Check the License Before the Crew Arrives
Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board search can confirm the business, CCB number, status, endorsement, bond, insurance and complaint history connected with a contractor.
This guide shows homeowners how to read that record and helps applicants prepare the RMI, training, exam, business filing, endorsement, bond, insurance and renewal documents required by CCB.
Oregon CCB License Search: Quick Answer
The most accurate search uses the contractor’s CCB license number. Oregon requires contractors to display the number in advertising, including websites, brochures and business cards.
The official database also accepts part of a business or contractor name and certain telephone numbers. The search page states that license records are updated every six hours each day.
How to Search an Oregon Contractor License
Collect the CCB number and exact business name before opening the database. A printed number is only a clue until it matches a current official record.
Use the most accurate search method first
CCB license number
Use the complete number from the advertisement, proposal, contract or business card. This is the most precise search route.
Business or contractor name
Enter only the distinctive portion of the name first. Less text can work better when punctuation or legal suffixes differ.
Telephone number
Enter digits only. Remove parentheses, spaces and dashes when the search does not return a match.
Choose Active Records Only or All Records
Use Active Records Only for a current hiring check. Use All Records when researching an expired, inactive, suspended or former contractor business.
Name-search troubleshooting
- Search “Schmitt” before entering “Schmitt Contracting LLC.”
- Try the owner or Responsible Managing Individual’s last name.
- Remove punctuation and company suffixes.
- Try variants such as “S&F,” “S & F,” “SandF” and “S and F.”
- Switch from Active Records Only to All Records.
- Ask the contractor to provide the CCB number in writing.
- Call CCB when a recent ownership or status change makes the record unclear.
Tool 1: Search Method Helper
Select the information the contractor gave you. This helper does not search or store government records.
How to Read an Oregon CCB License Result
The CCB License Summary can show unpaid claims, unpaid civil penalties, complaint history and disciplinary sanctions. The detailed business page also shows endorsements, specialty credentials, business history, bond and insurance information.
| Record item | What to confirm | When to pause | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| License status | Active when you sign and throughout covered work. | Inactive, expired, suspended, lapsed or not found. | Wait for the live record to show active status. |
| Legal business name | Matches the estimate, contract, invoice and payment recipient. | Payment is requested by a different person or company. | Request a written explanation and corrected documents. |
| Endorsement | Covers the structure type and contractor role. | A residential-only endorsement is used for large commercial work. | Check the official endorsement chart. |
| Expiration | Remains current through the planned start and work period. | The record will expire before the job begins. | Require completed renewal and recheck. |
| RMI and owners | People connected with the license match the business you met. | A salesperson appears to be borrowing another company’s number. | Contact the registered company directly. |
| Bond and insurance | Required protection is current and belongs to the same legal business. | Cancelled, expired, mismatched or below the endorsement requirement. | Request insurer or surety confirmation. |
| Complaint and discipline | Read dates, allegations, status and outcome. | Material public history is denied or concealed. | Ask for a written explanation and resolution documents. |
| Lead-based paint | Applicable certification for renovation work disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing. | The contractor says an ordinary CCB license is sufficient. | Verify the specialty certification. |
Tool 2: CCB Record Decision Check
Use the live CCB record and the proposed contract. Complete every field before relying on the result.
When the CCB Search Is Not the Only License Check
A CCB business license does not replace electrical, plumbing, landscape, asbestos, workers’ compensation or local permit records.
| Work or record | Official authority | Why the extra check matters |
|---|---|---|
| General construction | Oregon Construction Contractors Board. | Confirms business license, endorsement, bond, insurance and history. |
| Electrical or plumbing | Oregon Building Codes Division. | The contractor business and individual tradesperson can require separate credentials. |
| Landscape construction | Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. | Landscape contracting uses a separate board and license system. |
| Workers’ compensation | Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division. | Useful when workers or employees will perform work at the property. |
| Asbestos abatement | Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. | Asbestos work has specialized licensing and safety requirements. |
| Pre-1978 paint disturbance | CCB lead-based paint certification records. | Renovation work disturbing old paint may require lead-safe certification. |
| Building permit | City, county or Oregon ePermitting authority. | A contractor license does not prove that a project permit exists. |
Who Generally Needs an Oregon CCB License?
Oregon law generally requires a business working for compensation on improvements to real property to hold the appropriate CCB license before advertising, bidding, arranging or performing covered work.
Common covered work
Roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, concrete, flooring, remodeling, repair, HVAC, tree service and many other construction activities can fall within CCB licensing.
Business plus trade credentials
Plumbing and electrical businesses may need CCB licensing as well as Building Codes Division credentials for the company and individual workers.
