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State files updated Oct 29, 2026
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Pennsylvania contractor registrationRequirements, cost, exam

Pennsylvania requires contractors to register with the PA Office of Attorney General. Register if you perform $5,000 or more of home improvements per year.1

Pennsylvania · general contractor

State registration required

Experience
No experience requirement for registration.1
Exam
No exam for registration.1
Bond
No bond requirement in HICPA.2
Insurance
Proof of liability insurance of at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage (self-insurance attestation allowed) at registration.2
Fees
$100 every two years for new and renewal applications (72 P.S. 1603-U).1
Renewal
Registration renews every two years, online through PA-HICRS.1

PA Office of Attorney General

How do you get a Pennsylvania contractor registration?

  1. Check that you need to register

    Register if you perform $5,000 or more of home improvements per year.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    No experience requirement for registration.1

  3. Apply to the board

    $100 every two years for new and renewal applications (72 P.S. 1603-U).1

    PA Office of Attorney General site
  4. Show proof of insurance

    No bond requirement in HICPA. Proof of liability insurance of at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage (self-insurance attestation allowed) at registration.2

    Pennsylvania bond and insurance rules
  5. Get the registration, then renew$100 / 2 years

    Registration renews every two years, online through PA-HICRS.1

    Renewal and CE

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Pennsylvania

Which license class do you need in Pennsylvania?

No state contractor license and no trade classes: one Home Improvement Contractor registration with the Attorney General (HICPA, Act 132 of 2008).1

Does Pennsylvania have license reciprocity?

No reciprocity provisions in HICPA.2

Do you need workers' comp?

Pennsylvania law requires workers' compensation coverage from any employer with at least one employee who could be injured or develop a work-related disease in the state.3

Pennsylvania insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. PA Office of Attorney General: who needs a license (attorneygeneral.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. PA Office of Attorney General: bond (palegis.us, 2026-10-27)
  3. PA Office of Attorney General: workers' comp (pa.gov, 2026-10-27)