Pennsylvania Contractor & Trade License Requirements

Pennsylvania does NOT require a statewide general contractor license. Instead, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) requires contractors performing $5,000+ of residential work annually to register with the Attorney General's Office as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). Pennsylvania also has no statewide licensing for electricians, plumbers, HVAC, or roofing — these trades are regulated at the municipal level (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, etc. each have their own requirements). All trades working on 1-2 family dwellings must hold HIC registration. The state adopted the 2021 International Codes under the Uniform Construction Code effective January 1, 2026.