Do not self-declare an exemption
Property-owner, employee, material-supplier and other exceptions can be narrow. Confirm an exemption with CCB before advertising or accepting payment.
Oregon Contractor Hiring Checklist
Use the CCB result as the first screening step, then verify the written scope, notices, permits, payment stages and change-order process.
Verification checklist
- Active CCB status.
- Correct legal company and payment name.
- Endorsement covers the project and structure.
- Bond and insurance appear current.
- Workers’ compensation checked when employees are involved.
- Trade licenses verified separately.
- Complaint and disciplinary history reviewed.
- Permit responsibility confirmed.
Project-control checklist
- Compare detailed bids using the same scope.
- List brands, models and allowance amounts.
- Tie payments to completed milestones.
- Require signed change orders before extras.
- Keep dated photographs and inspection records.
- Save invoices, notices and payment evidence.
- Confirm permit numbers independently.
- Hold final payment until agreed completion documents arrive.
Common warning signs
Borrowed CCB number
The company asking for payment does not match the business in the license record.
Large cash deposit
The contractor asks for substantial cash before permits, materials or measurable work.
No written scope
The proposal lists only a price and vague description for a complex project.
Missing trade license
The contractor claims the CCB number covers all plumbing or electrical work.
Permit avoidance
The contractor says a permit is unnecessary without checking the local authority.
Unverified insurance
The contractor provides only an edited screenshot and refuses agent confirmation.
Written Contracts, Required Notices and Cancellation Rights
Oregon requires a written residential construction contract when the contract price exceeds $2,000. If a smaller contract later exceeds $2,000, the contractor must provide a written contract within five working days after knowing the price crossed the threshold.
What the written contract should include
| Contract item | What it should explain |
|---|---|
| Contractor identity | Legal name, address, telephone and CCB number as shown in the official record. |
| Owner and property | Customer name, project address and contact details. |
| Scope and materials | Exact labor, products, brands, quantities, exclusions and allowance items. |
| Price and payments | Total price, deposit, progress milestones and final-payment conditions. |
| Dates | Expected start, completion and delay handling. |
| Permits | Who applies, pays, schedules inspections and corrects failures. |
| Changes | Written change orders signed by both parties before extra work. |
| Dispute terms | Complaint rights and any mediation or arbitration clause. |
Three notices generally required for residential contracts over $2,000
Consumer Protection Notice
Explains licensing, bond and insurance standards and steps consumers can take if problems occur.
Notice of Procedure
Explains steps a homeowner must follow before beginning arbitration or court action against a contractor.
Construction Lien Notice
Explains possible lien claims and steps owners can take to reduce the risk of paying twice.
The contractor should keep proof that the owner received required notices for two years after the contract was entered into.
Homeowner cancellation rights
One-business-day right
A property owner can generally cancel an initial residential construction, improvement or repair contract in writing before midnight of the next business day. Exceptions can apply, including work already substantially begun.
Three-day home solicitation right
A three-day cancellation right can apply when a remodeling or repair contract results from personal solicitation and is accepted away from the seller’s permanent place of business.
How to Apply for an Oregon CCB License
Prepare the Responsible Managing Individual, training, exam, endorsement, business filing, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation and tax accounts before submitting the application.
Select the Responsible Managing Individual
The RMI must be an owner or employee with management or supervisory authority over the business’s construction activities. Most endorsements require an RMI.
Complete 16 hours of approved pre-license education
The RMI must be at least 18 and complete approved Oregon pre-license training unless a qualifying alternative applies.
Pass the Oregon contractor exam
The open-book exam has 80 multiple-choice questions, requires 70 percent or 56 correct answers, allows three hours and currently costs $60.
Choose the correct endorsement
Determine whether the business will work on residential, small commercial, large commercial or multiple structure types and whether it acts as general, specialty, limited or developer.
Register the company or assumed business name
File the corporation, LLC or assumed business name with the Oregon Secretary of State when required. All names should match across the application, bond and insurance.
Obtain the correct surety bond
The endorsement determines the amount. Submit the bond with its power of attorney. Do not send the bond separately from the application.
Obtain general liability insurance
The certificate must use the full legal name, list the Construction Contractors Board as certificate holder and include products and completed operations coverage.
Resolve workers’ compensation status
Workers’ compensation is required when the business has employees. Commercial contractors must carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Obtain employer and tax account numbers
Prepare applicable state and federal tax and employer accounts before submitting the application.
Submit one complete application and $400 fee
Include the bond with power of attorney, insurance certificate, exam result when applicable, certification and signatures form, and payment for the two-year license.
Application timing and deadlines
- Electronic applications can take approximately four weeks, and some official guidance allows four to six weeks.
- Paper applications can take six to eight weeks.
