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How to Verify Licenses, Insurance and Credentials

Requirements vary by country, state, province, municipality and type of work. The safest approach is to identify the relevant local authority and verify the credential directly rather than relying only on a logo or statement in an advertisement.

By Michael J. AlderhamReviewed July 22, 2026International guidance

In brief: Identify the rule for the specific work, then verify the exact name, number, status, scope and insurance evidence.

Determine what the job requires

Electrical, gas, plumbing, structural, security and other work may have different licensing or permit rules. Some small tasks may be unregulated while larger work requires a specific trade or contractor licence.

Use the issuing authority

Search the official registry or contact the authority that issues the credential. Match the legal business or individual name, number, status and permitted scope.

Confirm insurance details

Ask what liability, vehicle, workers’ compensation or other coverage applies. For significant work, request a current certificate and verify that the name matches the contracting party.

Understand certificates and memberships

Training certificates and trade-association memberships can be useful, but they are not always government licences. Ask what the credential demonstrates and who can verify it.

Keep records

Save the estimate, contract, licence number, insurance evidence, permit information and warranty. Documentation is especially important when work affects safety, resale or future insurance claims.

Create a verification record

Record the credential type, issuing organization, licence or registration number, legal name, status, expiry date and scope. Save the registry page or written confirmation with the estimate. For insurance, note the insurer, policy period and named insured when that information is provided.

Do not assume that a company licence automatically covers every person or task. Some systems license the business, some license individuals and some require both.

Confirm who will actually do the work

The person who prepares the quote may not be the person who attends. Ask whether employees, subcontractors or franchisees will perform the work and how their qualifications are supervised. The contract should identify the party responsible for completion and warranty claims.

Local rules vary. Verify licensing, permits, insurance, consumer protections, emergency procedures and contract requirements with the appropriate local authority or qualified professional.