New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Lookup: Verify the Business Before You Sign or Pay
The fastest correct check is the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Business Search. Current Home Improvement Contractor Business registrations are issued to businesses—not individual people—and commonly use a 13VH registration number.
This guide goes beyond finding a number: it shows what to click after opening the state lookup, how to read the result, how to check legal filings, insurance and local permits, and what contractors need for initial registration, renewal, reinstatement and the new $10,000–$50,000 security requirement.
How to Verify an NJ Home Improvement Contractor Right Now
- Open the official NJ Business Search.
- Choose the Home Improvement Contractor business credential.
- Enter the contractor’s 13VH number if you have it; otherwise use the legal Business Name.
- Open the exact record—not simply a similar company name.
- Check the current status, expiration and business identity.
- Compare that name with the estimate, contract, invoice and person/entity requesting payment.
- Search the exact business in the NJ Office of Consumer Protection Legal Filings.
- Check any separately regulated trade license and the municipal construction permit.
Every Important NJ Link — and What to Do After It Opens
Official HICB Business Search
- Select the HIC/Home Improvement Contractor business profession shown by the portal.
- Use License Number when you know the 13VH identifier.
- Otherwise use the exact Business Name.
- Use City only to narrow multiple similar businesses.
- Open the exact record.
- Compare status, expiration and identity with your contract.
HICB Applications & Forms
- Choose Home Improvement Contractor Application for Initial Registration.
- Open Business Formation Documents by Category.
- Open Certificate of Liability Insurance guidance.
- Prepare workers’ compensation or exemption documentation.
- Prepare statutory additional security.
- Mail the initial application using the current HIC Unit address.
Online Reinstatement
Open Current Reinstatement Instructions
- Check the live registration status first.
- If expired, use the online reinstatement route.
- Do not mail an old paper reinstatement form.
- Prepare current insurance, security and other required documents before beginning.
- For user-ID/password problems call 973-424-8150.
Why an Application Was Not Approved
Open Official DCA Checklist PDF
- Check formation documents.
- If the entity is older, check whether a current Annual Report is required.
- Compare the physical address across application, insurance and security records.
- Check workers’ compensation proof or signed exemption explanation.
- Check the exact bond/letter-of-credit/security language.
NJ Treasury Business Records
- Search the legal entity name.
- Check status and entity details.
- Compare with the HICB business name.
- Use available records/standing services when documentary proof is needed.
- Do not confuse Treasury business registration with HICB registration.
Office of Consumer Protection Legal Filings
- Use browser Find/Search.
- Search the exact legal business name.
- Try owner/principal name if relevant.
- Open any matched filing and verify it involves the same entity.
- If you need the complete record, follow the state’s OPRA instructions.
NJ Municipal Construction Officials
Open Official Municipal Roster PDF
- Use PDF Find.
- Search the municipality—not just the county.
- Find the Construction Official and phone number.
- Call with property address and complete scope.
- Ask which building, electrical, plumbing, fire or other subcode permits are required.
Consumer Affairs Complaint Filing
- Select the complaint path that matches the business/profession involved.
- Prepare contract, changes, payments, photographs and messages.
- Add permit/inspection evidence where relevant.
- Remove unnecessary sensitive personal information.
- Keep a complete duplicate of the submission.
New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Lookup by 13VH Number or Business Name
The official MyLicense verification interface allows a Business Name, License Number and City search. Partial search terms can help when punctuation, LLC/Inc. wording or an exact spelling is uncertain.
| You have | Search this field | Best procedure | Do not stop until |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13VH number | License Number | Enter the registration number supplied by the contractor. | Business identity and current status match. |
| Legal business name | Business Name | Search the complete name, then use a shorter partial version if needed. | You can distinguish it from similarly named contractors. |
| DBA / trade name | Business Name | Try the advertised name, then identify the underlying legal entity. | The DBA-to-registered-business relationship makes sense. |
| Only a person’s name | Ask for business identity first | Request the legal business name and 13VH number. | You have searched the actual registered business. |
| Similar business results | City + Business Name | Use city as a narrowing tool. | Address/name/number point to the same company that gave the bid. |
Tool 1: HICB Lookup Preparation Helper
This independent tool does not query New Jersey’s database. It tells you which government search field to use.
How to Verify a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor
Get the legal name and 13VH registration number
Ask for both in writing. Do not rely only on a salesperson’s first/last name.
