How to Verify a Utah Contractors License (And Why It Matters)

Don’t Risk Your Home – The Essential Guide to Checking Credentials

🚨 Why This Matters in Utah

• $7.8M in contractor fraud reported last year (Utah Division of Consumer Protection)
• 1 in 3 unlicensed contractors fail to complete jobs (BBB Utah)
• No recourse if workers get injured on your property (no workers’ comp = YOU pay)

Real Utah Consequences:
✔ Voided warranties (roofs, HVAC, etc.)
✔ Fines up to $5,000 for hiring unlicensed electricians/plumbers
✔ No legal protection if work is botched

✅ Step-by-Step Verification Guide

1. Check the Utah DOPL License Database

🔍 Search Here: https://dopl.utah.gov/
📱 Mobile Alternative: Call (801) 530-6628

What to Look For:

• Active status (not expired/suspended)
• Correct license type:
  • B100 = General Residential
  • R158 = Roofing
  • P260 = Plumbing
  • E170 = Electrical

Pro Tip: Search both company name AND individual owner’s name (some operate under multiple LLCs)

2. Verify Insurance & Bonding

Ask For:
📄 Certificate of Insurance (must list YOUR address as “additional insured”)

• General Liability: $1M+ coverage
• Workers’ Comp: Required for all Utah contractors with employees

💵 Bond Verification:

• Check amount ($15k-$100k depending on trade)
• Call the bonding company to confirm active status
  

Utah Horror Story: A Draper homeowner was sued when an uninsured roofer fell off their roof – cost: $287k in medical bills

3. Cross-Check with Utah Business Registry

🔗 Search: https://secure.utah.gov/bes/

Red Flags:
🚩 Multiple business name changes
🚩 “Foreign entity” with no local address
🚩 Registered to a PO box or virtual office

🚩 5 Utah-Specific Scam Tactics

1. “The DOPL Site is Down” Excuse
   • Reality: Licenses can always be verified by phone
2. “I’m Licensed in Idaho/Nevada”
   • Utah Law: Out-of-state licenses aren’t valid
3. Fake License Numbers
   • Always match the name exactly (scammers alter digits)
4. “My Cousin Will Pull the Permit”
   • Illegal “straw permitting” voids your homeowner’s insurance
5. “We Don’t Need a Permit for This”
   • Required for most Utah jobs over $3,000

📞 Need Pre-Vetted Utah Contractors?

Every pro in our directory has been verified for:
✅ Active Utah license
✅ Current insurance
✅ Clean complaint history

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