A license record is not a certificate of insurance

A contractor license is a credential from a state board. It says a person or a firm met that board's requirements to perform a class of work. A certificate of insurance is a broker's summary of policies the producer listed. A vendor file can hold both. One does not satisfy the other.

A current license does not show that the owner is an additional insured, that CG 20 10 or CG 20 37 is in the packet, or that a limit meets the contract. A current certificate does not show that the state board still recognizes the license. Check the license with the board that issued it, on that board's own site, and keep the note on the vendor file next to the certificate. This page does not link to license directories, and it does not repeat fifty state sections.

If you are collecting the certificate, start with the ACORD 25 and the Free COI checker. The checker reads one certificate of insurance and does not decide that a vendor is clear to work. The free workspace covers 10 vendors. See pricing.

This is an operations summary for people collecting vendor files. The policy, the endorsement schedule, and your contract control. It is not legal advice.