Before you hire anyone for a build or remodel in Scottsdale, verify their Arizona ROC license. It takes two minutes and protects you from unlicensed work. Here’s exactly how.
Step 1: Get the contractor’s ROC number or exact business name
Licensed Arizona contractors are required to list their ROC license number on advertising, bids, and contracts. If you can’t find it, ask directly: “What is your Arizona ROC license number and the exact legal business name on the license?” A legitimate contractor will give it without hesitation.
Step 2: Search the AZ ROC database
Open the AZ ROC contractor search and enter the license number (most reliable) or the business name. The Registrar licenses and regulates more than 60,000 contractors statewide, and the search is free and public.
Step 3: Confirm these five things
- Status is Active — not expired, suspended, or cancelled.
- The legal name matches the company you’re actually hiring (watch for similar-sounding names).
- The classification fits your project — e.g. a B General Residential Contractor for a home build, or B-3 for general remodeling. See our ROC license class guide.
- The license isn’t expiring mid-project — check the expiration date against your timeline.
- Complaint history — review any listed complaints or disciplinary actions.
Step 4: Verify insurance and a written contract
Licensing is the floor, not the finish line. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and get a written contract that lists the ROC number, scope, payment schedule, and start/finish dates before any money changes hands.
Skip the guesswork — get matched with a licensed Scottsdale contractor
Tell us about your project and we’ll connect you with ROC-verified contractors serving Scottsdale. Free, no obligation, and we only match you with licensed pros.
Why verification matters in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has thousands of licensed contractors, but anyone can put up a website and claim to be one. The single fastest way to filter real from fake is the ROC license check. Our directory lists Scottsdale contractors with their ROC numbers so you can verify before you ever pick up the phone — browse licensed general contractors, custom home builders, or remodeling contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Arizona?
Go to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) contractor search at roc.az.gov, then enter the contractor’s ROC license number or business name. The result shows license status, classification, issue and expiration dates, and any complaint history.
What is an ROC number?
An ROC number is the license ID issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to a licensed contractor. Arizona requires a license for most construction work valued at $1,000 or more, and licensed contractors must include their ROC number on advertising and contracts.
Is it legal to hire an unlicensed contractor in Arizona?
For work valued at $1,000 or more (including labor and materials), Arizona generally requires a licensed contractor. Hiring an unlicensed contractor removes important consumer protections, including access to the AZ ROC Recovery Fund.
How do I know if an ROC license is active?
The AZ ROC contractor search shows a license status of Active, Suspended, Cancelled, or Expired, along with the expiration date. Always confirm the license is Active on the day you sign a contract.