How to Check a Contractor's License in Denver, CO

Denver contractor verification involves both Colorado state licensing for specific trades and the City of Denver's own contractor license requirement. Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) licenses electricians and plumbers at the state level, while the City of Denver's Community Planning and Development department issues Denver-specific contractor licenses for general construction work within city limits. Here is the full process.

Denver is unusual among major Colorado cities because it operates as a combined city-county and issues its own contractor licenses on top of state trade licensing. This dual-layer system means more to check — but also more layers of protection for homeowners who verify both.

Does Colorado require statewide contractor licensing?

Colorado does not require a statewide general contractor license, but does license specific trades through DORA. Electricians and plumbers must hold DORA licenses to work legally anywhere in Colorado. These are searchable through the DORA license lookup at my.colorado.gov. General contractors in most Colorado cities operate without a state-level GC credential, though Denver adds its own city requirement on top.

• No statewide Colorado GC license — no state GC database to check
• DORA licenses electricians and plumbers: my.colorado.gov license search
• Denver requires its own city contractor license for general construction work
• Other Colorado cities may have different local requirements
• Always confirm whether state licensing, city licensing, or both apply

What is Denver's city contractor license requirement?

The City of Denver requires general contractors, electrical contractors, and plumbing contractors to hold a Denver contractor license in addition to any state requirements. This license is issued through Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) at denvergov.org/cpd. A contractor who has a valid DORA trade license but no Denver city license cannot legally perform work within Denver city limits.

• Denver contractor license: required for general construction within Denver city limits
• Issued by Denver CPD at denvergov.org/cpd
• Required for general contractors, electrical contractors, and plumbing contractors
• Ask for both the Denver city license number and any applicable DORA state license number
• Denver license lookup available through the CPD portal

How do I verify a Denver contractor's state and city licenses?

A complete Denver contractor check requires two lookups. For trade contractors, start with the DORA state license search at my.colorado.gov to confirm active status. Then verify the Denver city license through denvergov.org/cpd. For general contractors performing non-trade work, the Denver city license is the primary credential to verify since no state GC license exists. Confirm both where applicable before signing any contract.

• DORA state license: my.colorado.gov — electricians and plumbers
• Denver city license: denvergov.org/cpd — for work within Denver
• Both searches are free and publicly accessible
• Confirm both licenses are “Active” and have current expiration dates
• Note license type — confirm it matches the scope of work planned

What permits does Denver require for contractor work?

Denver CPD issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for work within city limits. Permits must be pulled before work begins and authorize mandatory inspections at key project stages. Denver's permit search is available online, allowing homeowners to check whether a contractor has a history of pulling permits in Denver. A contractor with an extensive permit history demonstrates a pattern of above-board work.

• Denver CPD permits: denvergov.org/cpd/permits
• Required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
• Online permit history search available through the CPD portal
• Permits authorize inspections — no permit means no inspection oversight
• Final inspection sign-off is your guarantee that work meets Denver building code

What are the consequences of hiring an unlicensed contractor in Denver?

Denver enforces its contractor licensing requirements through CPD inspections and complaint-based enforcement. A contractor found working without a Denver city license faces fines and may be ordered to stop work. If permits have been issued, CPD can revoke them. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that contractor fraud costs consumers over $3 billion annually nationwide — and Denver's high construction costs mean individual losses can be particularly severe. Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors lose both CPD and DORA complaint protection.

• Denver CPD can issue stop-work orders and fines for unlicensed contractors
• No CPD or DORA complaint process for unlicensed contractor disputes
• Homeowner may face workers' comp liability for uninsured workers
• Unpermitted work in Denver must be disclosed at resale and may require correction
• Insurance companies can deny claims for unpermitted or unlicensed work

Is there a simpler way to verify a Denver contractor?

Running state DORA checks alongside Denver city license lookups and permit history searches requires navigating three separate systems. CheckLicensed.com aggregates official Colorado and Denver records into one fast check for just $0.99 — so you can confirm a Denver contractor's full credential status before any work begins.