Open the official NJ Business Search
Use the state’s real-time verification service, not a cached directory or screenshot.
Search the number first
An exact registration identifier is usually a stronger match than a common business name.
Match the legal entity
Compare the government record with the company named on the estimate, contract, invoice and payment instructions.
Read current status and expiration
A number merely existing in the database is not proof of current registration.
Search NJ Consumer Affairs legal filings
Use the exact company name. A filing can provide useful official enforcement context; absence of a filing does not guarantee a clean history.
Confirm insurance independently
Ask for the ACORD certificate and contact the agent/carrier when the project risk justifies independent confirmation.
Check separate professional licenses
Electrical, plumbing and HVACR work can involve different New Jersey professional boards.
Check the municipal permit
Registration does not prove a construction permit exists. Ask the local construction official which subcode permits apply.
Review the written contract
For a covered home-improvement contract over $500, verify required written terms, insurance information and cancellation notice before signing.
How to Read the HICB Record Without Drawing the Wrong Conclusion
| Record check | What it helps prove | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Registration number | Identifies a state HICB record. | That the status remains current forever. |
| Business name | The registered contracting entity. | That an unrelated payment recipient is legitimate. |
| Status | Current regulatory condition displayed by DCA. | Workmanship, reputation or suitability for your project. |
| Expiration | Current registration period. | Future renewal. |
| HICB registration itself | Business registration under the HIC framework. | Electrical/plumbing/HVACR licensure or a construction permit. |
No HIC Result? Run These Checks Before Concluding the Contractor Is Unregistered
1. Recheck 13VH characters
Ask the contractor to send the registration number in text or email rather than reading it over the phone.
2. Remove LLC / Inc.
Use a partial legal-business-name search when entity suffixes or punctuation are uncertain.
3. Search a DBA
Then ask the contractor which legal entity owns that trade name.
4. Call DCA
If the business insists its registration is active but you cannot find it, call the HICB Call Center at 973-424-8150.
Search NJ Consumer Affairs Legal Filings Before a Large Contract
The Office of Consumer Protection publishes a courtesy list of legal filings including consent orders, final orders and other enforcement matters. Many contractor businesses appear in the database.
- Use your browser’s Find command.
- Search the exact registered business name.
- Try the principal/owner name if you have a reason to check it.
- Open a matching filing and confirm entity identity—never assume similar names are the same company.
- Read the filing type and date.
- For full exhibits/supporting documentation, follow the state’s OPRA route.
HIC Business Registration vs New Jersey’s New Individual Contractor License Framework
What consumers can verify now
The current Consumer Affairs HIC pages administer annual Home Improvement Contractor Business registration. DCA’s live verification gateway directs HIC users to Business Search.
This is the practical current 13VH verification route described throughout this article.
What P.L. 2023, c.237 created
The 2024 law created the State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors and an individual-license framework.
However, N.J.S.A. 45:5AAA-5 contains a delayed-operation provision for core individual-licensing sections tied to the Board’s implementing regulations.
Who Needs an HICB Registration?
DCA defines an HICB as a business organization or entity, including a sole proprietorship, that provides covered home improvements.
Who May Be Exempt?
N.J.S.A. 56:8-140 contains specific exemptions. Examples identified by DCA include certain:
- Registered new-home builders when acting within their covered new-home activity.
- People performing work on property they own or qualifying family-owned property.
- Persons working on property of a qualifying bona fide charity or nonprofit.
- People licensed or regulated by another New Jersey professional board while acting within that regulated professional scope.
- Certain community-association or cooperative-corporation employees.
- Public utilities.
- Other specific statutory businesses/persons identified in the Act.
Which New Jersey Credential Should You Verify?
| Work | Primary state check | Official page | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing-home remodel / roof / paint / patio / fence | HICB registration | HICB | Also check permits and any regulated trade. |
| Brand-new home | New Home Builder registration | New Home Warranty / Builder Registration | Construction of a new residence is not ordinary HIC work. |
| Electrical | Electrical professional/business licensing | Electrical Board | 13VH registration is not an electrical license. |
| Plumbing | Master Plumber licensing | Master Plumbers Board | Verify the professional credential separately. |
| HVACR | HVACR contractor licensing | HVACR Board | HIC registration does not replace HVACR licensure. |
| Home elevation | Home Elevation Contractor Business registration | HECB | Separate HECB rules include different insurance requirements. |
Tool 2: NJ Credential Route Helper
How to Apply for an NJ Home Improvement Contractor Business Registration
For HICB specifically, the current Applications page says initial registration applications are submitted by mail. Do not let a generic Regulated Business portal page override the HICB-specific current instructions.
