I'm a general contractor looking to start a project in New Jersey and when I have tried to retrieve information about how to obtain my license in New Jersey - there is no clear answer. Can someone assist me with this matter?
New Jersey laws and regulations primarily focus on residential contractors rather than commercial contractors.
If you are looking to become a NJ residential general contractor who makes repairs or alterations to existing houses, condominiums or apartment buildings, you would need to register and get a license as a Home improvement Contractor ("HIC"). See: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hic.
If you were looking to build new houses in NJ, you would need to register as new home builder and procure the obligatory warranty mandated for new houses per statute. See: https://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/forms/pdf_nhw/nhwprenew.pdf.
If you were looking to become a NJ commercial contractor, I am unaware of any specific licensure process. As a practical matter, I note that many, if not most, commercial general contractors also have HIC licenses, but that commonality may reflect that the commercial GC began woking in residential construction.
Of course, when you apply for a building permit in NJ (for residential or commercial), you will need to provide the applicable tech card from the plumber, HVAC and electrical subcontractor. Each of those trades is separately licensed in NJ and your permit will be rejected unless the applicable subcode application with the required stamp from the licensed subcontractor is included. Here is a review of the building permit requirements as set forth by the NJ Department of Community Affairs: https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms.html.
Good luck!