility (MU).
HBLB Current Law & Rules
This consolidated source is valuable when deciding whether a residential project requires Unlimited, Limited or Roofer authority.
Use Ctrl/Cmd+F for these phrases
- cost of the undertaking
- 10,000
- 2,500
- structural integrity
- more than one trade
- Recovery Fund
- continuing education
2026 HBLB Approved Continuing Education
Use the live HBLB CE list when verifying a renewal explanation from a builder.
Current requirements relevant to lookup
- Six Board-approved CE hours for applicable active licensees/DQRs.
- At least two hours must satisfy the Alabama-specific requirement.
- Providers report completion to HBLB.
- Roofers are included in the CE requirement unless an exemption applies.
- A renewal application can be submitted before CE is complete, but HBLB states the renewed license will not be issued until CE and other requirements are satisfied.
Strengthen Alabama Homes 2026 Contractor Requirements
This document adds a program-specific contractor screen beyond ordinary HBLB licensure.
Check
- Unlimited HBLB license.
- Program disciplinary-standing requirement.
- Local/state business license and permits.
- Insurance limits required by SAH.
- Workers’ compensation compliance.
- Department of Revenue compliance.
- FORTIFIED contractor qualification.
Mobile Online Permit Tracking PDF
Mobile’s government instructions explain how to interpret its permit-status records.
- Search by case number for the specific case.
- Search by street number/name to see related address cases.
- DONE means the review/activity was approved.
- FAIL or PEND means it was not approved/completed.
- CANC means the activity was not applicable at that time.
- A blank field can mean the review has not yet been performed.
HBLB Consumer Complaint Form & Procedures
The complaint workflow matters because the Board has authority limits. It can discipline a licensee for violations of the governing law, but it does not simply adjudicate every workmanship or money dispute.
Alabama Contractor Complaint Guide: Commercial and Residential Are Different
| Problem | Correct starting authority | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| ALBGC general contractor concern | Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. | License/company, project address, contract amount, narrative, proposals, contracts, photos and supporting records. |
| Licensed residential builder | Home Builders Licensure Board. | Current license verification, original homeowner status, contract, payment records, photos, permits and supporting documents. |
| Suspected unlicensed residential builder | HBLB Builder Watch Hotline. | Name/company, job address, type/value of work and evidence available. |
| Electrical contractor | Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors. | Electrical contractor/person, license, contract/proposal, receipts/invoices and relevant advertising. |
| HVAC contractor | Alabama HACR Board. | Contractor, project, complaint documentation and access for Board inspection when applicable. |
| Plumbing / gas contractor | Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board. | Certified individual/business identity, contract and work evidence. |
ALBGC complaint: what to do after opening the official page
- Open ALBGC Complaints .
- Confirm the dispute belongs to ALBGC rather than HBLB residential jurisdiction.
- Use the current online/form route linked by the Board.
- Identify the complainant and the contractor/company/license number.
- Enter the exact physical project address, city, ZIP and county.
- Enter the contract amount.
- Write a factual chronology with dates rather than only conclusions.
- Attach copies of contracts/proposals, photographs, payment evidence and other relevant supporting records.
- Keep an identical complete copy for yourself.
- If the matter may also involve a city permit, state trade board or court remedy, preserve those routes separately.
HBLB complaint: exact process after opening the procedure
- Open HBLB Consumer Complaint Procedures .
- Confirm that you are the original homeowner eligible for the Board consumer-complaint procedure.
- Search the builder through HBLB or call the Board for verification.
- Download the current Consumer Complaint Form.
- Complete the complaint and required original signature/notarization.
- Attach supporting documentation.
- Mail the complaint to the Board. HBLB states that consumer complaints are not accepted by fax or email.
- The Board first reviews whether the complaint is within its statutory authority.
- If a file is opened, the licensee receives the complaint/supporting documents and is given a period to contact the homeowner and try to resolve the issues.
- If unresolved, an investigation can proceed to the Investigative Committee and potential disciplinary process.