Form or register the business correctly
Resolve the legal entity, trade name and New Jersey authorization before assembling the HIC application.
Open DCA’s Business Formation Documents list
Use the category matching sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, LLP or foreign entity.
Use one consistent business identity
Application, formation documents, physical address, insurance and security documents should identify the same applicant.
Obtain $500,000-per-occurrence liability insurance
DCA currently requires commercial general liability coverage of at least $500,000 per occurrence for an HICB.
Resolve workers’ compensation
Maintain workers’ compensation unless legally exempt. If claiming exemption, follow DCA’s current documentation instructions.
Calculate required additional security
Determine whether your contract size/prior 12-month volume requires $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 security.
Complete disclosures and attachments
Do not leave required explanations, business documents or disclosure material for later.
Pay the $110 initial fee
Use the payment method required by the current application; the fee is non-refundable.
Mail the initial packet
Send it to the current Home Improvement Unit address: 124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 46016, Newark, NJ 07101.
Verify the issued registration
Once approved, search the business in the official verification database before advertising or contracting under the registration.
Business Formation, NJ-REG & Business Registration Certificate Are Separate From HICB Registration
Legal entity formation
Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and LPs use the New Jersey Division of Revenue formation/authorization process as applicable.
NJ Business FormationNJ-REG
After formation/authorization where required, businesses complete the applicable New Jersey tax/employer registration process.
NJ Treasury Getting RegisteredBusiness Registration Certificate
A BRC is important for New Jersey public contracting and certain state grant/tax-credit contexts. It is not the same document as an HICB registration.
Official BRC Information- Use New Jersey’s official Home Contractor Starter Kit.
- Choose/form the legal business.
- Obtain EIN where required.
- Complete formation/authorization if the business structure requires it.
- Complete NJ-REG.
- Arrange bank/insurance/business compliance.
- Then complete the HICB-specific DCA registration requirements.
Common HICB Application Problems DCA Tells Applicants to Fix
DCA publishes an official “Reasons Your Application Did Not Get Approved” document. Use it before submission instead of waiting for a deficiency notice.
| Problem | What to check | Action before submitting |
|---|---|---|
| LLC/corporate formation records | Certificate of Formation/Incorporation/Authority/Registration as applicable. | If the entity/document is older, review whether the latest Annual Report must accompany it under DCA’s current checklist. |
| Sole proprietor trade name | Required trade-name documentation. | Do not substitute an invoice or marketing page for an official trade-name record. |
| Address mismatch | Application vs insurance vs additional security. | Resolve the physical business address before filing. |
| Workers’ compensation | Certificate or legal exemption. | If exempt, submit the signed business explanation DCA currently requests. |
| Additional security | Amount, wording, effective date and applicant identity. | Use the current HICB instructions before purchasing/issuing a bond or letter of credit. |
$500,000 Liability Insurance + Workers’ Compensation
Commercial General Liability
Every HICB must maintain at least $500,000 per occurrence in commercial general liability insurance.
Current DCA portal instructions tell applicants to obtain a Certificate of Insurance on an ACORD form from the insurance agent.
Workers’ Compensation
HICBs must maintain workers’ compensation unless exempt by law.
New Jersey Labor explains employer-coverage rules differently for corporations, partnerships/LLCs and sole proprietors, so do not declare yourself exempt merely because the business is small.
- Open the NJ Department of Labor employer-requirements page.
- Identify your entity type.
- Determine whether anyone performs services for compensation in a way that triggers coverage.
- If DCA permits an exemption in your situation, prepare its requested signed explanation.
- Keep the supporting basis with your registration records.
HICB Compliance Bond / Additional Security: $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000
Every registered home-improvement contractor business must maintain statutory additional security throughout registration. Acceptable forms can include a compliance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, securities, money or other security accepted by the Division.
| Minimum security | Single-contract value | Previous 12-month contract volume |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | Less than $10,000. | Less than $150,000, assuming no higher criterion applies. |
| $25,000 | $10,000 through $120,000. | $150,000 up to—but below the statute’s $750,000 higher-tier trigger. |
| $50,000 | More than $120,000. | At least $750,000 under the statutory language. |
- Confirm the correct tier first.
- Read the current MyLicense security instructions.
