New Jersey Contractors License Requirements & Guide

Compared to other states, licensing requirements in New Jersey are quite relaxed. There are no educational requirements, though the standard application process is followed. Check below for everything you need to know about becoming a general contractor in New Jersey.

To work as a contractor in the State of New Jersey, you’ll need to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs , as well as to obtain a license issued by the State’s Department of Banking & Insurance (DOBI) if you are providing financing. Interestingly, the term “general contractor” and “home repair contractor” are analogous, though the latter is used in New Jersey’s official documentation much more often.

Who Needs a Contractors License?

The “Contractors’ Registration Act” requires any contractor who participates in selling or making “home improvements” in New Jersey to register with the Division Of Consumer Affairs — outside of plumbers and electricians, who are licensed separately. This means that any type of business organization that engages in any of the following are considered contractors:

• Construction
• Installation
• Remodeling
• Altering
• Painting
• Repairing
• Renovating
• Restoring
• Moving
• Demolishing
• Modernizing

Anybody who fails to register is prohibited from selling or making home improvements, and will be subject to civil and possibly criminal penalties. The act does not apply to commercial properties.

What Do You Need To Become a General Contractor in New Jersey?

To become registered and licensed as a general contractor in New Jersey, you’ll need to:

• Complete and submit an application to the Division, including copies of all required documentation
• Complete the application’s Disclosure Statement page
• Complete and submit a Licensing Application to the DOBI, if you are planning on offering financing options.
• File proof of general liability insurance with a minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence
• Pay the non-refundable fee of $110.00 to the Division

The requirements in New Jersey are not quite as stringent as other states, which generally require proof of education and experience. See more about the application processes and fees below.

[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”f1nthxztl7l4qsikh5pk” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1680995739/ynlnl590vqep1knx1um7.jpg” title=”New Jersey Contractors License Requirements & Guide” volume=”70″] Additionally, New Jersey doesn’t have a statewide requirement for all contractors to be bonded. However, contractors with certain classifications in several cities are still required to get bonded. Contractors in Jersey City, Ventnor City, and Burlington should research local construction bond companies to ensure they are getting the best rates. Lastly, plumbers in New Jersey requires all plumbers in the state to post a surety bond.

Licensing and Registration Fees

Registration applications require a non-refundable fee of $110.00.

New Jersey Contractors License & Registration Applications

The New Jersey Office of Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers the Home Improvement Contractor Application on their website. For the application you will need to provide:

1. Business name: this name must match the name listed on corporate documents and the insurance certificate. You’ll also need to list any and all other names under which you do business.
2. Type of business you own: indicate whether you own a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC or LLP. Attach the business’ Trade Name Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Formation depending on the business type. If you own an out-of-state corporation you must attach a copy of the business’ New Jersey Certificate of Authority and the formation documents from your home state.
3. Business information. This information includes:
   • Physical and mailing address
   • Telephone number
   • Email address
   • Fax number
4. Authorized agent information. If the business is a corporation, you must provide the name and address of an agent in New Jersey who is authorized to accept documents on its behalf.
5. Certificate of liability insurance. The amount must be $500,000 for each occurrence.
6. If the applicant is a sole proprietor, answer:
   1. Whether or not you are in default of a New Jersey or federal direct or guaranteed educational loan
   2. Whether or not you:
      • Are the subject of a child-support warrant
      • Have failed to pay a court-ordered child-support obligation in an amount equal to or more than the amount of child support payable for six months
      • Have failed to pay any court-ordered health care coverage for the past six months
      • Have failed to respond to a subpoena relating to a paternity or child-support proceeding
   3. Which of these best describes your citizenship/immigration status:
      • U.S. Citizen
      • Alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
      • Other
7. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
8. Social Security Number
9. Corporation information. full name, home and business street address and business telephone number of each owner, officer, director, principal and person with an ownership interest of 10 percent or more in the business and the percentage of ownership held. If the applicant is a partnership, each member of the partnership must be listed.
10. Answer whether any officer, director, principal or person with an ownership interest of 10 percent or more in the business is the holder of any professional or occupational license, certificate or registration issued by any state or jurisdiction?
    1. If “yes” provide:
       • Holder’s name
       • Name(s) of the issuing agency
       • Type of license, certificate, or registration
       • License, certificate, or registration number
       • Issue date
    2. If “yes” also indicate whether or not any action has been taken against this license, certificate, or registration, and if you answer “yes” to this, provide supporting documentation and the outcome of said action.
11. Answer whether any officer, director, principal or person with an ownership interest of 10 percent or more in the business has:
    1. Violated or failed to comply with the provisions of any act, regulation or order administered or issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs?
    2. Entered into any consent order or assurance of voluntary compliance with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or any other state or federal agency?
    3. Been adjudged liable in an administrative or civil action in any state or federal agency involving any of the following situations:
       • Obtaining a license, certificate or registration through fraud, deception or misrepresentation?
       • Engaging in the use or employment of dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation, false promise or false pretense?
       • Engaging in gross negligence, gross malpractice or gross incompetence?
       • Engaging in acts of negligence, malpractice or incompetence involving selling or making a home improvement?
       • Engaging in professional or occupational misconduct?
       • Engaging in theft, fraud or deceptive business practices?
    4. If you answer yes to any of the above, you’ll also have to provide:
       • Name of applicant, partner(s), person(s), or business against whom action was taken
       • Date of action
       • Name and address of the government agency that took action against the individual (applicant, partner, etc.)
       • Type of action taken
12. Signed Disclosure Statement.
    1. Answer whether you or any officer, director, principal or person with an ownership interest of 10 percent or more in you and your business have ever been convicted of:
       1. Any crime of the first degree
       2. Any crime which is a second- or third-degree crime and is a violation of chapter 20 or 21 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes
       3. Any other crime which is a violation of N.J.S.A., including but not limited to:
          • Criminal attempt
          • Conspiracy
          • Criminal homicide
          • Assault
          • Terroristic threats
          • Kidnapping
          • Causing or risking widespread injury or damage
          • Fraud
          • Possession of a controlled substance
    2. If you answer “yes” to any of the above, you’ll also have to provide on the application:
       • Name of applicant, partner(s), person(s), or business against whom action was taken
       • Date of action
       • Name and address of the government agency that took action against the individual (applicant, partner, etc.)
       • Type of action taken
    3. Additionally, for each conviction you must attach:
       • Judgment of conviction
       • Sentencing order
       • Presenting report
       • Letter confirming probation and/or parole status
       • Documents showing clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation, including letters or references from members of your community who are not related to you by blood or marriage, and who can attest to your character.
       • Certificate of Rehabilitation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A: 168A-7 to 16
13. Signed Certification. You will provide your name, business name, signature, title, and date, to certify that:
    1. You understand that your application will be accepted and the registration issued only if the requirements of the Consumer Fraud Act have been met.
    2. The business and its officers are capable of discharging the functions of a registrant in a manner consistent with the public’s health, safety and welfare.
    3. All of the information on the application is true to the best of your information.

When you’re finished your application packet should contain:

• A completed application with all questions answered
• $110.00 non-refundable check or money order made payable to the NJ. Division of Consumer Affairs
• Proof of insurance
• Attached corporate documents
• Any other documents required by the application

Send the completed application packet to:

State of New Jersey
Division of Consumer Affairs
Regulated Business Section
Home Improvement Unit
124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor
P.O. Box 46016
Newark, NJ 07101

New Jersey Contractor Registration and Permitting Requirements

New Jersey has a variety of permits that you may need to acquire and submit to your Local Construction Code Enforcement Office before you may begin construction. Check out the Construction Permit Application page for more information.

New Jersey State Business Licenses and Registration

New Jersey only issues registration to those who own a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC or LLP. For more information on New Jersey business licenses and registration, visit the State of New Jersey Business Portal.

New Jersey Tax Identification Numbers and Registration

Those engaging in business in New Jersey may be required to file Corporation Business Tax, Sales & Use Tax, or a variety of other taxes at the state level. Visit the Tax Center page on the official New Jersey State website for more information.

New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements and Forms

Any New Jersey employer not covered by Federal programs must have workers’ compensation coverage. More information on insurance requirements can be found via the State of New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development page.

New Jersey Contractor License Lookup and Verification

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs contractor lookup tool allows you to search for registered contractors by profession, license type, first/last name, license number, and city. 

See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States

• Delaware contractors license
• PA contractor license
• General contractor license NY
• CT contractors license

 

For More License and Career Guides

To find out how to become a General Contractor in another state, start here. 

For information on other trades in New Jersey, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:

• New Jersey Electrician License Requirements
• How to Become a Plumber in New Jersey 
• New Jersey Handyman License Guide
• New Jersey Welding Schools and Career Guide
• How to Get an HVAC License in New Jersey