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How to check a flooring contractor's license

Which states license or register flooring contractors, where to look one up, where it's left to cities and counties, and what a flooring contract should say.

Updated October 12, 2026 · 4 checks · 113 official sources
Your checklist: 4 checks before you hire
  1. 1Check the license or registration
  2. 2Lead-safe certification in older homes
  3. 3What the contract should say
  4. 4What to ask before work starts

You can check a flooring company's license or registration before work starts. Here's what each state asks for, where to look a company up, and what the contract should say.

Check the license or registration

Ask for the license or registration number and the name it's issued to, then look it up. Make sure the name matches the business on your quote.

What a flooring contractor needs differs a lot by state. Some states license flooring work or register contractors, some cover it with a general contractor or home improvement license, some set a job size below which no state license is needed, and some leave it to cities and counties. Where the state has no license or registration, ask your city or county whether it licenses contractors.

Each state's name links to its rules page on this site, which also covers permits, asbestos, lead-safe work and contracts.

State What the state asks for, and where to check
Alabama Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Alaska Flooring contractors in Alaska must register with the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, as a general contractor or in a specialty trade such as floor covering, tile and terrazzo, or finish carpentry, which includes hardwood flooring and floor refinishing (AS 08.18; 12 AAC 21.240, 21.350, 21.520). A handyman registration covers jobs of $10,000 or less.1-3 Check a registration with Alaska's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Arizona Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Arkansas Flooring contractors need a license from the Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee for home improvement jobs over $2,000, either a residential remodeler license or a residential specialty license such as floors and floor coverings, or tile, terrazzo, marble and countertops (Ark. Code 17-25-505; 17 CAR 295-111).4
California Flooring contractors in California need a license from the Contractors State License Board, such as C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering (carpet, resilient, wood floors and their finishing, but not ceramic tile) or C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile. Jobs under $1,000 can be exempt, but only where they need no building permit, and not for anyone who advertises as a contractor or hires help (Bus. & Prof. Code 7048).5-9 The board's B-2 Residential Remodeling classification also lists flooring and tiling among its trades.7-8, 10 Check a license with the Contractors State License Board.
Colorado Colorado has no state license for flooring contractors; the Attorney General tells homeowners to check with their city or county that a contractor is licensed to work there.11
Connecticut Flooring contractors must register as home improvement contractors with the Department of Consumer Protection for residential jobs over $200; the law's definition of home improvement names flooring (Conn. Gen. Stat. 20-419, 20-420).12-13 Check a registration with the Department of Consumer Protection.
Delaware Delaware has no separate license for flooring work. Contractors need a contractor's business license from the Division of Revenue, which requires a Department of Labor certificate of notice and workers' compensation proof (30 Del. C. 2502).14-15 Check a business license with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
District of Columbia DC home improvement contractors, including flooring installers, need a Basic Business License as a Home Improvement Contractor from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, with a $25,000 surety bond (D.C. Code 47-2883.01).16-17 See the District's list of basic business licenses on its open data site.
Florida Florida doesn't require a state contractor license for flooring: the Construction Industry Licensing Board lists carpet and tile among work that needs no state license, and state law bars cities and counties from requiring a license for flooring or tile installation (Fla. Stat. 489.117(4)(a)).18-19
Georgia Georgia doesn't require a residential or general contractor license for single-specialty flooring work: the licensing board lists carpet, VCT and base, ceramics and hard tiles, terrazzo and wood flooring among specialty trades that can contract directly with an owner (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17). A remodel that coordinates several trades needs a Residential Basic or general contractor license.20-21
Hawaii Flooring contractors need a license from Hawaii's Contractors License Board, such as C-21 flooring (including wood floors and sanding and refinishing), C-7 carpet laying or C-51 tile. It's required on any job over $1,500, and on any job that needs a building permit whatever the price (HRS 444-2).22-24 The board also has C-51a Cultured marble and C-51b Terrazzo classifications (HAR 16-77).23 Check a license with Hawaii's Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