Applying for an Alabama Contractor License: Do Not Use the Wrong Application
ALBGC Prime Contractor
Current application fee: $300.
After opening the ALBGC application page
- Choose Prime Contractor.
- Download/read the instructions before completing the application.
- Select the exact classification(s) supported by documented work experience.
- Prepare the required work/job references.
- Prepare the financial statement required by the Board.
- Submit the complete application at least 30 days before the applicable quarterly Board meeting.
- Complete the Business and Law examination administered through PSI.
- Do not bid/contract beyond the scope or bid limit eventually issued by the Board.
ALBGC Subcontractor
Current application fee: $150.
- Complete the subcontractor application in full.
- Submit the required three references from qualifying contractors/architects/engineers/awarding authorities.
- Select the correct classification/specialty.
- Alabama law allows the subcontractor to bid to a general contractor before being licensed, but the subcontractor must hold the required license before beginning covered work.
- Subcontractors are not subject to the prime-contractor bid-limit structure.
- The current statute does not require the subcontractor to sit for the general-contractor examination.
HBLB Unlimited
After opening New Unlimited
- Choose the Individual or corporate/entity application.
- Read the application instructions before paying.
- Complete the notarized application.
- Pass the Alabama Home Builders exams; HBLB currently directs candidates to Prov.
- Current HBLB guidance lists passing scores of 70 for Alabama Business & Law and 66 for Alabama Skills.
- Arrange for the required current credit report to be sent to the Board.
- For a corporation/LLC/partnership, provide entity and designated qualifying representative documentation.
- For an out-of-state entity, provide the required Alabama Secretary of State existence documentation.
- Do not represent yourself as licensed until HBLB actually issues the license.
HBLB Limited or Roofer
HBLB’s current application guidance uses a qualifying Alabama municipal/township/county contractor/business occupational license as an experience/ability route for Limited and Roofer applicants, subject to the Board’s application rules.
Roofer applicants must satisfy the current $10,000 License/Permit Bond requirement.
Roofer application: what to check
- Download the current Roofer application rather than an old saved packet.
- Make sure the name on the bond exactly matches the application name/trade name.
- Make sure the $10,000 bond names HBLB as obligee.
- Check the bond expiration requirement for the license year.
- Attach/provide the qualifying business/occupational-license evidence.
- Confirm entity and citizenship/lawful-presence documents.
ALBGC reciprocity is not automatic Alabama authority
ALBGC currently lists reciprocity with Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee, subject to classification and Board requirements. Its application page states applicants generally must have been licensed for one year in the same classification being requested.
2026 Alabama Contractor Renewal Checks
ALBGC Prime
- Current 2026 prime renewal fee: $200.
- Current form states money order or cashier’s check only.
- Current financial statement required.
- Minimum $10,000 net worth and working capital under the current renewal form.
- License expiration is staggered; do not assume December 31.
- Renewal package received more than 45 days before expiration may be returned.
HBLB Renewal / CE
HBLB licenses run on an annual calendar cycle. The Board’s current CE rules require applicable active licensees or the designated qualifying representative to complete six approved hours before the renewal license is issued.
- Six CE hours for applicable active licensee/DQR.
- At least two Alabama-specific hours.
- Providers report completion within the Board’s reporting period.
- Age, first-renewal, qualifying military and other Board-recognized exemptions can apply.
- Inactive licensees generally do not perform residential homebuilding while inactive.
- HBLB confirmed in 2026 that Roofers must complete CE unless exempt.