- Apply within 24 months after passing the Oregon exam.
- A license lapsed for more than 24 months generally requires reapplication, training and testing again.
- The RMI must complete the required background check after application submission.
- A temporary RMI designation is valid for no more than 14 days when the existing RMI leaves.
Choose the Correct Oregon CCB Endorsement
The endorsement controls the structures and contractor role the business may cover. A company working on residential and large commercial structures generally needs the applicable dual endorsement.
| Endorsement | Typical use | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Residential General Contractor | Supervises, arranges or performs multiple unrelated trades on residential and small commercial structures. | Does not by itself authorize separately licensed trades. |
| Residential Specialty Contractor | Generally performs one or two unrelated trades. | Not intended for unrestricted multi-trade general contracting. |
| Residential Limited Contractor | Lower-volume or part-time construction businesses. | Expected annual construction sales under $40,000; no contract or job-site work value over $5,000. |
| Residential Developer | Arranges residential or small-commercial development for sale. | Does not perform construction work on the property. |
| Commercial General Level 1 | General contracting on large commercial structures without the Level 2 project limit. | Higher bond, insurance and continuing-education requirements. |
| Commercial General Level 2 | Commercial general contracting within Level 2 limitations. | Confirm project-size and structure restrictions before bidding. |
| Commercial Specialty Level 1 or 2 | Specialty commercial construction. | Level and scope must fit the project. |
| Special residential services | Home inspection, locksmith, home services or performance-score activities. | Limited to the identified service and may require individual certification. |
Oregon CCB Bond and Liability Insurance Requirements
Bond and insurance requirements vary by endorsement. The public record and application documents should use the same legal business name.
| Common endorsement | Minimum bond | Minimum liability insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Residential General | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Specialty | $20,000 | $300,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Limited | $15,000 | $100,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Developer | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
| Commercial General Level 1 | $80,000 | $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Commercial General Level 2 | $25,000 | $1,000,000 aggregate |
| Commercial Specialty Level 1 | $55,000 | $1,000,000 aggregate |
| Commercial Specialty Level 2 | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
| Commercial Developer | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
Insurance certificate micro-check
- Use the full legal name of the sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, trust or other entity.
- Match the Oregon Corporation Division business name.
- List Construction Contractors Board, P.O. Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309 as certificate holder.
- Meet or exceed the endorsement’s required amount.
- Include products and completed operations coverage.
- Use one certificate for a dual endorsement, meeting the higher applicable amount.
Surety bond micro-check
- Use the exact legal business name.
- Include the power of attorney.
- Keep the original attorney-in-fact signature where required.
- Submit the bond to CCB within 60 days after the surety signs it.
- Do not remove an attached power-of-attorney form.
- Keep the bond continuous until cancelled.
Renew, Update, Inactivate or Reactivate a CCB License
Renewal is more than paying the $400 fee. Keep the business registration, endorsement, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation status, RMI and continuing education current.
| Task | Official starting point | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary renewal | Online Contractor Portal up to eight weeks before expiration. | $400 fee, education, bond, insurance and business details. |
| Business update | Portal or applicable CCB change form. | Address, email, phone, ownership, entity, RMI and workers’ compensation. |
| Endorsement change | Endorsement Change form. | $20 transaction plus correct bond and insurance. |
| Inactivation | CCB inactivation process. | $20 fee and effect on legal ability to contract. |
| Reactivation | CCB reactivation process. | $20 fee plus all current eligibility requirements. |
| Lapsed over 24 months | New application route. | Repeat pre-license training and exam rather than ordinary renewal. |
Residential continuing education
Unless exempt, residential contractors need three hours of CCB laws, regulations and business-practices education during each two-year period, plus:
- Five hours of other approved education when licensed for six years or more.
- Thirteen hours of other approved education when licensed for less than six years.
- No more than three hours of CCB class credit counts toward the requirement.
- Commercial and specialty credentials can have different requirements or exemptions.
Public Works, Lead Paint and Specialty Credentials
An ordinary CCB endorsement may not be the final credential needed for public works, home inspection, lead-based paint, locksmith or energy-assessment services.
Public works bond
Independent contractors working on qualifying public works projects over $100,000 must file a separate $30,000 public works bond with CCB.
Lead-based paint
Renovation work disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing can require a lead-based paint renovation license or certification.
Home inspector certification
An individual performing multi-component residential home inspections for a fee generally needs certification and must work for an appropriately endorsed CCB business.