- Use the exact HICB applicant/business name.
- Follow DCA’s current mailing/delivery instructions to the Regulated Business Section at 124 Halsey Street.
- Keep delivery evidence.
Tool 3: NJ HICB Security Tier Calculator
Enter both values because either one can trigger a higher minimum. Confirm the result with DCA before obtaining the financial instrument.
2026 HICB Renewal, Late Renewal & Reinstatement
| Status/action | Fee | Timing | How to file |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial registration | $110 | First-time applicant. | Current HIC-specific page: mail initial application. |
| Normal renewal | $90 | Annual renewal by March 31; portal normally opens around January 15. | Online. |
| Late renewal | $115 total | April 1–April 30. | Online. |
| Reinstatement | $140 | Expired after the late-renewal period. | Current 2026 instruction: online only. |
- Run the Business Search and confirm the status.
- Open the current HICB Applications page.
- Use the online reinstatement link there.
- Prepare current liability insurance, workers’ comp/exemption material and additional security.
- Pay the current reinstatement fee through the official workflow.
- Recheck the public database after processing.
Where the 13VH Registration Number Must Appear
New Jersey regulations require the registration number to be prominently displayed in several places. State enforcement materials also emphasize online advertising.
- At the registered place of business with the registration certificate displayed as required.
- Advertisements distributed in New Jersey.
- Business cards.
- Business documents.
- Consumer contracts.
- Correspondence with home-improvement consumers.
- Commercial vehicles subject to the regulation.
- Websites/online advertising under DCA enforcement guidance.
NJ Home Improvement Contracts Over $500: What Must Be Checked
N.J.S.A. 56:8-151 requires covered home-improvement contracts with a purchase price over $500, and changes to contract terms, to be in writing.
Current statutory core items include
- Contractor business legal name.
- Business address.
- Registration number.
- Name of contractors providing home-improvement services as applicable under current statutory wording.
- Copy of the required commercial general liability insurance certificate.
- Telephone number of the insurance company issuing the certificate.
- Total price or other consideration, including finance charges.
New Jersey’s home-improvement regulations also address practical contract terms such as
- Detailed description of work.
- Principal products/materials and identifying information.
- Start and completion dates or applicable time periods.
- Warranties or guarantees.
- Signatures and understandable written terms.
- Written changes to the agreement.
Three-business-day cancellation right
Current N.J.S.A. 56:8-151 states that a consumer may cancel a home-improvement contract for any reason before midnight of the third business day after receiving a copy of the contract.
- Read the cancellation notice printed in the contract.
- Prepare a signed and dated written notice.
- Use registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, or personally deliver it to the contractor-business address stated in the contract, as provided by the statute.
- Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
- The statute provides for refund of money paid within 30 days after the contractor business receives a valid timely cancellation notice.
New Jersey Construction Permits: Major August 2026 Code Update
The current statewide code framework includes updated Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, Residential and Fuel Gas subcodes as adopted through N.J.A.C. 5:23.
- Open the current NJ Construction Codes page.
- Identify the municipality responsible for the property.
- Open the municipal Construction Official roster.
- Call with the exact address and scope.
- Ask which prior approvals are required before construction filing.
- Ask which building/electrical/plumbing/fire/elevator technical sections apply.
- Ask which adopted code edition applies to your permit based on filing/transition rules.
Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Paterson & Elizabeth Permit Contacts
New Jersey’s statewide HICB registration does not eliminate local UCC permit administration. These official local starting points help users get from “registered contractor” to “legal project permit.”
