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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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New Jersey contractor licenseWhat you need instead

New Jersey does not license general contractors at the state level.

Who licenses contractors in New Jersey instead?

New Jersey has no state license for general contractors.

The roofing contractor license has the most published detail; its hours, exam and fees are on the roofing page.

Licensing rules for Newark and Jersey City are below.

City licensing in New Jersey

These are the rules in New Jersey's largest cities. Other cities and counties set their own, so check with the one where the job is.

New Jersey · city rules

Newark

Licensing rules: check with Newark Building Division, Office of Uniform Construction Code. Newark Building Division, Office of Uniform Construction Code

New Jersey · city rules

Jersey City

Who
A Jersey City contractor license is required for every contractor without a New Jersey trade license, and for all work on commercial property. Apply through the city's permit portal.2

Exam, bond, insurance, fees and renewal: check with Jersey City Division of Construction Code. Jersey City Division of Construction Code

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in New Jersey

Sources

  1. NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: who needs a license (njconsumeraffairs.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Jersey City: who (jerseycity.hosted.civiclive.com, 2026-10-28)
  3. NJ Division of Consumer Affairs standard files, facilities (active) (njconsumeraffairs.gov, 2026-10-01)
  4. Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (njconsumeraffairs.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (njconsumeraffairs.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. NJ HVACR Contractors Board (njconsumeraffairs.gov, 2026-10-27)