Find a licensed pro and check their record before you hire

Why check public records first?

Review sites tell you who people liked. License and permit records tell you who is allowed to do the work, who actually pulls permits for jobs near you, and how long they've held their license. Expert Helper puts those records in one place, by neighborhood, for every licensed pro we can find, not just the ones who pay to be listed.

We started with New York City, where the records go deepest: Department of Buildings permits for every licensed plumber and electrician, city licenses for home improvement contractors, appliance repair shops and tow companies, and state registrations for exterminators. State pages cover who licenses each trade and how to check a license anywhere in the US.

How does it work?

1. Look up the pros near you. Pick a trade, then your city and neighborhood. Every listing shows the license and what the public record says.
2. Check the license yourself. Each page links to the official license search.
3. Or let us match you. Tell us about the job once and up to three licensed, vetted pros will contact you. It's free and there's no obligation.