The Official Website of the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (OCABR)

Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Main Menu

Breadcrumbs

Home
Business
Home Improvement
HIC Registration

Home Improvement Contractor Registration

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation ("OCABR") regulates the registration of contractors performing improvements or renovations on detached one and two family homes. Prior to performing work on such homes, a contractor must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor ("HIC").

CHANGE IN LAW ABOLISHES CSLs HIC REGISTRATION FEE EXEMPTION. As a result of a recent change in law (Section 80 of Chapter 27 of the Acts of 2009), Construction Supervisors Licensees are no longer exempt from the HIC Registration fee. ALL CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING CSLs WHO ARE APPLYING FOR A HIC REGISTRATION MUST PAY A REGISTRATION FEE OF $150.00, AND A GUARANTY FUND FEE. ALL CONTRACTORS RENEWING THEIR REGISTRATION MUST PAY A RENEWAL FEE OF $100.00. All applications, inquiries or suggestions should be mailed to:

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 5170
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-8700

Information About Contractor Registration
Guidelines for Registered Contractors
Work Requiring HIC or CSL 07-01-09
Home Improvement Contractor Registration Application
Home Improvement Contractor Renewal Application for Registration
Request For Duplicate Registration Card
Request For Supplementary HIC Cards

It is recognized that some construction firms may have a need for additional identification card(s) for officers, partners, or other key employees as means of identification in dealing with building officials, potential customers, and the like. Additional ID cards will be issued upon proper completion and submission of this form along with a $10 fee for each additional card requested .
Registration

Part of the video series created to explain the process of becoming and doing business as a registered home improvement contractor. The five videos describe registration, required contract content and payment terms, advertising and estimating guidelines, contract completion, and the HIC arbitration program.