Alabama Contractor Licensing Offices and Numbers
Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 3060
Montgomery, AL 36104
Main: 334-272-5030
Fax: 334-395-5336
Open ALBGC in Google MapsAlabama Home Builders Licensure Board
445 Herron Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Office: 334-242-2230
Toll-free / Builder Watch: 800-304-0853
License-search help: information@hblb.alabama.gov
Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
100 N. Union Street, Suite 132
Montgomery, AL 36104
Alabama HACR Board
100 N. Union Street, Suite 986
Montgomery, AL 36104
Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board
216 Aquarius Drive, Suite 319
Homewood, AL 35209
Strengthen Alabama Homes
Alabama Department of Insurance
Strengthen Alabama Homes Division
P.O. Box 303351
Montgomery, AL 36130-3351
Alabama Contractor Information That Is Easy to Get Wrong in 2026
Complete Alabama Contractor Verification Checklist
- Identify whether the project is commercial/general, residential, roofing, pool or specialty trade.
- Calculate the full undertaking amount using the correct state definition.
- Use ALBGC for qualifying commercial/general contracting.
- Use HBLB for qualifying residential home building/remodeling/roofing.
- Search the exact legal entity that will sign the contract.
- Check current expiration/status.
- Check ALBGC classification.
- Check ALBGC prime bid limit when applicable.
- For residential work, distinguish Unlimited, Limited and Roofer authority.
- Search HBLB disciplinary/prosecution notices.
- Verify electrical contractor separately.
- Verify HVAC contractor separately.
- Verify plumbing/gas contractor/business separately.
- Confirm city/county business-license requirements.
- Confirm building and trade permits.
- Compare the name on the permit with the contractor/license.
- Confirm required inspections before final payment.
- For Mobile/Baldwin FORTIFIED work, check the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant before work begins.
- For residential disputes, understand HBLB complaint and Recovery Fund deadlines early.
- Save dated copies of every license, permit, contract, payment, inspection and complaint record.
Alabama Contractor License Lookup FAQs
What is the official Alabama general contractor license lookup?
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors directs users to the official Alabama License Search at licensesearch.alabama.gov/genconbd. Use the detailed record to check the contractor’s name, license number, classification or specialty, prime bid limit when applicable and expiration date.
What is the official Alabama home builder license lookup?
The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board provides its Licensee Search for residential builders and roofers. HBLB states that the database can omit newly received information that has not yet been processed, so consumers should call 800-304-0853 when a result is missing or unclear.
Is the Alabama general contractor threshold still $50,000?
No. Act 2024-277 increased the ALBGC general-contractor and qualifying subcontractor threshold to $100,000 effective October 1, 2024. Some old ALBGC PDFs and current local-government pages still display the former $50,000 figure.
What does the ALBGC bid limit mean?
The prime-contractor bid limit is the maximum single-contract amount allowed by the license and is separate from the $100,000 statutory threshold that determines when ALBGC licensing applies. Current statutory symbols include A through E and U for Unlimited.
When does an Alabama home builder need an HBLB license?
Qualifying residential homebuilding, remodeling, repair, improvement or reimprovement generally falls within HBLB licensing when the cost of the undertaking exceeds $10,000. HBLB defines the cost of the undertaking to include materials, labor, supervision, overhead and profit.
When does an Alabama residential roofer need an HBLB license?
Residential roofing is included when the cost of the undertaking exceeds $2,500. An Unlimited HBLB license can perform residential roofing; a Limited license by itself cannot.
What is the difference between Unlimited and Limited HBLB licenses?
A Limited license is restricted to qualifying residential repair, improvement or reimprovement involving a single trade that does not affect structural integrity. Work affecting structural integrity or involving more than one trade generally requires an Unlimited license.
Can I check an Alabama builder’s disciplinary history online?
HBLB publishes current disciplinary actions and unlicensed-builder prosecutions on its Disciplinary Actions page. HBLB states that those notices remain posted for 90 days, so the current page should not be treated as a lifetime history.
Does an ALBGC or HBLB license cover electrical, HVAC or plumbing work automatically?
No. Alabama separately regulates electrical contracting, heating/air-conditioning/refrigeration contracting, and plumbing/gas fitting. Verify the relevant trade credential and local trade permit in addition to the general or home-builder license.
Does an Alabama contractor license replace a city business license or building permit?
No. Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile and other jurisdictions can impose local business-license, permit, plan-review and inspection requirements separately from state contractor licensure.
Why does Huntsville still show a $50,000 state contractor threshold?
Huntsville’s current local contractor-classification page still contains the former state threshold. Act 2024-277 increased the ALBGC state licensing threshold to $100,000 effective October 1, 2024. Huntsville’s separate local business-license and permit requirements still apply.
What changes for Alabama residential swimming pools on October 1, 2026?
The current ALBGC framework still uses the special $5,000 swimming-pool rule through September 30, 2026. Effective October 1, 2026, Act 2026-396 changes Alabama Code §34-8-7 to exempt construction or repair of a residential swimming pool from Chapter 8. Local permits and other specialty requirements can still apply.
Is there an Alabama contractor Recovery Fund for homeowners?
HBLB operates the Homeowners’ Recovery Fund for qualifying losses involving licensed residential home builders. Current HBLB guidance allows up to $30,000 for one qualifying transaction and up to $90,000 based on actions of one licensee, subject to Fund requirements.
Can a claim involving an HBLB Roofer license use the Recovery Fund?
No. HBLB states that a homeowner cannot make a Recovery Fund claim based on the actions of a licensee holding a residential Roofer license.
Is filing an HBLB consumer complaint enough to receive Recovery Fund money?
No. A homeowner seeking Recovery Fund payment must satisfy additional requirements including a civil lawsuit against the licensed builder, certified-mail notice to HBLB within 10 days after filing the civil complaint, a qualifying judgment and the Fund’s regulatory procedures.
How long do I have to file an HBLB consumer complaint?
HBLB states that an original homeowner consumer complaint must generally be filed within six years after substantial completion or within six years of the date the original homeowner took possession. Other court and Recovery Fund deadlines can be different.
Can I email an HBLB consumer complaint?
No. HBLB states that its consumer complaint must be mailed and is not accepted by fax or email. Use the current complaint form and include the required supporting documentation.
How do I report an unlicensed Alabama home builder?
Call the HBLB Builder Watch Hotline at 800-304-0853. HBLB states that suspected unlawful residential building activity can be reported anonymously.
How much is the current Alabama general contractor application?
The current ALBGC prime contractor application fee is $300. The subcontractor application fee is $150.
Does an Alabama subcontractor need to be licensed before bidding?
Under the current ALBGC rule, a subcontractor can submit a bid to a general contractor before licensure but must hold the required Alabama subcontractor license before beginning covered work.
Do Alabama home builders and roofers need continuing education?
HBLB currently requires applicable active licensees or designated qualifying representatives to complete six Board-approved CE hours before the renewed license can be issued, including at least two Alabama-specific hours. HBLB confirmed in 2026 that Roofers are included unless an exemption applies.
What is the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?
Strengthen Alabama Homes is an Alabama Department of Insurance wind-mitigation program that can provide qualifying grants up to $10,000 for FORTIFIED mitigation. The program requires an approved evaluation and contractor-selection process, and eligible program contractors must meet current SAH requirements including an Unlimited HBLB license.
When are the next 2026 Strengthen Alabama Homes application openings?
The current 2026 schedule lists October 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for Mobile County and October 8, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for Baldwin County. Applications are first-come, first-served and the portal can close when available funding is committed.
What is the Alabama General Contractors Board phone number?
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors lists 334-272-5030 as its main telephone number.
What is the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board phone number?
HBLB lists 334-242-2230 for its Montgomery office and 800-304-0853 as its toll-free license-verification and Builder Watch number.
The Best Alabama Contractor Lookup Uses More Than One Record
Commercial/general: ALBGC roster → classification → bid limit → expiration → specialty boards → local permit.
Residential: HBLB search → Unlimited/Limited/Roofer scope → disciplinary check → specialty boards → local permit → Recovery Fund awareness where applicable.
For coastal FORTIFIED roofing, add the Strengthen Alabama Homes portal and program contractor requirements before allowing work to begin.