Not yet re-checked against the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (HIC); verify before relying on it.
Pennsylvania subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Pennsylvania, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Pennsylvania
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
State or local business license.
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage.
Certificate showing workers' comp for the sub's employees. Who must carry it depends on the state and the number of employees.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Required for residential home improvement work.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Public owners usually require it alongside the performance bond.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
The bond the state requires for a contractor's license or registration; ask the sub for a copy.
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide GC license. Home improvement contractors must register with the AHIA (Attorney General's office). Local jurisdictions may require licenses.
Pennsylvania is under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
$50,000 bond required for Home Improvement Contractor registration
- PAOAG: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (HIC)
- PADOL: Pennsylvania Dept of Labor and Industry
- BWCE: Bureau of Workers Compensation and Enforcement
Summary for Pennsylvania
No state GC license. HIC registration required for residential. Federal OSHA applies. Workers comp required for all employers.
Track all of this automatically in Pennsylvania
TradeGuard asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Pennsylvania, with alerts before anything expires.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Pennsylvania compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide general contractor license, though local jurisdictions or specialty trades may still require one. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide GC license. Home improvement contractors must register with the AHIA (Attorney General's office). Local jurisdictions may require licenses.
Does Pennsylvania follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Pennsylvania is covered by federal OSHA. Subcontractors on active job sites are typically expected to carry OSHA 10/30 training.
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Pennsylvania?+
Yes. $50,000 bond required for Home Improvement Contractor registration
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Pennsylvania agencies before relying on them.