Massachusetts Contractor License Lookup: How to Check HIC, CSL and Lead-Safe Status

Before you sign anything, do a Massachusetts contractor license lookup. It takes about ten minutes, it's free, and it's the cheapest protection you'll ever buy for a renovation in Somerville, Cambridge or anywhere in the state.

Most homeowners don't know there are two different credentials to check: the HIC registration and the CSL license. Old houses add a third, the lead-safe license. Here's how to check each one.

HIC registration vs. CSL license: what's the difference?

State law says no contractor may offer or perform residential contracting on an owner-occupied 1–4 family home without being registered (M.G.L. c. 142A, s. 9). The CSL comes in several types. An unrestricted CSL and a restricted 1–2 family CSL cover structural work, while specialty licenses like windows and siding don't (Mass.gov CSL types).

For most real renovations you want both. In Somerville, the City asks contractors to upload their CSL with every building permit, plus the HIC registration when the home is a 1–4 unit owner-occupied house (Somerville ISD).

How to do a home improvement contractor lookup in Massachusetts

1. Ask the contractor for their HIC number. It should already be on the estimate and contract.
2. Go to the state's MA Contractor Hub and open the contractor search tool.
3. Search by business name or HIC number.
4. Check that the status is Active, the name matches the contract exactly, and look for any disciplinary history.

Not in the system? The state says that can mean an expired registration, unpaid fees, a suspension or revocation, or a pending complaint (HIC Homeowner Resources).

How to do a construction supervisor license lookup

1. Ask for the CSL number and the name of the licensed person who will supervise your job.
2. Use the state's OPSI license check.
3. Search by name or license number.
4. Confirm the license is current and the type fits your job. A window-and-siding license isn't enough for moving a wall.

What is the Massachusetts Guaranty Fund?

The Residential Contractor's Guaranty Fund pays homeowners for actual losses when a registered contractor loses a court case or arbitration and doesn't pay (M.G.L. c. 142A, s. 5). The state says it pays up to $25,000, and you generally need (Mass.gov Guaranty Fund):

• A contract with a contractor who was registered when you signed.
• A pre-existing 1–4 family home that is your primary residence.
• A building permit pulled by the contractor, not you.
• A judgment or arbitration award, plus reasonable efforts to collect it.

Hire an unregistered contractor and the Fund can't help you. That alone is reason to run the lookup.

Lead-safe renovator lookup for older homes

If your house was built before 1978, and in Somerville most were built between 1900 and 1930, check lead-safe status too. Massachusetts runs its own version of the federal Renovation, Repair and Painting program (EPA RRP).

• Paid work that disturbs more than 6 sq ft of paint per room inside or 20 sq ft outside needs a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor (Mass.gov).
• Find licensed firms through the Department of Labor Standards Deleading and Lead Safety Program.
• Ask to see the license and the training certificate.

More in my lead paint renovation guide.

What to do if a contractor isn't registered

1. Don't sign and don't pay a deposit. Operating without registration can bring a fine up to $5,000, up to two years in jail, or both (c. 142A, s. 19).
2. Already hired them? Stop further payments and keep every text, receipt and photo.
3. File a complaint through the MA Contractor Hub. Violations of the HIC law also count as unfair or deceptive acts under Chapter 93A (c. 142A, s. 17).
4. Call your city's building department if work was done without a permit.

For the rest of the vetting process, see my contractor hiring checklist.

Need a hand?

I'm Mateus Magno: CSL #CS-123658 (unrestricted), HIC #220484 and a certified lead-safe renovator supervisor. Look me up first, then book a free walkthrough. You'll usually have a written line-item budget within 48 hours.

About the author

Mateus Magno is the founder of Magno & Co — a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $3 million in projects across Greater Boston.

More about Mateus →