How to Check a Contractor’s License in Suffolk County

Suffolk County requires home improvement contractors to hold a county license. Checking one takes about two minutes, and it is the single best way to avoid hiring someone who is unlicensed, expired or under suspension.

1. Ask for the license number

A licensed contractor will give you the number without hesitation. Suffolk home improvement licenses usually start with H- or HI-, for example H-12345. New York law also requires the license number on your written contract when one applies.

2. Look it up with the county

• Online: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs has a licensed contractor search at ca.suffolkcountyny.gov/dcasearch.
• By phone: call Suffolk County Consumer Affairs at (631) 853-4600. The county also offers a 24/7 virtual assistant that can check license and complaint status.

3. Check what the record says

• Status: it should be Active. “About to expire” means the renewal is coming up, so ask the contractor to confirm they have renewed before work starts.
• Name and business: the person or company on the license should match the one on your estimate and contract.
• Expired, suspended or revoked: do not hire. Ask the county about any complaints on file.

4. Make sure it is the right license for the job

A home improvement license covers general renovation work. Plumbing and electrical work in Suffolk are licensed separately as master or restricted plumbers and electricians, so a kitchen remodel that moves pipes or adds circuits needs a licensed plumber or electrician for that part of the job.

Quick tip

Every contractor on this site shows its county license number. Find the contractor here, then confirm the number with the county before you sign.