Home Improvement Contractor Registration

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Due to a change in the Commonwealth Fiscal Code, 72 P.S. § 1603-U, the registration fee has been increased to $100 every two years. This fee applies to all new and renewal applications. There is no cost for making updates to existing registration information. Please Note: The registration fee is non-refundable.

Registration System Update

EFFECTIVE APRIL 24, 2026, THE ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL.

Contractors may now register, renew or update their registration online. To do so, please select the ‘CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION’ box on the right-hand side of this screen to be taken to the PA-HICRS application. Please review the instructions on the online registration homepage. This information will assist you with the registration process.

The updated system is built on a new application that enhances both functionality and security. Improvements include enhanced security, integration of a new payment processing system, and added a component that will allow for the Office of Attorney General to conduct automated criminal docket checks to support more thorough vetting of registrants.

Contractors, who started a new business after August 8, 2025, and for existing contractors whose registrations expired after August 8, 2025, were able to operate during the outage. These contractors, to the extent they did not submit a paper application during the outage, are now required to complete their registration through the online system.

Since the online registration system is now restored, contractors who did not submit a paper application, have a grace period ending on June 8, 2026 to fulfill the requirement of the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. § 517.1, et seq. (HICPA).

If you submitted a paper application since August 8, 2025, please allow time for your registration, renewal or update to be processed. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ONLINE.

Once the application is submitted in our online system, contractors will receive an email to confirm whether their registration was approved, pended or denied and provide additional instructions. The statuses are as follows:

Approved: This occurs when the information provided on your application appears to be accurate. If you submitted an application for a new registration, you will receive an email, which will include your unique Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number (PA#) and expiration date. If you submitted a renewal application, you will receive an email, which will include your expiration date. For both new and renewal registrations, your certificate will be attached to the email, if you selected to receive a digital copy.

Pended: This occurs when information provided on your application is incorrect or incomplete. If this is the case, you will receive an email, which will have instructions to correct your information. Failure to make corrections within 30 days will result in your application being terminated. You will then have to submit another application.

Denied: This occurs when individuals are not permitted to apply or renew for a home improvement contractor registration. If this is the case, you will receive an email, which directs you to call our HelpLine at 1-888-520-6680 or hi*@*************al.gov.

HICPA Resources

HICPA Application Instructions

HICPA Online Application

HICPA Mail-in Application

Inquiries Arising Since Cyber Incident

Verify a Contractor’s HICPA Registration

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.

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Additional HICPA Information

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.

ACT 132

Home Improvement Consumer Protection

Protect yourself before your next home improvement project. This guide outlines Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act—what contractors are required to do, your rights as a homeowner, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Download the Act 132 Guide

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Contractor Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about contractor registration in Pennsylvania? This FAQ breaks down the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act—who needs to register, what’s required, and how to stay compliant before starting work.

HICPA Contractor FAQ

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Home Improvement Updates to the Law

Stay up to date on Pennsylvania’s home improvement laws. Learn about recent changes to the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, including new contractor requirements and protections designed to help homeowners avoid unexpected costs.

Review Recent Amendments