Is this contractor legit?
Enter a license number. Get a real-time green / yellow / red scorecard — license status, bond and insurance minimums, disciplinary history. Works for CSLB, AZ ROC, FL CILB, TX TDLR, NYC DOB, WA L&I, and 11 more regulators.Angi doesn't have this. Thumbtack doesn't have this.
Why this check exists
Licenses change after signup
Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor typically verify licenses once at the contractor's signup — then never again. A license that was active in 2023 may be revoked today. AskBaily checks the live record at the moment you ask.
Unlicensed work voids your insurance
Homeowner liability policies typically deny claims from unlicensed work. The state recovery fund (CSLB, AZ ROC) only backs licensed contractors. A five-minute check before signing protects both funds.
Disciplinary history is public — few look
Every citation, accusation, and revocation is on record at the board. Fewer than 3% of homeowners check before hiring. AskBaily surfaces that record in plain language next to the status badge.
The check the other platforms hide
| Platform | Live license check | Bond/insurance table | Disciplinary record | Re-checks at match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AskBaily | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Angi | No | No | No | No |
| Thumbtack | No | No | No | No |
| HomeAdvisor | No | No | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
Is the AskBaily contractor check completely free?
Yes. The contractor check is free for homeowners. You do not need an account, email address, or phone number to get a result. AskBaily earns revenue only when a contractor closes a job through our platform — homeowner tools are free as a structural commitment, not a promotion.
Where does AskBaily get the license data?
AskBaily queries each state or national regulator's own verification system at the moment you submit. We do not maintain a cached copy of license records. The status you see is the status the board reports at that exact moment — the same source a permit department or general contractor would consult.
What does 'revoked' mean vs 'expired'?
'Expired' means the contractor let their renewal lapse — sometimes an administrative oversight. 'Revoked' means the board took enforcement action: consumer complaints, bond claims, safety violations, or disciplinary orders. Revoked is significantly more serious. Neither status permits legal contracting in most jurisdictions. Do not sign or pay a deposit until you see 'Active'.
Can I check a contractor before hiring from Angi or Thumbtack?
Yes. Paste the license number they give you (or find it on their proposal letterhead) into this tool. Angi and Thumbtack typically verify licenses once at signup and then do not re-check. A license that was active when they joined may be expired, suspended, or revoked today. AskBaily checks the live record right now.
My state has no general contractor license (Texas, Illinois, NY state). What do I enter?
For Texas, enter the TDLR trade-card number (electrician, HVAC, or plumbing) or the municipal registration number. For Illinois, enter the Chicago BACP license number or IDFPR roofing contractor number. For New York state (outside NYC), enter the DOS HIC registration number. For the five NYC boroughs, use the NY-NYC option and enter the DCWP HIC or DOB number. The tool surfaces the correct registry for each jurisdiction.
What should I do with a red 'do not hire' result?
Do not sign any contract or hand over a deposit. Take a screenshot of the result for your records. If the contractor is already on site, consult a construction attorney before proceeding. File a complaint with the state board (CSLB, AZ ROC, etc.) and your state attorney general's consumer-protection unit. Then use AskBaily's 'Get matched with a verified alternative' CTA to find a licensed replacement.
How is AskBaily's contractor check different from just going to the CSLB website?
AskBaily consolidates 17 regulators into a single interface, surfaces the bond and insurance minimums your state requires (so you can cross-check the contractor's certificate), and flags disciplinary actions in a readable format. The raw CSLB or ROC portal gives you the same underlying data for that one jurisdiction — AskBaily adds context, cross-checks the insurance table, and routes you to a verified alternative when the result is red.
More free tools
Self-check before a client does
AskBaily re-queries your board at match-time. If your license has lapsed or a disciplinary action is unresolved, the match won't route. Run this check on yourself before applying — it surfaces exactly what a homeowner (or AskBaily's matching engine) will see.