New Jersey's contractor-licensing framework runs through the Division of Consumer Affairs for trade licenses and the Division of Consumer Affairs Home Improvement and New Home Construction registration programs for residential remodelers and builders. Trade-specific state licenses through NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. - Electricians: Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues Electrical Contractor licenses under N.J.S.A. 45:5A-1 et seq. Journeyman electricians are registered with the Board. Source: NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec). - Plumbers: State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers issues Master Plumber licenses under N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1 et seq. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu). - HVACR: State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors issues Master HVACR Contractor licenses under N.J.S.A. 45:16A-1 et seq. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr). - EPA 608: federal certification applies to refrigerant work (https://www.epa.gov/section608). Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. Under the New Jersey Contractors' Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq.), every home improvement contractor performing work on residential or non-commercial property must register annually with the Division of Consumer Affairs. HIC registration requires a $110 annual fee, proof of at least $500,000 commercial general liability insurance, and compliance with the Consumer Fraud Act and written-contract disclosure rules for projects over $500. HIC registration is separate from trade-specific licensing. Source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulatedprofessions/home-improvement-contractors). New Home Warranty. New home builders in New Jersey must register under the New Home Warranty and Builders' Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 46:3B-1 et seq.) administered by the Department of Community Affairs. Source: NJ DCA New Home Warranty Program (https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/offices/newhomewarranty.html). Local construction officials. New Jersey enforces the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) through local construction officials in each municipality under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq. Permits are issued by the local construction official; subcode officials (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building, fire protection) inspect the corresponding work. Source: NJ DCA Division of Codes and Standards (https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/). To operate as a trade contractor in New Jersey you generally need: the applicable state trade license (Electrical Contractor, Master Plumber, Master HVACR as applicable), HIC registration for residential remodeling, formation documents filed through NJ Business Formation Portal if operating as an LLC or corporation (https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessFormation), a federal EIN from the IRS, and NJ Business Registration Certificate through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Verify each requirement against current statutes and local rules before you assume you are compliant.
NJ · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in New Jersey
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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