Why Licensing Matters for Your Driveway Project
A new driveway is one of the biggest curb-appeal investments you can make—yet the contractor you choose can make or break that investment. Licensed driveway pros carry the right insurance, follow state building codes, and can pull the permits that keep you legal. Unlicensed crews may quote less, but if the work fails, you shoulder the repair costs and any code fines.
This state-by-state guide breaks down driveway contractor licensing requirements so you can verify credentials in minutes and hire with confidence.
Homeowner Quick-Check: 4 Steps Before You Sign
- Ask for the state license number (not just a business license).
- Match the number to the online state database (links below).
- Confirm general liability & workers’ comp certificates are current.
- Verify local driveway permits are included in the written bid.
Driveway Contractor Licensing by Region
Northeast States
Connecticut
- License needed: Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with CT Department of Consumer Protection.
- Threshold: Any asphalt, concrete, or paver work over $200.
- Check tool: ct.gov/dcp > “Verify a License.”
Massachusetts
- License needed: Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for projects over 35 ft² that involve structural base work.
- Homeowner tip: Request the CSL number and check it on the Mass eLicensing portal.
New York
- State license: Not required for flat concrete/asphalt.
- Local license: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and NYC each issue home-improvement licenses. Enter the county clerk’s site to verify.
Southeast States
Florida
- License needed: Certified General Contractor (CGC) or Residential Contractor (CRC) for driveways connected to foundation/footing.
- Verify: MyFloridaLicense.com.
Georgia
- State: No license required for basic flat work.
- Local: Cities such as Atlanta require a sidewalk/driveway permit; contractor must hold a city business license.
North Carolina
- License: General contractor’s license required when the driveway project exceeds $30,000 (includes grading, drainage, and pavement).
Midwest States
Illinois
- State: No contractor license.
- Local: Chicago requires a Home Repair Contractor license and separate easy-street cut permit if you touch the sidewalk apron.
Michigan
- License: Not state-regulated, but most counties (Oakland, Macomb, Wayne) require a residential maintenance & alteration contractor license.
Ohio
- State: No license.
- Local: Columbus and Cleveland license home-improvement contractors; verify on city portals.
Southwest States
Texas
- State: No license.
- Local: Houston and Dallas require a concrete contractor license or home-builder registration. Always pull a ROW permit for driveway apron replacements.
Arizona
- License: Registrar of Contractors (ROC) classification A-7 (excavating) or B-6 (concrete) depending on scope.
- Check: roc.az.gov.
West Coast States
California
- License: C-8 (concrete) or A (general engineering) for driveways on engineered fill or retaining walls.
- Threshold: $500+ total contract value triggers licensing.
Oregon
- License: Residential General Contractor or Concrete Contractor through the CCB.
- Verify: oregon.gov/ccb.
Washington
- State: No license for flatwork, but cities of Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma require concrete contractor registration plus a street use permit if you open the curb.
Local Permits vs. State Licenses—Don’t Confuse Them
A state license proves technical knowledge; a local permit ensures the work meets zoning and safety codes. Reputable driveway contractors pull both. Ask to see the printed permit before the crew breaks ground—if the truck shows up and no orange permit card is taped to your door or job-site pole, stop work and call the city.
Insurance Every Licensed Driveway Pro Must Carry
- General Liability: $1 million per occurrence is standard; ask for the certificate naming you as “additional insured” for the project dates.
- Workers’ Compensation: Required in every state except TX (if the firm has employees). Without it, an injured worker can sue you.
- Commercial Auto: Covers the dump trucks and pavers on your property.
Red Flags: Signs an “Out-of-State” Crew Isn’t Legit
- License plate from a non-licensing state (e.g., Texas) but claims to be “licensed everywhere.”
- Quotes 30% below local market without a written scope.
- Wants large cash deposit or offers to pull “no-permit needed.”
- License lookup shows “expired,” “suspended,” or different company name.
What Licensing Adds to Project Cost (and Why It’s Worth It)
Expect $0.50–$1.25 per square foot built into the bid for licensing, insurance, and permit fees. On a 600 ft² driveway that’s $300–$750—tiny compared with a $6,000 do-over if an unlicensed pour cracks in year two.
Printable Pre-Hire Checklist
- ☐ State license number verified online
- ☐ Local driveway permit approved
- ☐ General liability & workers’ comp certificates in hand
- ☐ Written warranty (minimum 2 years on concrete, 1 year on asphalt)
- ☐ Payment schedule tied to milestones, not calendar dates
Frequently Asked Questions
In most states, asphalt repaving exceeds a handyman’s scope. Once total labor + materials tops $500–$1,000 (varies by state), a specialty concrete/asphalt or general contractor license is required. Always verify the license class matches the work.
You may be issued a “stop work” order, face fines up to $5,000, and become responsible for permit fees plus reinspection costs. Your homeowner’s insurance can also deny claims related to the work.
Only if the state license explicitly covers both trades (e.g., California C-8 concrete or A-engineering). Otherwise, hire an asphalt specialist licensed under a separate classification or sub the asphalt portion to a licensed paver.
Check status the day you receive the quote and again the morning work begins. Licenses can be suspended overnight for lapsed insurance or outstanding violations.