CheckLicensed Blog
Guides and research on verifying contractors before you hire.
Page 43 of 45
June 2025 · 7 min read
A handyman can legally work only below your state's dollar threshold — typically $500 to $2,500. Above that, or for any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work, a licensed contractor is required by law.
Read more →June 2025 · 8 min read
In most states, homeowners can do their own electrical work on their primary residence with a permit and inspection — but not on rentals, and not without permits. Louisiana prohibits homeowner electrical work entirely.
Read more →June 2025 · 7 min read
Search your city or county building department's online permit database by property address. Active permits appear with the contractor's name, scope, issue date, and inspection status.
Read more →June 2025 · 7 min read
In most cases, no. Contractors cannot legally start permitted work before the permit is issued and posted at the job site. Starting without a permit risks stop-work orders, fines, and required demolition.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Alabama solar installation requires an electrical contractor license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (AECB). There is no separate solar license — the AECB electrical license is the controlling credential.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Alaska solar contractors must hold an electrical contractor license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing (DCBPL). Both the business entity and the qualifying electrical administrator must be licensed.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Arkansas solar contractors need two licenses: a contractor license from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) for projects over $2,000, and an electrical license from the Arkansas State Electrical Division for wiring and grid connection.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Delaware solar contractors must hold both a Home Improvement Contractor registration and an electrician license. Learn which boards to check, how to verify credentials, and what risks come with unlicensed solar work.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Hawaii requires a C-61 Solar Specialty Contractor license from the DCCA PVL division. With one of the highest solar adoption rates per capita in the nation, Hawaii has strict licensing requirements.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Idaho has no statewide contractor license requirement, but solar electrical work requires a licensed electrician from the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Local permits are always required.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Iowa has no statewide solar contractor license, but all electrical work requires an Iowa electrical license. The Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing oversees electrical credentials.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Kansas has no statewide solar contractor license, but local jurisdictions including Wichita and Kansas City require local electrical licenses. Always verify local requirements before hiring.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Maine solar installation requires an electrician license from the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for all electrical work. No separate solar contractor license exists at the state level.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Mississippi solar contractors need two credentials: a contractor license from the MS State Board of Contractors for large projects, and an electrical license from the MS State Board of Electrical Contractors.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Missouri has no statewide solar contractor license. Electrical work for solar requires a local jurisdiction electrical license — St. Louis and Kansas City each operate their own electrical licensing systems.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Montana solar installation requires an electrician license from the Montana Board of Electrical Contractors for all wiring work. No statewide general contractor license is required.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Nebraska has no statewide contractor license, but solar electrical work requires an electrician license from the Nebraska State Electrical Division. Local permits are required for all installations.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
New Mexico requires an EE98 electrical license from the NM Regulation & Licensing Department for solar installation. A $10,000 bond is required. Verify at rld.nm.gov.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
North Dakota has no statewide contractor license. Solar electrical work requires a journeyman or master electrician license from the North Dakota State Electrical Board.
Read more →June 2025 · 6 min read
Rhode Island requires contractor registration through the Contractor's Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) plus a separate electrician license for solar installation. Verify at crb.ri.gov.
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