| Location | Official contact | What to do after opening |
|---|---|---|
| Newark |
Building Division / UCC 973-733-3957 City Hall, Room B23 Newark, NJ 07102 |
Open Newark Building Division. Download the 2026 Construction Checklist, Construction Permit Application and applicable F110/F120/F130/F140 technical forms. Match the contractor credential to the work before submission. |
| Jersey City |
Construction Code 201-547-5055 One Jackson Square 364 MLK Drive Jersey City, NJ 07305 |
Open Application & Review Process. Register in the permit portal → Apply → search “construction permit application” → submit main application → return to Sub-records → add every required technical card. New construction, additions and renovations require zoning review first. |
| Jersey City contractor registration |
Construction Code 201-547-5055 |
Open Contractors & Permit Processors. Jersey City states a city contractor license is required for non-state-licensed contractors and for work on commercial property. Use the permit portal and do not pay until the required documents are ready. |
| Trenton |
Inspections Division 609-989-3550 319 East State Street 2nd Floor Annex Trenton, NJ 08608 |
Open Trenton Inspections. Call the main division and ask which Building, Electrical, Plumbing or Fire subcode review applies. Current office hours are listed as Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. |
| Paterson |
UCC Construction / Buildings 973-321-1549 111 Broadway Paterson, NJ 07505 |
Open Paterson UCC Contact. Call with the project address and scope; ask for the relevant subcode official and required forms. Published office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. |
| Elizabeth |
Building permits 908-820-4093 |
Open Elizabeth Information Directory. The current city directory lists the same Construction number for building permits, bathroom remodels, decks, demolition, fences, pools and related topics; give the exact project scope when calling. |
| Municipality not above |
NJ Office of Regulatory Affairs 609-984-7672 |
Open the official municipal roster and search your town. If contact data appears stale or uncertain, DCA’s roster directs users to the Office of Regulatory Affairs for current information. |
DCA Regional Code Offices
Northern Regional Office
171 Route 173, Suite 101
Asbury, NJ 08802
908-713-0722
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Southern Regional Office
852 S. White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-567-3653
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Tool 4: Local NJ Permit Route Helper
Building a New Residence? Verify the New Home Builder Instead
New Jersey DCA expressly states that construction of a new residence is not a home improvement for HICB purposes.
Builder Registration
Builders of covered owner-occupied new homes must register under the New Home Warranty and Builders’ Registration Program before starting construction.
Current DCA guidance lists a $200 registration fee and a two-year registration term.
New Home Warranty
The program provides a limited ten-year warranty framework. The builder is responsible for specified coverage during earlier periods and structural coverage extends under program rules.
A registered builder must participate in the State warranty plan or an approved private warranty plan.
- Open DCA’s Builder Registration and New Home Warranty page.
- Use the Registered New Home Builders list.
- Search the builder’s legal name.
- Check current status.
- Confirm the project warranty enrollment.
- Verify the local construction permit separately.
Home Improvement Assistance, Weatherization & Energy Programs
Do not let “rebate available” become a sales tactic. Verify the specific New Jersey program, its current application status and whether contractor participation/preapproval is required before signing.
Comfort Partners
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program describes Comfort Partners as a free program for income-eligible customers that installs cost-effective energy-saving measures at no cost to the participant.
- Open Comfort Partners.
- Read current income/utility eligibility.
- Apply through the official program route.
- Do not independently hire a contractor first expecting automatic reimbursement.
Weatherization Assistance Program
DCAid currently shows the Weatherization Application Portal as open all year.
- Open DCAid.
- Create/login to the myNewJersey-connected portal.
- Choose Weatherization Assistance.
- Complete eligibility/application information before arranging work.
Lead Remediation & Abatement
DCAid currently shows the Lead Remediation and Abatement Program portal as open all year, with tenants and landlords able to apply through the portal.
- Open DCAid.
- Select LRAP.
- Check property/applicant eligibility.
- Use the program-directed contractor/work process instead of assuming any HICB can be reimbursed.
- Open the official NJ program-status page yourself.
- Confirm whether applications have actually opened.
- Check whether the proposed equipment/work is eligible.
- Check whether work done before program launch will qualify; do not assume retroactivity.
- Do not pay a premium based solely on a contractor’s verbal rebate promise.
New Jersey Contractor Business Resources & Public-Work Opportunities
Free Home Contractor Starter Kit
Business.NJ.gov provides a government Home Contractor Starter Kit designed around business setup and compliance.
Home Contractor Starter KitBusiness Registration Certificate
A BRC is commonly required for contractors/subcontractors doing business with New Jersey public agencies, subject to the statutory exceptions described by Treasury.
- Form/authorize the business if required.
- Complete NJ-REG.
- Obtain the BRC.
- Read the solicitation’s affirmative-action and procurement requirements separately.
Weatherization Contractor Bid Opportunities
NJ DCA maintains a live page for contractor opportunities involving weatherization, insulation, windows, heating systems and energy-conservation services.
- Open the current Bid Opportunities page.
- Ignore closed historical listings.
- Open the currently active RFQ/bid issued by the listed agency.
- Read qualification, insurance, credential and deadline requirements from that solicitation.