Oregon CCB Complaints, Mediation and Unlicensed Work
Complaint procedure depends on the structure type, relationship to the contractor, bond and timing. Organize the record before sending notices or forms.
| Problem | Likely starting route | Critical timing or evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed advertising or work | CCB Illegal Activity Complaint. | Active jobsite, advertisement, business details, claimed CCB number and work description. |
| Existing residential structure | Residential or qualifying small-commercial complaint. | Generally within one year after substantial completion or work ceased. |
| New structure | Property-owner complaint. | Earlier of one year after first occupancy or two years after substantial completion. |
| Residential pre-complaint notice | Certified-mail notice to contractor’s CCB address. | Mail at least 30 days before filing and retain proof. |
| Large commercial or some small commercial | Court action or binding arbitration before CCB complaint. | Serve CCB and surety within statutory court/arbitration deadlines. |
| Complaint processing fee | Wait for CCB’s request. | Most complaints have a $50 statutory fee after jurisdiction is accepted. |
Residential pre-complaint notice checklist
- Date of the notice.
- Contractor’s exact legal name.
- Contractor’s address of record from the CCB database.
- Clear statement that you intend to file a CCB complaint.
- Your name.
- USPS certified-mail proof.
- Copy of the notice retained with the complaint file.
Complaint evidence packet
- Complete signed contract and every change order.
- Estimates, invoices and front-and-back payment evidence.
- Dated photographs, videos and inspection reports kept for your records.
- Permit file and correction notices.
- Written repair requests and responses.
- Pre-complaint notice and certified-mail receipt.
- Current CCB record, endorsement and bond information.
- Repair estimates or actual correction costs for mediation.
What CCB mediation can and cannot do
CCB generally reviews jurisdiction and can offer voluntary mediation. It does not decide fault or order payment like a court. Official guidance reports that approximately 70 percent of disputes are resolved at mediation when both parties participate.
Tool 3: Complaint Route Helper
Select the closest issue. This tool identifies a starting route but does not file a complaint or preserve a deadline.
Oregon CCB Contact and Salem Office Information
Have the CCB number, legal business name, application or complaint number and exact status message ready before calling.
Licensing
Dispute Resolution
Enforcement
Office and mailing addresses
Physical office
201 High St. SE
Suite 600
Salem, OR 97301
Lobby: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Construction Contractors Board
P.O. Box 14140
Salem, OR 97309-5052
Telephone service: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; new licensing callers stop being accepted at 4:00 p.m.
Oregon Contractor License Search FAQs
Where can I search an Oregon contractor license?
Use the Oregon Construction Contractors Board’s official Contractor License Search. It is the authoritative public source for current CCB license, endorsement, bond, insurance and complaint information.
What is the most accurate way to find an Oregon contractor?
Search by the contractor’s CCB license number. Oregon requires contractors to place that number on advertising, websites, brochures and business cards. You may also search part of a business name, contractor name or certain telephone numbers.
How often is the Oregon CCB database updated?
The official search page states that license records are updated every six hours each day. Recheck the live record before signing, before work begins and before a major payment.
Does an active Oregon CCB license guarantee good work?
No. Active status is an important screening step but does not guarantee workmanship, honesty, scheduling or completion. Also check references, permits, endorsements, bond, insurance, complaints and contract terms.
How much does an Oregon CCB license cost in 2026?
The current initial CCB application fee is $400 for a two-year license. The ordinary two-year renewal fee is also $400, and the Oregon contractor exam currently costs $60.
What training and exam are required for an Oregon CCB license?
Most applicants need a Responsible Managing Individual who is at least 18, completes 16 hours of approved pre-license education and passes the 80-question open-book Oregon exam with a score of at least 70 percent.
Does an Oregon CCB license cover electrical and plumbing work?
No. A CCB business license does not replace required electrical or plumbing contractor and individual trade credentials. Check the Oregon Building Codes Division when those trades are included.
When is a written residential construction contract required in Oregon?
A written contract is required when the residential construction contract price exceeds $2,000. If a smaller contract later exceeds $2,000, the contractor must provide a written contract within five working days after learning the price crossed the threshold.
How do I file a residential complaint against an Oregon contractor?
For many residential and qualifying small-commercial complaints, first mail a 30-day pre-complaint notice by certified mail to the contractor’s CCB address of record. After the waiting period, file the correct form and supporting documents before the applicable deadline.
Can an Oregon CCB complaint automatically pay me from the contractor’s bond?
No. CCB states that access to contractor bond payment requires a signed court judgment. A complaint can lead to review and voluntary mediation, but bond money is limited and may be sought by several claimants.
Use the Live CCB Record Before You Commit
Homeowners: search the CCB number, match the legal company and endorsement, check separate trade licenses, verify permits, insist on the required written contract and control progress payments.
Applicants and contractors: choose the correct endorsement, keep every business name consistent, submit the bond and insurance with the application, finish required education and confirm active status before contracting.