Idaho Flooring contractors must register with the Idaho Contractors Board for any job of $2,000 or more (Idaho Code 54-5204, 54-5205). It's a contractor registration, not a license.25-28 Check a registration with Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Illinois Illinois has no state license or registration for flooring contractors, and the Attorney General says general contractors aren't licensed by the state, so ask your city about permits and any local license.29-30
Indiana Indiana has no state license for flooring contractors. The Attorney General says licensing requirements vary from community to community, so check with your city or county building department.31-32
Iowa Contractors who earn $2,000 or more a year from construction work, including flooring jobs, must register with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (Iowa Code 91C.1, 91C.2). It's a registration, not a license with an exam.33-36 See Iowa's contractor registration page, which links its registration search.
Kansas Kansas has no state license for flooring contractors; the Attorney General says your city or county can tell you what licensing applies. Johnson County, for example, licenses residential contractors.37-38
Kentucky Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Louisiana Flooring contractors need a Home Improvement license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for home jobs from $7,500 up to $50,000, and a Residential license above that (La. R.S. 37:2150.1).39-40 Check a license with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Maine Maine doesn't license or regulate home improvement contractors, including flooring installers (Maine Attorney General), but any home construction contract over $3,000 must be in writing and signed by both sides (10 M.R.S. 1487).41-42
Maryland Flooring contractors need a contractor license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, since home improvement covers the alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of any part of a home (Md. Code, Bus. Reg. 8-101, 8-301).43-45 Check a license with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
Massachusetts Contractors doing flooring work on an existing owner-occupied home with one to four units must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (M.G.L. c.142A).46-47 Check a registration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Michigan Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Minnesota A contractor offering only interior finishing, which includes floor covering, wood floors and ceramic, marble and quarry tile, doesn't need a Minnesota residential contractor license. One who also offers a second special skill, such as carpentry or drywall, needs a Residential Remodeler or Residential Building Contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry (Minn. Stat. 326B.802, 326B.805).48-50
Mississippi Flooring contractors need a Residential Remodeler license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors when improvements to an existing home cost more than $10,000 (Miss. Code 73-59-1).51-52 The board's specialty classifications include Floor Covering and Tile and Marble, which needs an exam.52 Check a license with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Missouri Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Montana Montana's construction contractor license, whose definition names installing carpeting or other floor covering, is needed for flooring jobs of $2,500 or more (MCA 37-45-201). Independent contractors with no employees are exempt (MCA 37-45-104).53-55 Check a license with Montana's Department of Labor and Industry.
Nebraska Flooring contractors have to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor before doing construction work (Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-2104). Someone earning less than $5,000 a year from construction work isn't covered.56-57 Check a registration with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Nevada Flooring contractors need a Nevada State Contractors Board license, such as C-16 finishing floors (carpet and other floor coverings, not ceramic tile or marble), C-20 tiling, or C-3 carpentry for wood flooring. Repair or maintenance work under $1,000 can be exempt, but not when it needs a building permit or is part of a larger job (NRS 624.031).58-60 The board's flooring classes also include C-16a Covering floors, C-19 Installing terrazzo and marble, and C-3b Finish carpentry, which includes wooden flooring (NAC 624).59 Check a license with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
New Hampshire Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
New Jersey Businesses doing flooring work on homes have to register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs as home improvement contractors, with no dollar threshold (N.J.S.A. 56:8-138).61-62 Check a registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
New Mexico New Mexico's Construction Industries Division licenses contractors by classification, and its classification rule lists no flooring, floor covering or tile class (14.6.6 NMAC). A handyman doing casual, minor work worth no more than $7,200 a year is exempt (14.6.2 NMAC).63-65
New York The New York Attorney General says home improvement contractors must be licensed in New York City and in Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.66-68
North Carolina Flooring jobs costing $40,000 or more need a general contractor license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, in the Building, Residential or S(Interior Construction) specialty classification, which covers flooring and finishing (G.S. 87-1; 21 NCAC 12A .0202).69-71 Check a license with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
