API Documentation

The Contractor-Verify API allows you to verify contractor licenses programmatically. Access license status, expiration dates, and business information for contractors across multiple states.

Authentication

All API requests require authentication using a Bearer token. Include your API key in the Authorization header of each request.

Authorization: Bearer sk_live_your_api_key_here

You can also pass the API key as a query parameter for testing in browsers:

GET /v1/verify?api_key=sk_live_your_api_key&state=FL&license=CGC123456

Rate Limits

Rate limits vary by plan. The current limits are included in response headers:

Verify License

Verify a contractor's license by business name or license number. Returns detailed information about the license including status, type, and expiration date.

Example Request (by License Number)

curl -X GET \
  'https://api.contractor-verify.com/v1/verify?state=FL&license_number=CGC1234567' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer sk_live_your_api_key'

Example Request (by Business Name)

curl -X GET \
  'https://api.contractor-verify.com/v1/verify?state=FL&business_name=ABC+Construction' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer sk_live_your_api_key'

Example Response

{
  "verified": true,
  "license": {
    "number": "CGC1234567",
    "status": "ACTIVE",
    "status_description": "Current, Active",
    "license_type": "CGC",
    "license_type_description": "Certified General Contractor",
    "business_name": "ABC Construction LLC",
    "licensee_name": "SMITH, JOHN A",
    "dba_name": "ABC Builders",
    "city": "Miami",
    "state": "FL",
    "expiration_date": "2025-08-31",
    "original_license_date": "2010-03-15"
  }
}

Search Contractors

Search for contractors by business name or license number. Returns multiple matching results with relevance scores.

List States

Get a list of currently supported states and their coverage information.

Error Handling

The API returns consistent error responses with helpful messages.

{
  "error": "Unauthorized",
  "message": "Invalid API key"
}

Status Codes