How Do I Check If a Contractor Is Licensed in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) maintains a free, publicly accessible license verification database at licensesearch.wi.gov. You can search by the contractor's name, business name, or license number to verify that they hold an active Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) certification, which is required for residential building work in Wisconsin. The database also shows trade licenses including Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and HVAC Qualifier credentials. When checking a contractor's license on the DSPS database, verify several key details: confirm the license status is "Active" (not expired, suspended, or revoked), check the expiration date to ensure the license is current, note any disciplinary actions or complaints on the record, and verify that the license type matches the work they are proposing to do. A DCQ certification alone does not authorize electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work — those require separate trade licenses. A contractor who claims to do "everything" should hold multiple credentials. Beyond state licensing, many Wisconsin municipalities require contractors to register locally before performing work within city limits. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and most larger cities require contractor registration, which is separate from the state DCQ. Local registration typically requires proof of state licensing, liability insurance (usually $500,000 to $1,000,000 minimum), and sometimes a bond. Contact your city's building department or licensing office to verify local registration. Red flags to watch for when vetting a contractor include: no DSPS license found in the database, a lapsed or expired license, disciplinary actions for code violations, unwillingness to provide a license number, offering to skip the permit process to save money, and demanding full payment upfront. Wisconsin law does not cap the amount a contractor can request as a down payment, but industry standard is 10–30% at signing with progress payments tied to milestones. Any contractor who cannot provide a verifiable DSPS license number should be avoided.

Check Your Municipality

Permit requirements, fees, and exemptions vary by municipality. Verify the specifics for your location.