North Dakota Anyone doing a flooring job worth more than $4,000 needs a contractor license (Class A, B, C or D) from the North Dakota Secretary of State (N.D.C.C. 43-07-02). North Dakota has no separate flooring license.72-73 Check a license with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Ohio Ohio doesn't license flooring contractors at the state level, but many Ohio cities do.74-75
Oklahoma Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Oregon Flooring contractors need a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board with a residential endorsement (ORS 701.021). Only casual, minor jobs under $1,000 by someone who doesn't advertise as a contractor are exempt (ORS 701.010).76-77 Check a license with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
Pennsylvania Flooring contractors must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office as home improvement contractors before taking a home job over $500; the law's definition of home improvement names flooring (73 P.S. 517.2, 517.3). Contractors whose home improvement work totaled less than $5,000 in the previous tax year are exempt.78-79 Check a registration with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Rhode Island Flooring contractors need a certificate of registration from the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board, and the law names floor covering installers and ceramic tile installers among subcontractors who must register (R.I. Gen. Laws 5-65-3). Only casual, minor jobs under $500 by someone who doesn't advertise as a contractor are exempt.80-82 Check a registration with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board.
South Carolina A flooring contractor working on a home needs the Residential Builders Commission's specialty registration as a floor covering installer when the job is over $500 (S.C. Code 40-59-20(7)). A Residential Builder license is needed for broader home improvement jobs over $5,000.83-85
South Dakota Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Tennessee A contractor who contracts directly with you for a flooring job of $25,000 or more needs a contractor license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, which has BC-4 floor covering and BC-15 tile, terrazzo and marble classifications. In Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties, home jobs from $3,000 up to $24,999 need the board's Home Improvement license.86-88 Check a license with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Texas Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
Utah Hardwood, laminate and tile flooring jobs of $7,000 or more, labor and materials included, need a contractor license from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, such as S220 Carpentry and Flooring (Utah Code 58-55-301, 58-55-305). Carpet, vinyl sheet tile and vinyl plank installation need no contractor license (Utah Admin. Code R156-55a-301an).89-91 Utah's other licenses for this work include S230 Masonry, Siding, Stucco, Glass, and Rain Gutter (ceramic, stone and marble tile) and R101 Residential and Small Commercial Non Structural Remodeling and Repair.91 Check a license with Utah's Division of Professional Licensing.
Vermont Contractors need a Residential Contractor registration with Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation before contracting with a homeowner for work worth more than $10,000, labor and materials included (26 V.S.A. 5501).92-94 Check a registration with Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation.
Virginia Flooring jobs over $1,000 need a Virginia Board for Contractors license, which has a Flooring and Floor Covering (FLR) specialty covering wood, carpet, vinyl and all types of tile, plus subflooring and leveling (Va. Code 54.1-1100; 18VAC50-22-30).95-97 The board's TMC Tile, marble, ceramic, and terrazzo and FIN Finish carpentry specialties also cover the work (FIN includes wooden flooring), as do its HIC Home improvement and RBC Residential building classes.96-97 Check a license with Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Washington Flooring contractors must be registered with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, bonded and insured (RCW 18.27.020). Casual, minor jobs under $500 are exempt, unless they're part of a larger job or the person advertises as a contractor (RCW 18.27.090). Registered specialties include floor covering and countertops, and tile.98-101 Check a registration with the Department of Labor and Industries.
West Virginia Flooring jobs on homes of $5,000 or more need a license from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (W. Va. Code 30-42-3, 30-42-6). The Residential classification covers all residential work, and Remodeling and Repair is limited to jobs of $40,000 or less.102-106 Check a license with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
Wisconsin Wisconsin has no flooring license. A contractor who takes out a building permit for work on a one- or two-family home needs a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (Wis. Stat. 101.654; SPS 320.07).107-109 Check a credential with the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Wyoming Ask a flooring contractor which state or local license or registration it holds, if any, and check it with the office that issued it.
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Lead-safe certification in older homes

