Home Improvement Contractor Registration

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 not cost for making updates to existing registration information.

Since our online registration system is restored, contractors, who started a new business after August 8, 2025, and for existing contractors whose registrations expired after August 8, 2025, have 30 days to fulfill the requirements of the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. § 517.1, et seq. (HICPA). This grace period ends on May 26, 2026.

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.  Then click the green “Sign In/Sign Up” button on the right-hand side of the screen and enter the email address associated with your business. This is the same one you used to access the previous HIC registration system, if applicable. If you previously signed in with a Gmail account, you can select the “Sign-In with Google” option instead. This allows you to use your Google credentials without creating a new password. After signing in, you should see a list of the businesses linked to your email address. If no businesses appear, please contact our staff at 1-888-520-6680 or hic@attorneygeneral.gov. Note: If you do not use the email address that is associated to your business, the site will not be able to link you to your businesses.

Please review the instructions on the online registration homepage. This information will assist you with the registration process.

The information provided on your application will go through a verification process. After your initial email regarding the status of your application, you will receive a follow-up email sent to the address associated with your registration. This email will confirm whether your application was approved, pended or denied and provide additional instructions. Confirmation includes the following:

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. If this is the case, you will receive an email, which will have instructions to correct your information and submit your registration again. 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 hic@attorneygeneral.gov.

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.