Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Registration System Outage
Due to an unexpected system outage that began on August 9, 2025, the online registration for home improvement contractors is currently unavailable.
During this time, contractors have been unable to access their registration, renew their registration, or submit a new registration online. Our office is still receiving mail, so contractors may continue to mail a paper application with payment. An applicant who mails a complete paper application and payment 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, the applicant will receive follow up communication.
Grace Period for Registration
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 reregister 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.
Other HICPA Requirements Remain in Effect
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.
As of July 1, 2009, consumers in Pennsylvania are able to verify registration with the Attorney General’s office by visiting the Registered Contractors page (currently offline) or by calling our toll-free hotline, 1-888-520-6680. Our office encourages consumers to use registered contractors when deciding to invest in home improvements.