In a home built before 1978, a company paid for work that disturbs more painted surface than the rule's small-job limits has to be a lead-safe certified firm, certified by the EPA or by a state that runs its own program.110-111 Sanding a painted floor or taking off painted trim can count. This is separate from any state license. Lead-safe rules for floor work explains it.

What the contract should say

The FTC's advice:112

  • Get more than one estimate. A written estimate should describe the work, the materials, the completion date and the price.
  • Ask for a written contract even if your state doesn't require one, and fill in every blank before you sign. It should give the contractor's name, address, phone number and license number, the estimated start and finish dates, and any promises made about the work and the cost.
  • Don't pay the whole price up front. Some states limit how much a contractor can ask for as a down payment, and your state or local consumer agency can tell you the rule where you live.
  • Don't make the final payment until the work is done and you're satisfied with it.

The right to cancel. If you agree to a purchase of $25 or more at your home, after the seller came to you, the federal cooling-off rule lets you cancel until midnight of the third business day after the sale, and the seller has to give you a contract or receipt that says so.113 Many states add their own rules on written contracts, cancelling and deposits. Each state's rules page, linked from the table above, has its contract rules.

What to ask before work starts

  • The license or registration number, and the state or local body that issued it.
  • In a home built before 1978, the company's lead-safe certification.
  • A written quote that names the flooring and says what's included: taking up and hauling away the old floor, any subfloor work, and the trim.
  • If old vinyl or asphalt tile or sheet vinyl is coming up, how the company will handle it. Asbestos in old floor tiles and sheet vinyl has what to ask.
  • Who will get the permit, if your job needs one. Do you need a permit for new flooring or subfloor repair? has each state's rule.

Each company on this site is listed with its phone number where it has one, so you can call two or three and compare. You can also send a request through the request form.

Licensing rules and lookups from state licensing boards, agencies and legislatures, and contract guidance from the Federal Trade Commission and the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, checked October 2026.

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Sources (113)

