Home Improvement Contractor Registration

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Due to a change in the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. § 517.1, et seq. (HICPA), the registration fee is being raised to $100 every two years.  All new and renewal applications submitted after March 2, 2026 will require payment of $100.

Registration System Update
We thank you for your continued patience as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection addresses issues arising out of the cyber incident that occurred in early August 2025. Since that time, our office has been working diligently to restore our email, applications, and databases, which includes the home improvement contractor database.  We understand your concerns and are trying to help contractors, as well as the public, maneuver through this challenging time.

At this time, the public platform for consumers to access registration status for home improvement contractors is functional. To verify the registration of a home improvement contractor, click here. In addition, consumers may call our HelpLine at 1-888-520-6680. Please note: Registration under HICPA is not an endorsement, recommendation or approval by the Office of Attorney General of the contractor’s competency or skill.

The part of the home improvement contractor database which allows us to process registrations is still not operational. This means that contractors cannot access the registration system online to register, renew or update information nor are we able to process paper applications. With that being said, we are accepting paper applications, which will be processed once our system is up and running. Instructions to complete the application are found here (HICPA Application Instructions). Contractors, who submit a paper application, will receive an acknowledgement letter in the mail. Once the system is operational again, the office will mail registration certificates, including the registration number, to all contractors who submitted complete applications and payments. For any applications that are incomplete or missing payment, the applicant will receive follow up communication.

For contractors who started a new business after August 8, 2025, and for existing contractors whose registrations expired after August 8, 2025, the Office of Attorney General will allow a grace period for these contractors to register or renew using the online system. This grace period will extend to 30 days after the registration system is restored. Contractors whose registrations have expired will be notified by email once the system is ready to accept online renewals again. New contractors should periodically check the office’s website to learn when the system has been restored, or mail a paper application.

For existing contractors whose registrations expired after August 8, 2025, the Office of Attorney General will not seek to hold such existing contractors liable for failing to renew during the grace period. For new contractors who started a new business after August 8, 2025, the Office of Attorney General will not hold such new contractors liable for failing to register or to display their registration number on their contract or advertisements during the grace period.

With this in mind, the grace period applies only to the HICPA registration (and, for new contractors, advertising) requirements. It does not excuse any person from complying with the other requirements in HICPA, including, without limitation, the requirement to obtain and maintain insurance. This grace period also does not apply to contractors who are prohibited by a Court Order (including an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance) from registering or holding themselves out as contractors.

Other HICPA Requirements Remain in Effect

Please Note: The grace period applies only to the HICPA registration (and, for new contractors, advertising) requirements. It does not excuse any person from complying with the other requirements in HICPA, including the requirement to obtain and maintain insurance.  This grace period also does not apply to contractors who are prohibited by a Court Order (including an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance) from registering or holding themselves out as contractors.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General’s Office.

We have worked to ensure that the registration process is as quick and easy as possible. Registration may be completed online (currently offline) or by mailing an application to our office. We encourage you to complete your registration online, as you will receive your registration number and a printable temporary registration certificate instantaneously.