How to verify a contractor's licence in Canada

Before you hire a contractor or buy a newly built home, confirm they are properly licensed. An unlicensed contractor can leave you with no legal recourse, void warranties, and no protection if the work goes wrong. This guide explains how licensing works in Quebec (RBQ) and Ontario (HCRA), and how to check a contractor in a couple of minutes.

Why a licence matters

A licence means the contractor has met the province's qualifications, carries the required security or bond, and is accountable to a regulator. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for work that requires a licence can expose you to unsafe work, no warranty coverage, and difficulty claiming compensation.

Quebec — RBQ licences

In Quebec, most construction work must be carried out by a contractor holding a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). The licence lists subclasses — the specific kinds of work the contractor is qualified to do (for example, electrical, plumbing, or roofing).

1. Ask the contractor for their RBQ licence number.
2. Search it on our Quebec RBQ licence lookup by name or licence number, or verify directly on the official RBQ registry.
3. Check that the licence is active and that its subclasses cover the work you need.

Looking for a specific trade or area? Browse Quebec contractors by trade (for example electricians, plumbers or roofers), or by city.

Ontario — HCRA licensed builders

In Ontario, new-home builders and vendors must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). This is who to check if you are buying a newly built or pre-construction home.

1. Get the builder's name or licence number.
2. Search it on our Ontario HCRA builder lookup, or on the official HCRA registry.
3. Confirm the builder is licensed and review any conditions on the record.

Browse Ontario builders by city to see who is licensed near you.

Red flags to watch for

• Refuses to give a licence number, or the number does not match the business name.
• Asks for a large cash deposit up front or pressures you to skip a written contract.
• The licence is expired, suspended, or restricted on the official registry.
• The licence subclasses do not cover the work you are hiring for.

Verify before you sign

A two-minute check can save a very expensive mistake. Start with the Quebec (RBQ) or Ontario (HCRA) lookup, and always confirm the details on the official provincial registry linked above.

This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. CheckContractors.ca aggregates official open data and is not affiliated with the RBQ or HCRA. Always confirm a licence on the official registry.