Guide
How to check a contractor's license in Utah
To check a contractor's license in Utah, search their name or license number on the Division of Professional Licensing's free license lookup at secure.utah.gov/llv. Confirm the license is active, that the name matches the company on your contract, and that the classification covers your project. Utah law requires the license number on bids and contracts.
Step by step
- Open the DOPL license lookup at secure.utah.gov/llv/search.
- Search by the business name or the license number from the bid.
- Confirm the status is active and not expired, suspended, or on probation.
- Check that the licensed name matches the name on your contract. Utah law makes it unlawful for a contractor to do business under a name other than the one on the license.
- Check the classification against your project (see the table below).
- Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation, sent directly from the insurance agent.
What the common classifications mean
Utah licenses contractors by classification. The three you will see most often on residential remodels:
| Classification | What it covers |
|---|---|
| B100 General Building Contractor | Buildings of any size, including structural work. |
| R100 Residential and Small Commercial | Residential and small commercial buildings, up to three stories and 20,000 square feet. |
| R101 Residential and Small Commercial Non-Structural Remodeling and Repair | Non-structural remodeling and repair with no changes to load-bearing walls, limited to projects under $50,000. |
Specialty trades such as electrical and plumbing carry their own licenses. A general contractor normally uses licensed electricians and plumbers for that work.
What should be on the bid and contract
Utah Code 58-55-304 requires a contractor's license number on permit applications, contracts, agreements, and bids. Beyond the license number, a good contract spells out the scope, the price and payment schedule, how change orders are approved and priced, the schedule, and who pulls permits.
Red flags
- No license number on the bid, or a number that does not match the company name
- A large deposit requested before any schedule or materials are set
- A request that you pull the permit as the owner
- Pressure to sign the same day
Common questions
- Is it free to check a contractor license in Utah?
- Yes. The DOPL license lookup is free and public.
- Does a handyman need a license in Utah?
- Utah has a limited exemption for small jobs, with conditions on project value and the type of work. Electrical, plumbing, and work requiring a permit generally need a licensed contractor. Check DOPL's current rules for your project before hiring.
Sources
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing, license lookup. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Utah Code 58-55-304, license number on bids and contracts. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Utah Code 58-55-501, unlawful conduct. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Utah Admin. Code R156-55a-301, license classifications (via Cornell LII). Checked October 24, 2026.