Utah contractor license lookup: how to check and get a license
Utah contractor license lookup: who issues home improvement contractor licenses (DOPL), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,307 residential remodelers by county.
Do home improvement contractors need a license in Utah?
| Who licenses them | Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Department of Commerce |
|---|---|
| License types | General Building Contractor (B100), Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (R100), Specialty Contractor |
| When a license is required | License required for repair, remodeling or improvement work worth $7,000 or more (labor and materials, including change orders). Below $7,000 a handyman exemption applies, and on jobs over $3,000 the handyman must file an exemption affirmation with DOPL, which includes proof of liability insurance. Plumbing, electrical and gas work always needs the licensed trade. |
For remodels of $7,000 or more, ask for a DOPL contractor license number and check its classification on the lookup. For smaller jobs, ask an unlicensed handyman for proof of liability insurance.
How do you look up a home improvement contractor's license in Utah?
- Ask the home improvement contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Utah contractor license lookup run by DOPL.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the home improvement contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DOPL.
What contractor licenses does Utah issue?
- General Building Contractor (B100)
- Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (R100)
- Specialty Contractor
How do you get a contractor license in Utah?
Licenses are issued by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Department of Commerce. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOPL source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many home improvement contractors are there in Utah?
The Census Bureau counted 1,307 residential remodelers with employees in Utah in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Salt Lake County | 467 |
|---|---|
| Utah County | 242 |
| Davis County | 126 |
| Washington County | 98 |
| Weber County | 90 |
| Cache County | 55 |
| Summit County | 54 |
| Iron County | 38 |
What do Utah homes mean for home improvement work?
The median home in Utah was built in 1991, 29% of households rent and 75% of homes are single-family houses. 79% of homes heat with utility gas and 16% with electricity.
How do you choose a home improvement contractor in Utah?
- Check the contractor's license with the state or city. Many places require a home improvement license for residential work over a few hundred dollars.
- Get a written contract with the scope, materials, schedule, total price and payment schedule. Don't pay most of it upfront.
- Ask who pulls the permits. If the contractor suggests skipping a permit that the job needs, find another contractor.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and make sure the policy is current.
- Ask for two or three recent jobs like yours that you can see or call about.
Home Improvement Contractors in other states
Sources: Utah licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.