  1. Alaska Statutes 08.18.011 to 08.18.171 ↑
  2. Alaska State Legislature ↑
  3. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development ↑
  4. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing ↑
  5. California Business and Professions Code 7048 ↑
  6. California Contractors State License Board: handyperson exemption to increase to $1,000 in 2025 ↑
  7. California Contractors State License Board: C-15 flooring and floor covering contractor classification ↑
  8. California Contractors State License Board: C-54 ceramic and mosaic tile contractor classification ↑
  9. California Contractors State License Board: licensing classifications ↑
  10. California Contractors State License Board: B-2 residential remodeling contractor classification ↑
  11. Colorado Attorney General ↑
  12. Connecticut General Statutes chapter 400 ↑
  13. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection ↑
  14. Delaware Code title 30, chapter 25 ↑
  15. Delaware Division of Revenue ↑
  16. DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection ↑
  17. D.C. Code 47-2883.01 ↑
  18. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ↑
  19. Florida Statutes 489.117 ↑
  20. Georgia Secretary of State: traditional specialty contractors policy statements ↑
  21. Georgia Consumer Protection Division ↑
  22. Hawaii Revised Statutes 444-2 ↑
  23. Hawaii Administrative Rules title 16, chapter 77 ↑
  24. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs ↑
  25. Idaho Code 54-5203 ↑
  26. Idaho Code 54-5204 ↑
  27. Idaho Code 54-5205 ↑
  28. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses ↑
  29. Illinois Attorney General ↑
  30. Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) ↑
  31. Indiana Attorney General ↑
  32. Indiana Code 24-5-11 ↑
  33. Iowa Code 91C.1 ↑
  34. Iowa Code 91C.2 ↑
  35. Iowa Administrative Code 871-23.82 ↑
  36. Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing: contractor registration ↑
  37. Kansas Attorney General ↑
  38. Johnson County ↑
  39. Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:2150.1 ↑
  40. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors: types of licenses ↑
  41. State of Maine ↑
  42. Maine Revised Statutes title 10, section 1487 ↑
  43. Maryland Code, Business Regulation 8-301 ↑
  44. Maryland Code, Business Regulation 8-101 ↑
  45. Maryland Department of Labor ↑
  46. Massachusetts General Laws chapter 142A, section 1 ↑
  47. Commonwealth of Massachusetts: home improvement contractor registration and renewal ↑
  48. Minnesota Statutes 326B.802 ↑
  49. Minnesota Statutes 326B.805 ↑
  50. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry ↑
  51. Mississippi State Board of Contractors ↑
  52. Mississippi State Board of Contractors: classifications ↑
  53. Montana Department of Labor and Industry ↑
  54. Montana Code Annotated 37-45-201 ↑
  55. Montana Code Annotated 37-45-104 ↑
  56. Nebraska Revised Statutes 48-2101 to 48-2117 ↑
  57. Nebraska Department of Labor ↑
  58. Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 624 ↑
  59. Nevada Administrative Code chapter 624 ↑
  60. Nevada State Contractors Board ↑
  61. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: notice on changes to the law and new registration requirements, February 2025 ↑
  62. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: notice on changes to the law and new registration requirements, October 2024 ↑
  63. New Mexico Administrative Code 14.6.6 ↑
  64. New Mexico Administrative Code 14.6.2 ↑
  65. New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department: Construction Industries Division ↑
  66. New York State Attorney General ↑
  67. New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection ↑
  68. Suffolk County ↑
  69. North Carolina General Statutes 87-1 ↑
  70. North Carolina Administrative Code 21 NCAC 12A .0202 ↑
  71. North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors ↑
  72. North Dakota Century Code chapter 43-07 ↑
  73. North Dakota Secretary of State ↑
  74. Ohio Attorney General ↑
  75. Ohio Department of Commerce ↑
  76. Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 701 ↑
  77. Oregon Construction Contractors Board ↑
  78. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act ↑
  79. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration ↑
  80. Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1 ↑
  81. Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-2 ↑
  82. Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-3 ↑
  83. South Carolina Code title 40, chapter 59 ↑
  84. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: residential specialty contractor registration ↑
  85. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation ↑
  86. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: contractor license ↑
  87. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance ↑
  88. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: contractor classification outline ↑
  89. Utah Code 58-55-305 ↑
  90. Utah Code 58-55-301 ↑
  91. Utah Administrative Code R156-55a ↑
  92. Vermont Statutes title 26, section 5501 ↑
  93. Vermont Statutes title 26, section 5502 ↑
  94. Vermont Secretary of State ↑
  95. Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 ↑
  96. Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC50-22-30 ↑
  97. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation ↑
  98. Revised Code of Washington 18.27.020 ↑
  99. Revised Code of Washington 18.27.090 ↑
  100. Washington Administrative Code 296-200A-016 ↑
  101. Washington Department of Labor and Industries: register as a contractor ↑
  102. West Virginia Code 30-42-3 ↑
  103. West Virginia Code 30-42-6 ↑
  104. West Virginia Code 30-42-7 ↑
  105. West Virginia Code of State Rules 28-02 (2026 filing) ↑
  106. West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board ↑
  107. Wisconsin Statutes 101.654 ↑
  108. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services ↑
  109. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS chapter 320 ↑
  110. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 40 CFR 745.81 ↑
  111. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 40 CFR 745.83 ↑
  112. Federal Trade Commission: how to avoid a home improvement scam ↑
  113. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 16 CFR part 429 ↑

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