Is My Contractor Licensed in Massachusetts?

Plumbers in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Only a master or journeyman plumber licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters may perform plumbing work in a Massachusetts home, and the local plumbing inspector issues permits only to licensed plumbers. Minor repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet or clearing a blocked drain do not need a permit. Ask to see the plumber's license and permit, and check the license in the Division of Occupational Licensure license search.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Plumbers and gas fitters consumer fact sheet (Mass.gov)  ·  16 plumbing companies in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

Electricians in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Only a master or journeyman electrician licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians can legally be hired to do electrical work at a Massachusetts home. The board advises homeowners to ask to see the electrical permit, which means the work will be inspected. Check the electrician's license in the Division of Occupational Licensure license search.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Electricians consumer fact sheet (Mass.gov)  ·  1 electricians company in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

HVAC (heating and air) in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Office of Public Safety and Inspections (refrigeration and air conditioning); Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (gas heating)

State law requires a license to work as a refrigeration technician, and refrigeration technician and refrigeration contractor licenses are issued through the Office of Public Safety and Inspections. Gas-fired heating equipment is different: permits for gas fitting work are issued only to licensed plumbers or gas fitters, who must also provide proper venting of the appliance. Refrigeration licenses can be checked on the state's OPSI license verification site; gas fitter licenses are in the Division of Occupational Licensure search.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters (Mass.gov)

Roofers in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Construction Supervisor License); Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Home Improvement Contractor registration)

Roofing on one- and two-family homes is supervised by a holder of a Construction Supervisor License, and Massachusetts offers a specialty Roof Covering license for this work. A contractor doing the job on an existing owner-occupied home of one to four units must also be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor. Check the HIC registration in the MA Contractor Hub search and the construction supervisor license on the OPSI license verification site.

Look up a license  ·  Source: When is a Construction Supervisor License required? (Mass.gov)  ·  2 roofing companies in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

Pest control in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (Pesticide Program)

The Department of Agricultural Resources examines, licenses and certifies pesticide applicators, and Category 43 covers termite and structural pest control. Anyone applying termiticide below ground must be certified in Category 43 or work under the direct supervision of someone who is. Look up the applicator in the EEA ePLACE public portal and confirm the status reads Decision Rendered Active.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Look up and Confirm a Massachusetts Pesticide License (Mass.gov)  ·  14 pest control companies in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

Garage door companies in Massachusetts

Licensed by: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Home Improvement Contractor registration)

Massachusetts has no separate garage door license. The state's HIC and CSL work table lists door replacement as work that requires Home Improvement Contractor registration on an existing owner-occupied home of one to four units, and new door installation as needing both HIC registration and a Construction Supervisor License. Some small jobs under $500 are exempt from HIC registration (as of 2026); check the contractor in the MA Contractor Hub HIC search.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Work Requiring a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration or Construction Supervisor License (CSL) (Mass.gov)  ·  2 garage doors companies in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

Water damage restoration in Massachusetts

Licensed by: No statewide license

State guidance says no license is required to do mold remediation in Massachusetts, and the state does not license water damage restoration as its own trade. Related repairs to plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems may require a licensed tradesperson, and rebuilding work on an owner-occupied home of one to four units generally requires Home Improvement Contractor registration. Ask a remediation company for its statement of qualifications and check any rebuild contractor in the MA Contractor Hub HIC search.

Look up a license  ·  Source: Mold Cleanup, Repairs, and Excess Moisture Control: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners (Mass.gov)  ·  63 water damage restoration companies in Massachusetts on 1-800Deals

Frequently asked questions

Does a contractor need to be registered to work on my house in Massachusetts?

Contractors who solicit, bid on or perform work on an existing owner-occupied home with one to four units must be registered as Home Improvement Contractors. Exceptions include licensed trades such as plumbers and electricians working only within their license, and some small jobs under $500 (as of 2026).

What do I lose if I hire an unregistered home improvement contractor?

If you hire an unregistered contractor and something goes wrong, you are not eligible for the state's HIC arbitration program or for payment from the Guaranty Fund, which can compensate eligible homeowners for unpaid judgments against registered contractors.

Can anyone do plumbing or electrical work in my Massachusetts home?

No. Plumbing must be done by a master or journeyman plumber licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, and electrical work by a master or journeyman electrician licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. Permits are issued to the licensed professional, so ask to see both the license and the permit.

This page is general information, not legal advice. 1-800Deals does not license, verify or endorse contractors. See all states: contractor licensing by state.