How to Check a Painter’s License, Insurance, and References

A low quote or friendly pitch doesn’t guarantee professionalism. Without proper licensing, insurance, and verifiable references, you’re exposing your property, timeline, and wallet to serious risk. Many painting issues—like peeling, property damage, and liability—cropped up because unqualified or uninsured contractors were hired.

This guide walks smart business owners through how to verify a painter’s credentials step-by-step, with real-world examples, tools, and red flags to watch for.

Why Verifying Credentials Matters

Licensing Ensures Legal Compliance

A valid contractor’s license shows they’ve met local or state requirements—typically an exam, financial vetting, and trade competency. Without it, they may be unqualified, operating illegally, or could be under disciplinary action.

Insurance Protects You from Risk

General liability and worker’s comp safeguard you from financial and legal exposure:

• Without liability insurance, damage to roofs, windows, or fixtures becomes your responsibility.

• If employees are hurt on your property, lacking worker’s comp makes you financially liable.

References Reveal Real-World Performance

A clean quote is one thing—but consistent client satisfaction matters. Good references offer real insight into prep quality, adherence to schedule, and responsiveness to issues.

How to Check a Painter’s License

Step 1 – Ask for the Contractor’s License Number

Legitimate businesses display it on business cards, estimates, and vehicles. For example, in California, quoting and advertising without a CSLB license is illegal.

Step 2 – Verify Through State Licensing Boards

Each state has an online verification system. For example:

• California: Check CSLB online for license type, status, business name, and disciplinary history.

• Washington: L&I’s license lookup tool.

• Florida: DBPR’s license portal.

Make sure the license is active, under the same legal name, and free from complaints.

Step 3 – Confirm License Type Matches the Scope

Paint contractors may hold specialized licenses—residential, commercial, or industrial. Depending on your project, make sure the license scope aligns. Also verify eco-specific endorsements like the EPA Lead-Safe RRP required for homes built before 1978.

Red Flags

• “Working under another company’s license”

• License in renewal limbo

• No online match or mismatched names

How to Confirm a Painter’s Insurance Coverage

Two Core Policies You Should Require

1. General Liability Insurance
   Covers accidental damage—spills, falls, cracked glass. A coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence is standard.

2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
   Required if the painter has employees. It pays for injuries or illnesses sustained on the job.

Step-by-Step Insurance Verification

Step 1 – Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

• Must come directly from the insurer.

• Should list business name and address, coverage dates, policy limits, and name you as certificate holder.

Step 2 – Call the Insurer

Verify:

• Active and correct coverage

• Paint-related activities are included

• Coverage remains valid throughout the project

Optional Coverage for Larger or Specialized Projects

• Umbrella policies supplement higher limits and protect high-value assets.

• Commercial auto insurance if they transport equipment onsite.

• Environmental liability if using chemical removers or working on contaminated sites.

Red Flags

• No COI or refusal to show it

• Handwritten or altered COI

• Expiring or incomplete policy details

How to Vet a Painter’s References

Step 1 – Ask for 2–3 Recent, Comparable Projects

Insist on recent work similar to yours:

• Exterior siding, stucco, trim, commercial façade

• Projects completed within the past 12–18 months

Step 2 – Verify Reference Details

Collect:

• Contact name and position (owner, site supervisor)

• Address or location

• Year of completion

• Paint products used (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Duration, PPG Pro Industrial)

Step 3 – Contact the References

Sample questions:

• Was the project on time and on budget?

• Did the contractor explain prep and materials clearly?

• What did that contractor do to protect your landscaping or entrances?

• How did the paint perform 6–12 months later?

• Did you make any warranty claims?

Step 4 – Inspect Completed Work (If Local)

Look for:

• Consistent color coverage and edge lines

• Even finish, no missed trim or uneven textures

• Signs of early wear—peeling, mildew, bubbling

Red Flags

• Refusal to provide references

• Only old or irrelevant projects

• Vague or lukewarm responses (“They were fine.”)

• Visible problems upon inspection

Product- and Service-Specific Vetting Questions

Surface-Specific Application Knowledge

Ask:

• “What coating system do you recommend for stucco/metal/wood?”
  A qualified painter should specify systems like:

• Loxon XP for stucco

• Pro Industrial DTM for metal

• Aura Exterior or SuperPaint for wood siding

VOC and Environmental Compliance

Ask:

• “Do you use low- or zero-VOC products?”

• “Which products meet our local VOC limits?”
  Expect answers referencing specific products like Sherwin-Williams Harmony or Benjamin Moore Natura.

Specialty Conditions and Coatings

Ask about experience with:

• Anti-graffiti coatings (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Anti-Graffiti Clear)

• Elastomeric coatings for crack bridging

• Epoxy or urethane systems for railings or high-traffic areas

Sample Checklist: Questions to Ask and Expected Answers

Consequences of Skipping the Checks

Legal and Financial Risk

• Injured worker without coverage = potential lawsuit

• Unlicensed work may trigger code enforcement or stop orders

• Lack of documentation = difficulty recovering damages

Performance Risk

• Poor prep or wrong coatings void warranties

• Painting over compromised surfaces invites peeling, mildew, or substrate damage

• Visible paint failures may require full recoat or wall repair

Smart Business Owner Tips

Embed Credential Checks into Your RFP

Include a section requiring license, insurance, and references as part of your bid criteria. Disqualify non-compliant submissions automatically.

Don’t Sacrifice Credentials for a Low Bid

Even a 20% lower quote isn’t worth the extra risk if credentials are missing.

Re-verify Before Project Start

Licenses and policies can expire. If your project delays beyond 90 days, request updated COIs and license checks before work begins.

To Sum It Up

Verifying a painter’s license, insurance, and references isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your assets, schedule, and reputation. A well-qualified contractor will welcome scrutiny and provide solid documentation without delay.

No credentials now means headaches later. Don’t risk your property—hire with confidence.

Need help vetting your next painter?

Our licensed, fully insured crews specialize in commercial and residential coatings. We provide precise product recommendations, detailed references, and free site walk-throughs on complex jobs.