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Painting Contractor — PC
Total cost: $305-$842
Governing Authority
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractors (Office of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Contractor Registration)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
HIC
License Type
No
Exam Required
No
Experience Required
No
Bonding Required
$305-$842
Total Initial Fees
State contractor licensing requirements for painting contractors
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Class: HIC
License Threshold
All home improvement work (no monetary threshold)
Exemptions
New Jersey requires a contractor license for painting work. Requirements are administered by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractors (Office of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Contractor Registration). Always verify current requirements directly with the licensing authority.
Not sure if you need a painting contractor license? Check whether your state requires one.
Experience, Education & Examination Requirements
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
No
Exam Required
No
New Jersey does not require specific experience or exams for painting contractors at the state level. All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes should obtain EPA RRP certification for lead paint safety.
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
Required — $500,000
Workers' Compensation
Required for all employers with 1+ employees
Surety Bond
Not required by state
Insurance requirements vary by state. Even in states that do not mandate insurance for painting contractors, carrying general liability insurance ($1,000,000+ recommended) and workers' compensation insurance is strongly recommended to protect your business and clients. Surety bonds protect consumers if a contractor fails to complete work or meet obligations.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
License Application Fee Application fee for contractor license | $90 |
License Fee License issuance fee | $90 (2-year) |
Business License Fee General business license/registration fee for New Jersey | $125-$750 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, license, exam, and business license fees. Bond premiums and insurance costs are additional. | $305-$842 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
Mostly verifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
$90
Renewal Fee
Not Required
Continuing Education
Regulatory Board
Painting contractor licenses in New Jersey must be renewed biennial (every 2 years). Ensure all insurance and bonding requirements remain current between renewal periods. EPA RRP certification must be renewed every 5 years.
New Jersey requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs. No exam is required, but registration provides consumer protections.
New Jersey requires Home Improvement Contractor Registration for painting contractors.
License is required for projects valued at All home improvement work (no monetary threshold).
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule certification is required for work on pre-1978 homes that disturbs lead-based paint. This is a federal requirement that applies in all states.
Workers' compensation insurance is required in New Jersey: Required for all employers with 1+ employees.
Painting Contractor requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (you) | $305-$842 | 4–6 wks | |
| Connecticut | $340-$695 | 4–6 wks | → |
| Delaware | $75-$200 | 2–3 wks | → |
| New York | $400-$1,100 | 4–6 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $225-$400 | 4–6 wks | → |
See how New Jersey compares: Painting Contractor License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare painting contractor requirements across all states →
Painting Contractor licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does New Jersey compare to other states for painting contractor? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
Painting Contractor Schools in New Jersey
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Study guides and business resources for painting contractor licensing exams.
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Painting Contractor requirements in New Jersey verified against New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractors (Office of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Contractor Registration), March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Transfer your Painting Contractor license from New Jersey to: Delaware → | New York → | Pennsylvania →
New Jersey requires Home Improvement Contractor Registration for painting contractors. License is required for projects valued at All home improvement work (no monetary threshold). All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes must obtain EPA RRP certification. Licensing is managed through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractors (Office of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Contractor Registration).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.