County Consumer Affairs Local Assistance Numbers
DCA works with certified local consumer-affairs offices in participating counties. They can provide local consumer information and may assist with complaint/mediation matters.
| Area | Published number |
|---|---|
| Bergen / Passaic | 201-336-6400 |
| Cape May | 609-886-2903 |
| Cumberland | 856-451-0925 |
| Essex | 973-395-8360 |
| Hudson | 201-795-6295 |
| Mercer | 609-989-6671 |
| Middlesex | 732-398-2300 |
| Monmouth | 732-431-7900 |
| Ocean | 732-929-2105 |
| Union | 908-654-9840 |
How to File a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Complaint
Prepare the evidence before opening the form
| Evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Signed contract | Shows parties, registration number, price, scope and promised dates. |
| Change orders | Documents added/removed scope and pricing. |
| Payment records | Shows amount, date and recipient. |
| Photos / videos | Documents conditions and incomplete/defective work. |
| Texts / emails | Documents promises, scheduling, requests to fix and abandonment. |
| Permit / inspection record | Shows whether required approvals were obtained and inspections completed. |
| HICB lookup | Documents the business identity/status you found at the relevant time. |
- Read the filing/privacy instructions first.
- Select the correct consumer/business or regulated-professional complaint path.
- Identify the legal contractor business, not only a salesperson.
- Write a chronological summary with dates and amounts.
- Attach the strongest supporting documents.
- Do not unnecessarily include Social Security numbers or full financial-account numbers.
- Save copies and confirmation.
Official NJ HIC Forms, Laws & PDFs — Which One Should You Open?
Initial HICB Registration Application
Use for first registration. Read the current FAQ and Applications page alongside it because newer statutory changes added security and workers’ compensation requirements that older application text may not fully explain.
Reasons Your Application Did Not Get Approved
Use before submission to check business formation documents, Annual Report issues, addresses, workers’ compensation and additional-security wording.
P.L. 2023, c.237
Use for the new State Board, registration amendments, additional-security provisions and individual-license framework. Read implementation/effective-operation language carefully.
Home Improvement Practices / Contractor Rules
Use for contract practices, permit-related rules, registration-number display, vehicle marking and other administrative requirements. Because the courtesy PDF carries an older revision date, compare changed topics with current statutes/DCA pages.
2026 Municipal Construction Officials Roster
Use PDF Find to locate the municipality, construction official, building/electrical/plumbing/fire subcode contacts and current phone number.
2024 Model Code Adoption
Use when determining the current New Jersey UCC model-code editions. The model-code adoption became effective August 17, 2026.
NJ HICB Phone, Email, Mailing Address & Google Map
HICB Call Center
Use for HICB registration status and current registration/portal questions.
HICB Email
The HIHEC Board also directs HIC/HEC business-registration questions to this address.
Walk-in location
Regulated Business Section
Home Improvement Contractor
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07101
Current HIC page walk-in hours: Monday and Thursday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Recheck before traveling.
Initial application mailing address
Division of Consumer Affairs
Office of Consumer Protection
Home Improvement Unit
124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor
P.O. Box 46016
Newark, NJ 07101
What Older NJ Contractor Articles Commonly Get Wrong
| Topic | Low-value / stale statement | Current actionable answer |
|---|---|---|
| HIC “license” | Every 13VH record is an individual contractor license. | Current verification is HICB business registration. Separate individual-license framework has implementation provisions. |
| Search method | Search the contractor’s person name. | Use Business Search for the HICB registration. |
| Bond/security | Only $500,000 liability insurance matters. | Workers’ comp unless exempt plus $10K/$25K/$50K statutory additional security also apply. |
| Expired registration | Mail the old paper reinstatement form. | DCA’s May 2026 HIC page says reinstatement is online only. |
| New-home builder | Use 13VH lookup for every residential builder. | Brand-new residences use the New Home Warranty / Builders’ Registration framework. |
| Permit codes | Use old 2021 model-code assumptions. | NJ adopted updated 2024/2023 model-code framework effective August 17, 2026. |
| IRA rebates | NJ IRA Home Energy Rebates are currently available. | Official NJ program page says they remain in development and are not yet open for applications. |
Current-data review: August 31, 2026. Recheck registration status, forms, fees, portal instructions, rulemaking, local permit contacts and incentive availability before a time-sensitive filing or payment.
Related Contractor Verification Resources
New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Lookup FAQs
Where do I look up a New Jersey home improvement contractor?
Use the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs real-time verification system and select Business Search. The current HIC credential is a business registration.
Should I use Business Search or Person Search?
