What you need to do to get your NJ contractor license active again
To reinstate a New Jersey contractor license, you file a reinstatement request with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions tied to why your license was inactive. The process takes roughly 4 to 8 weeks. You cannot legally perform contracting work while your license is inactive, even if reinstatement is pending.
The exact steps depend on whether your license lapsed because you didn't renew it, or whether it was suspended or revoked by the state. A lapsed license is simpler to restore than one suspended for a violation or complaint. Either way, you start by contacting the Division of Consumer Affairs directly to confirm your license status and what paperwork they need from you.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to confirm whether your license lapsed, was suspended, or was revoked—each has different reinstatement rules.
- A lapsed license usually requires a reinstatement process, the current renewal fee, and proof of continuing education hours if your license has been inactive for more than two years.
- A suspended or revoked license may require you to address the underlying violation, pay fines, or complete additional training before reinstatement is possible.
- You cannot legally work as a contractor while your license is inactive, and working without a valid license can result in fines and civil liability.
How to contact the Division of Consumer Affairs and confirm your status
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs oversees contractor licensing. You can reach them by phone at 973-504-6200 or visit their website at nj.gov/oag/ca. Have your license number ready when you call. Ask them to tell you whether your license lapsed, was suspended, or was revoked, because the reinstatement path is different for each.
If your license lapsed, it means you did not renew it before the expiration date and no disciplinary action was taken. If it was suspended, the state temporarily removed your right to work pending resolution of a complaint or violation. If it was revoked, the state permanently canceled your license, and reinstatement is much harder or may not be possible. The Division will tell you which one applies to you and what documents they need.
Reinstatement for a lapsed license
A lapsed license is the most straightforward to restore. You file a reinstatement process with the Division of Consumer Affairs, pay the reinstatement fee (which varies by license class), and submit proof that you meet current requirements. As of 2024, reinstatement fees range from roughly $150 to $400 depending on your contractor class, but confirm the exact amount with the Division because fees change.
If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you must also show proof of continuing education hours. New Jersey requires contractors to complete a certain number of hours in their field during each renewal cycle. If you have been inactive, you may need to complete those hours before reinstatement is granted. The Division will tell you how many hours you owe and which courses count.
Submit your reinstatement process, fee, and any required documents by mail or in person to the Division of Consumer Affairs. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. You will receive written confirmation once your license is active again, and you can then legally perform contracting work under your license.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended, reinstatement depends on why it was suspended. Common reasons include failure to pay fines, unresolved complaints from customers, failure to carry required insurance, or violations of the Contractor Licensing Act. The Division will have sent you a notice explaining the reason and what you must do to lift the suspension. You must address that issue before reinstatement is possible.
For example, if your license was suspended because of an unresolved complaint, you may need to show proof that the complaint was resolved, that you paid damages, or that you completed remedial training. If it was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you must provide a current certificate of insurance. Contact the Division to ask exactly what proof they need and in what form.
If your license was revoked, reinstatement is much harder. Revocation is permanent unless the Division agrees to reconsider. You would need to file a petition for reconsideration, which requires showing that the reason for revocation no longer applies or that circumstances have changed significantly. This is rare and usually requires legal representation. Ask the Division whether your revocation is may be able to access for reconsideration before spending time on this path.
Documents and fees you will need
For a lapsed license reinstatement, gather the following:
- Completed reinstatement process form (available from the Division of Consumer Affairs website or by phone)
- Reinstatement fee (amount depends on your contractor class; confirm with the Division)
- Proof of continuing education hours if your license was inactive for more than two years
- A copy of your original license or license number
For a suspended license, you will also need documentation proving that you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension. This might be a letter from a customer confirming settlement, a current insurance certificate, proof of fines paid, or a completion certificate from a training course. Ask the Division which documents explore to your case.
Timeline and what to expect while your reinstatement is pending
After you submit your reinstatement process, the Division typically processes it within 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, your license remains inactive, and you cannot legally perform contracting work. If you need to work before reinstatement is complete, you must hire a licensed contractor to oversee the work or work under another contractor's license.
The Division may contact you if they need additional information or clarification on your process. Respond promptly to any requests, because delays on your end will extend the timeline. Once the Division approves your reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation, usually by mail. Keep this confirmation in your records. Your license will then be listed as active in the Division's online license lookup system.
Why you cannot work while your license is inactive
New Jersey law requires that all contracting work be performed by a licensed contractor or under the direct supervision of one. Working without a valid license—even if you have applied for reinstatement—is illegal. Penalties include fines of up to $10,000 per violation, civil liability if something goes wrong on the job, and potential criminal charges in serious cases.
Customers also have grounds to sue you for damages if you performed work without a license, and they may not have to pay you for that work. Insurance companies may deny claims if the work was done by an unlicensed contractor. The safest and legally required approach is to wait for your license to be active before you take on any contracting jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date the Division receives your complete process. If they request additional information, the timeline extends. Contact the Division after 6 weeks if you have not heard back to check on status.
Can I work on jobs while my reinstatement is pending?
No. Your license must be active and listed in the Division's system before you can legally perform contracting work. Working while inactive is illegal and can result in fines and liability. You can work under another licensed contractor's supervision if needed.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended or revoked?
Call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-504-6200 with your license number. They will explain the reason and tell you what you must do to address it. If you received a notice in the mail, bring that with you when you call.
Do I have to retake the contractor exam to reinstate a lapsed license?
No. Reinstatement of a lapsed license does not require retaking the exam. You only need to pay the reinstatement fee and meet continuing education requirements if your license was inactive for more than two years.
What if the Division denies my reinstatement process?
The Division will send you a written notice explaining why. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision. Contact the Division to ask about the appeal process and timeline for your specific situation.