Check an HVAC Contractor License: Oregon & Washington

Quick answer

To check an HVAC contractor, look them up on the state site: the Oregon Construction Contractors Board license search, or Washington L&I's Verify a Contractor tool. Use the license number if you have it. Check that the license is active, and in Washington, that the contractor is bonded and insured.

Key facts

Oregon lookup	Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license search
Washington lookup	L&I Verify a Contractor tool
Most accurate search	By license number (per Oregon CCB)
Where to find the number	Oregon contractors must put it on their advertising
Refrigerant work	Covered by EPA Section 608 rules

How do you check an Oregon contractor's license?

Use the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license search. The CCB says the most accurate way to look up a license is by license number. It also says contractors must put that number on their advertising, including brochures, websites, and business cards. If you can't find it, ask the contractor.

1Go to the CCB contractor license search.
2Enter the license number if you have it.
3No number? Search part of the business name or the contractor's last name. The CCB notes that fewer words often work better.
4In some cases you can search by business phone number, entered as numbers only.
5Review the license details the search shows.

Can't find them by name? The CCB says not to assume they're unlicensed. Spelling and punctuation can throw off a search. Try another spelling, or call CCB Customer Service at (503) 378-4621.

How do you check a Washington contractor?

Use the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Verify a Contractor tool. L&I's Hiring a Contractor page lists 4 things to check with it:

The contractor has an active license.
The contractor is bonded and insured for damages that may occur.
They keep a safe job site, or have corrected any violations.
Their license history, for past lawsuits or license violations.

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What should you look for in the license results?

First, make sure the name on the license matches the company you're talking to. Then check that the license is current and active. In Washington, L&I says to confirm the contractor is bonded and insured, and to review their history.

In Oregon, the CCB website has consumer pages on the rules contractors must follow, on insurance and bonds, and on contract disputes and mediation. If something in the results doesn't make sense, call the board. Ask the contractor about it too.

Why does hiring a licensed contractor matter?

It can give you protections you might not have otherwise. Washington L&I says hiring a registered contractor may give you protections that aren't available otherwise. It also points eligible homeowners to its Homeowner Recovery Fund. For larger projects, L&I suggests you consider asking for a performance bond.

A license doesn't mean nothing will ever go wrong. L&I says that plainly. It's one check, alongside written bids, references, and a clear contract.

Why might HVAC work need a permit?

Many HVAC jobs need a permit from your city or county. Examples include installing a new furnace or heat pump, or adding gas lines or electrical circuits. The rules depend on where you live and what the job involves.

A permit usually brings an inspection. That's a second set of eyes on work you'll live with for years. Ask the contractor whether your job needs a permit, who will pull it, and whether it's on the quote.

What is EPA Section 608 certification?

Section 608 is the part of the federal Clean Air Act that covers refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. It prohibits intentionally venting refrigerants, including HFCs, while equipment is maintained, serviced, repaired, or disposed of.

The EPA runs technician certification programs under Section 608, and certified techs carry a certification card. If someone will work on your AC, heat pump, or ductless system's refrigerant, it's fair to ask about their Section 608 certification.

What else should you check before you hire an HVAC contractor?

Check the paperwork as well as the license. Washington L&I's hiring advice lists a few steps that work anywhere:

Get at least 3 written bids and compare them carefully.
Get references, and stay alert for scams.
Get a written contract, and make sure you understand the terms.
For larger projects, consider asking for a performance bond.

Common questions

Where do I find an Oregon contractor's license number?

On their advertising. The Oregon CCB says contractors must put their license number on ads, including brochures, websites, and business cards. If you can't find it, ask them.

What if I can't find a contractor in the Oregon CCB search?

Don't assume they're unlicensed yet. The CCB says spelling or punctuation differences can hide a match, so try fewer words or another spelling. You can also call CCB Customer Service at (503) 378-4621.

What does bonded and insured mean for a Washington contractor?

It's one of the things Washington L&I says to check. L&I advises making sure the contractor is bonded and insured for damages that may occur. Its Verify a Contractor tool is where you look it up.

Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or heat pump?

Often, yes, but it depends on your city or county and the job. Ask the contractor whether a permit is needed, who pulls it, and whether the price includes it.

Should an HVAC technician be EPA certified?

If they work with refrigerant, ask about Section 608 certification. The EPA runs technician certification programs under Section 608, and certified techs carry a card.

Does a contractor license mean the work will be good?

No. A license is one check, not a promise. Washington L&I says hiring a registered contractor doesn't prevent all problems, but it may give you protections. Get written bids, references, and a written contract too.

Which state's license should I check if I live near the border?

Check the state where your home is. Oregon and Washington each run their own lookup: the CCB in Oregon and L&I in Washington.

What is Washington's Homeowner Recovery Fund?

It's a Washington L&I program that L&I points eligible homeowners to when things go wrong with a contractor. The details and eligibility rules are on the L&I website.