Trade Contractor Resources for New Jersey (Licensing, Permits, Tools)

Trade contractor resources · New Jersey

Trade business resources for New Jersey.

New Jersey regulates trade contractors through a combination of statewide license boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, depending on the trade. Most contractors performing home improvement work for compensation must register with the state, and specific trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC require separately issued professional licenses before work can legally begin.

State licensing board

Official authority

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – New Home Builder Registration and Home Improvement Contractor Registration (administered under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs)

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hic

In New Jersey, general contractors and remodelers performing home improvement work totaling $500 or more must register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Electricians must be licensed through the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, which issues licenses at the Electrical Contractor level (business entity license) supported by a licensed master electrician. Plumbers must hold a license issued by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, with separate master and journeyman classifications. HVAC contractors must be licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs under the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating Contractors licensing program. Roofers do not have a separate state-level trade license but must register as Home Improvement Contractors if their work meets the $500 threshold. New home builders must separately register with the New Jersey Builders' Warranty program and the Division of Consumer Affairs' New Home Builder Registration program.