Use Business Search for an ordinary current Home Improvement Contractor Business registration. DCA’s verification gateway specifically directs HIC users to the business search.
What does a New Jersey HIC registration number look like?
New Jersey HIC registrations commonly use a number beginning with 13VH. Obtain the complete number and search it in the live government system.
Is a 13VH number a contractor license?
The currently searchable 13VH credential is an HICB business registration. New Jersey has separately enacted an individual-licensing framework with a rulemaking-based implementation provision.
Does a small handyman job automatically avoid HIC registration?
No general small-dollar registration exemption should be inferred from the security tiers. Registration depends on covered home-improvement activity and statutory exemptions.
Do subcontractors need HICB registration?
DCA’s current FAQ says subcontractors performing covered home-improvement activity generally must register even when paid by the general contractor, unless an exemption applies.
Do out-of-state contractors need to register?
An out-of-state business selling or making covered home improvements in New Jersey generally must satisfy the New Jersey HICB requirement unless a statutory exemption applies.
How much is initial HICB registration?
The current initial application fee is $110.
How much is annual HICB renewal?
The regular annual renewal fee is $90. Current DCA guidance lists $115 total during the April late-renewal period and $140 for reinstatement after the late period.
What should I do if the HICB is expired in August 2026?
Use DCA’s current online reinstatement route. The current HIC Applications page says expired-registration reinstatement is online only and paper applications are returned.
How much liability insurance does an HICB need?
Every HICB must maintain at least $500,000 per occurrence in commercial general liability insurance.
Does an HICB need workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is required unless the business is legally exempt. DCA requires appropriate proof or exemption documentation.
How much HIC compliance security is required?
The statutory minimum is generally $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 based on the business’s single-contract size and prior 12-month contract volume. The higher applicable tier should be maintained.
When does the $50,000 security tier apply?
The statute uses $50,000 when a single contract exceeds $120,000 or the prior 12-month contract volume reaches at least $750,000.
Do I need a separate security bond for every customer?
No. DCA explains that an HICB maintains the required security throughout registration; a separate statutory security instrument is not required for every contract or municipality.
Must a New Jersey home improvement contract over $500 be written?
Yes. N.J.S.A. 56:8-151 requires covered contracts over $500 and contract changes to be in writing.
Can I cancel an NJ home improvement contract within three business days?
Current N.J.S.A. 56:8-151 provides a cancellation right before midnight of the third business day after the consumer receives a copy of the contract. The statute specifies written notice by registered/certified mail with return receipt or personal delivery to the contractor-business address in the contract.
Does HIC registration prove a building permit was issued?
No. Business registration and construction permits are separate. Check the municipality or applicable DCA code-enforcement office.
Does 13VH registration authorize electrical, plumbing or HVACR work?
Not by itself. New Jersey regulates those professional trades separately, so verify the applicable professional credential in addition to any HICB registration.
How do I verify a builder constructing a brand-new home?
Use the New Jersey DCA New Home Warranty and Builders’ Registration program rather than relying only on the HICB search.
Can I check NJ Consumer Affairs enforcement history?
Yes. Search the exact business name on the Office of Consumer Protection Legal Filings page. The list is a courtesy resource and absence of a filing should not be treated as an official clean-history certification.
Are New Jersey IRA Home Energy Rebates open now?
As of the August 31, 2026 review, New Jersey’s official program page says the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs remain in development and are not yet open for applications.
What NJ home-improvement assistance is currently open?
DCAid currently states that the Weatherization Application Portal and Lead Remediation and Abatement Program portal are open all year. Comfort Partners is a separate no-cost energy-efficiency program for eligible customers.
Where can a New Jersey contractor find weatherization work?
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs publishes a live Weatherization Bid Opportunities page listing current and historical contractor RFQs and bids from participating agencies.
How do I file a complaint about a New Jersey home improvement contractor?
Use the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer Complaints page. Prepare the contract, payment records, photographs, communications and permit/inspection records before filing.
The Best NJ Contractor Check Takes More Than One Lookup
Step 1: HICB Business Search → registration number → current status → expiration → business-name match.
Step 2: NJ Consumer Affairs Legal Filings → search the exact business.
Step 3: verify liability insurance and any separate electrical, plumbing or HVACR credential.
Step 4: municipal permit office → current 2026 code/permit requirements → required inspections.
Step 5: written contract → required business/insurance information → scope → price → dates → cancellation notice.