Trade Contractor Resources for Pennsylvania (Licensing, Permits, Tools)

Trade contractor resources · Pennsylvania

Trade business resources for Pennsylvania.

Licensing board, permit offices, and trade-by-trade requirements for Pennsylvania contractors. All links go to the official sources, not paid intermediaries.

State licensing board

Official authority

Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (via Bureau of Consumer Protection)

https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/protect-yourself/home-improvement/
(800) 441-2555

Pennsylvania does not issue a single statewide general contractor license; instead, contractors performing home improvements must register under the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act (HICRA) administered by the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Certain trades such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC workers are licensed at the state level through the Department of Labor and Industry or related boards.

Under HICRA, any contractor who performs or solicits home improvement work exceeding $5,000 per year in aggregate must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, carry at least $50,000 in general liability insurance, and comply with written contract requirements. Electrical work requires a licensed master electrician credential issued through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Plumbers must hold a master plumber license through the State Board of Plumbing, and HVAC contractors must meet relevant trade licensing requirements. Work below the $5,000 annual threshold may still require local permits, and municipalities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh impose additional local registration or licensing requirements on top of state mandates.

License requirements by trade

Electrician
Pennsylvania requires electricians to be licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; a master electrician license is required to pull permits and supervise electrical work, while journeyman and apprentice classifications exist under employer supervision. Exam and experience requirements apply, and local jurisdictions such as Philadelphia may impose additional licensing requirements.
Plumber
Plumbers in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the State Board of Plumbing under the Department of Labor and Industry, with separate master plumber and journeyman plumber license tiers requiring documented experience and passing a state exam. Local municipalities may also require separate registration or permits before work can begin.
HVAC
Pennsylvania does not currently issue a single statewide HVAC contractor license, but technicians handling refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification, and contractors must comply with HICRA registration if their home improvement work exceeds $5,000 annually. Local jurisdictions may require additional HVAC licensing or permits; verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
General Contractor
Pennsylvania has no single statewide general contractor license, but any contractor performing residential home improvement work totaling $5,000 or more per year must register under HICRA with the Attorney General's Office, maintain required insurance, and use written contracts. Commercial general contractors are not separately licensed at the state level but must comply with local permits, business registration, and applicable trade licensing laws.
Roofing
Roofing contractors in Pennsylvania are not required to hold a separate state roofing license, but those whose annual home improvement work equals or exceeds $5,000 must register under HICRA with the Attorney General's Office and carry at least $50,000 in general liability insurance. Local building permits are typically required for roofing projects, and individual municipalities may have additional requirements.

Top Pennsylvania city permit offices

Permit office

Philadelphia

https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/
(215) 686-2400
Permit office

Pittsburgh

https://pittsburghpa.gov/permits/
(412) 255-2175
Permit office

Allentown

https://www.allentownpa.gov/Building-Safety
Verify at state board
Permit office

Erie

https://www.erie.pa.us/departments/development/building-inspections
Verify at state board
Permit office

Reading

https://www.readingpa.gov/building-permits
Verify at state board

Business registration

Secretary of State

Business entity registration

https://www.dos.pa.gov/
Tax registration

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

https://www.revenue.pa.gov/

Tools for Pennsylvania trade businesses

Compliance tracking, NEC 220 load calcs, profit calculators, and the 90-day operating system. One-time purchase. Real Excel and Sheets files. Used in truck cabs from Houston to Eureka.

Browse the 7 tools →
The information on this page links to official state and city authorities. Requirements change. Verify with the issuing authority before filing. LaunchLocal tools are research and calculation utilities, not legal or professional advice.