Massachusetts Contractor License Verification
Verify Massachusetts contractor licenses and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registrations through the official Massachusetts Professional Licensing API — live data from OCABR and OPSI in a single search.
OCABR
HIC registration authority
OPSI
CSL + trade license authority
API
Official MA state data source
<10s
Avg verification time
Massachusetts contractor licensing system
Massachusetts contractor licensing operates across two state agencies. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) administers Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registrations, which are required for any contractor performing residential work on existing owner-occupied properties. Homeowners cannot legally contract with an unregistered HIC for covered work.
The Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI), through the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), issues Construction Supervisor Licenses (CSL). A CSL is required to supervise or perform construction on any building in Massachusetts. OPSI also licenses Master and Journeyman Electricians, Plumbers, and Gas Fitters.
CredentialClear queries the official Massachusetts Professional Licensing API — a state-published REST API that returns live, unified data across all boards. Searching Massachusetts requires a license or registration number.
HIC registration and CSL are not the same thing.
A common compliance gap in Massachusetts: a contractor may hold an active Construction Supervisor License (CSL) but not be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) — or vice versa. Both are legally required for residential improvement work on owner-occupied homes.
Hiring a contractor who has one but not the other can void your insurance coverage, disqualify you from OCABR's Guaranty Fund, and expose you to liability for work performed without the required credentials. CredentialClear surfaces both registration and license status in a single lookup.
What CredentialClear checks for Massachusetts
HIC Registration Status
Active or expired OCABR Home Improvement Contractor registration — required for all residential work
Construction Supervisor License
Active or expired CSL issued by BBRS/OPSI — required to supervise any building construction
Trade License Status
Master/Journeyman Electrician, Plumber, and Gas Fitter licenses — verified by license number
License Expiration Date
Expiration date returned for all license types — flag contractors approaching renewal
More than the OCABR and OPSI lookups give you.
Massachusetts state portals confirm whether a license exists. CredentialClear tells you everything you need to verify a contractor's credentials before you hire.
Official MA Licensing API
Results pulled directly from the Massachusetts state licensing API — live data across OCABR and OPSI boards.
Multi-Board Coverage
One lookup covers HIC registrations, Construction Supervisor Licenses, and trade licenses (Electrician, Plumber, Gas Fitter).
Google Reviews
See contractor ratings and review counts alongside license status — without leaving the platform.
License Monitoring
Flag Massachusetts contractors for ongoing tracking. Get notified when their license or registration status changes.
Massachusetts contractor license verification — answered.
How do I verify a contractor license in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts contractor licenses are issued by two agencies: the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) for Home Improvement Contractors (HIC), and the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) for Construction Supervisor Licenses (CSL) and trade licenses. CredentialClear queries the official Massachusetts Professional Licensing API directly, returning live license status, expiration, and board details by license number.
What is a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration in Massachusetts?
A Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration is required for any contractor performing residential improvements in Massachusetts — including additions, remodeling, repair, and replacement work on existing owner-occupied homes. HIC registration is administered by OCABR and must be renewed every two years. CredentialClear verifies HIC status directly through the MA Professional Licensing API.
What is a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) in Massachusetts?
A Construction Supervisor License (CSL) is required to supervise or perform construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of any building in Massachusetts. CSLs are issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) under OPSI. There are several CSL categories: 1 and 2 family unrestricted, manufactured homes, and specialty licenses for masonry, roofing, windows, and other trades.
What trades require a license in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts OPSI licenses a wide range of construction trades: Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Apprentice Electrician, Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Gas Fitter, and Journeyman Gas Fitter. These are in addition to the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) required for general construction work. All are accessible through the MA Professional Licensing API.
Does Massachusetts require contractors to be bonded or insured?
HIC registrants are required to maintain a surety bond of at least $5,000 and carry general liability insurance. OCABR maintains a Guaranty Fund that can compensate homeowners harmed by registered contractors. CSL holders are required to carry worker's compensation insurance if they have employees. CredentialClear surfaces license and registration status — always verify current bond and insurance requirements with the issuing agency.
How does CredentialClear look up Massachusetts licenses?
CredentialClear uses the official Massachusetts Professional Licensing API (licensing.api.secure.digital.mass.gov), a state-published REST API that returns live data across all MA licensing boards. Because the API is license-number based, searching Massachusetts requires a license or registration number. Results include the board name, license type, status, and expiration date.