What does a contractor license lookup show?

A state contractor license lookup typically returns ten to fifteen fields. The headline is status: "Active" is the only safe value to hire on. "Inactive" means the license has not been renewed, "Suspended" means an open disciplinary or financial issue, "Revoked" means the board terminated the license (usually for fraud, abandonment, or repeated complaints), and "Expired" means the contractor let it lapse — often deliberately, to avoid paying bond fees.

The trade classifications matter. California CSLB issues a "B" general building license and dozens of "C" specialty classifications (C-10 Electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-36 Plumbing, etc.). A C-39 Roofing license does not authorize the contractor to do electrical work, even though they may quote you a "full remodel" package. The work must match the license class.

Bond and workers' compensation status appear on most state lookups. California requires a $25,000 contractor's bond and proof of workers' comp if the contractor has employees. Oregon CCB shows whether the bond is current. If the bond is canceled or the workers' comp policy is lapsed, you have no recourse if the contractor abandons the job or one of their workers is injured on your property (the injury could become your liability).

Disciplinary history shows complaints filed against the license, citations issued, license bars, and any administrative settlements. The CSLB publishes the actual citation documents — read them. A single complaint usually does not matter; a pattern (three or more in two years) does.

Groundcheck (earthmove.io/trust) presents all of this in one page along with cross-checks the state board does not run: Secretary of State entity match, court-record search, OSHA citation history, and BBB record. Groundcheck does NOT verify insurance certificates — you must call the named insurer directly to confirm a certificate of insurance is currently in force.