How to Verify a Contractor's License in Utah
Key Takeaway
Every contractor working on a permitted project in Utah must hold a valid license from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). You can verify any license in under 60 seconds.
Why It Matters
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Utah puts you at risk: building inspectors can red-tag the work, your homeowner's insurance may not cover damage from unlicensed work, and you have no recourse through the state's contractor recovery fund if something goes wrong. Licensed contractors carry insurance, have passed trade exams, and are accountable to the state licensing board.
How to Check a License
Go to the DOPL License Lookup
Visit the Utah Division of Professional Licensing verification page at dopl.utah.gov/verify.
Search by name or license number
Enter the contractor's name, company name, or license number. You can also filter by license type (General Building, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc.).
Verify the license is active
Look for “Active” status and check the expiration date. Also verify the license classification matches the work being done — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work.
Check for disciplinary actions
The DOPL record shows any complaints, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions. A clean record is a good sign.
Utah Contractor License Types
| License Type | Covers |
|---|---|
| General Building (B100) | New construction, additions, remodels |
| Residential Building (B200) | Residential construction only |
| Electrical (E100) | All electrical work |
| Plumbing (P100) | All plumbing, gas, and sewer work |
| HVAC (S350) | Heating, ventilation, air conditioning |
| Roofing (S210) | Roof installation and repair |
| Landscaping (S330) | Irrigation, grading, hardscaping |
| Fire Suppression (S280) | Fire sprinkler systems |
Homeowner Exemption
Utah allows homeowners to perform most types of work on their own primary residence without a contractor's license. You still must obtain all required permits and pass all inspections. The homeowner exemption does not apply to rental properties, commercial buildings, or work performed for others. If you hire someone to do the work, they must be licensed.
Red Flags
- Contractor says “you don't need a permit for this” — always verify independently
- Contractor wants to pull the permit in your name as the “homeowner” — this is a sign they are unlicensed
- License number not provided on bid or contract
- Cash-only, no written contract, or “we'll skip the inspection”
Bottom Line
Always verify your contractor's license before signing a contract. It takes 60 seconds on the DOPL website and protects you from unlicensed work, voided insurance claims, and failed inspections.