Using an unlicensed, uninsured, or unbonded subcontractor creates serious liability for the general contractor. This checklist walks through every credential and document to verify before a subcontractor steps foot on your job site. Print it or save as PDF — use one per subcontractor per project.
Subcontractor Vetting Checklist
ContractorBondInfo.pages.dev — Use one checklist per subcontractor per project — Not legal advice
Subcontractor Information
Section 1 — Contractor License Verification
Verify license is active in the state where work will be performed
Check online via the state licensing board's public lookup — not just what the sub tells you
License number
Verify license classification covers the scope of work
A plumbing license doesn't authorize electrical work. Scope mismatches are your liability if you allow them.
License classification
Check for disciplinary actions or complaints on the license record
Most state licensing boards publish disciplinary history in their online lookup
Clean? Y / N
Note license expiration date
A license that expires mid-project creates issues — set a reminder if expiration is near
License expiration
Confirm the sub is licensed in their own name or registered business entity
Work performed by an entity not covered by the license creates exposure
Licensed entity name
Section 2 — Insurance Verification
Obtain current Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Request directly from the sub's insurance agent — not from the sub. Agents don't issue fake COIs.
COI received date
Verify GL policy is current and limits meet your requirements
Minimum typically $500K–$1M per occurrence. Check your contract requirements and state minimums.
If a sub's worker is injured on your site without WC coverage, you may be liable as the general contractor
WC carrier / policy #
Confirm your company is listed as Additional Insured on their GL policy
This protects you from claims arising from the sub's work. Most GC contracts require it.
AI confirmed? Y / N
Check that COI covers the project location and scope
Some policies have geographic or scope exclusions. Confirm the policy applies to your specific project.
Coverage confirmed Y / N
Section 3 — Bond Status (If Required)
Determine if a sub bond is required by your contract or project owner
Sub performance bonds are typically required on larger subcontracts ($50K+) or owner-required projects
Required? Y / N
If required: obtain sub's bond certificate and POA
Sub's license bond is separate from any project-specific performance bond you may require
Bond amount / surety
Confirm sub's license bond is current and surety is admitted
Verify at state insurance department or NAIC portal
Bond expiration
Section 4 — Contract and Payment Process
Execute a written subcontract with clear scope, price, and schedule
Verbal sub agreements are nearly impossible to enforce. A written contract is the minimum.
Contract signed date
Include lien waiver requirements in subcontract
Require conditional lien waivers with each payment application; unconditional on final payment
Included? Y / N
Collect conditional lien waiver with each progress payment
A paid sub without a lien waiver can still file a lien. Don't pay without the waiver.
Waiver process confirmed
Collect unconditional lien waiver with final payment
Final unconditional waiver closes out sub's lien rights for this project
Final waiver collected
Require notification if sub's insurance is cancelled during project
Include in subcontract: sub must notify you within 48 hours of any insurance cancellation or non-renewal
Included? Y / N
Section 5 — Safety and Compliance
Confirm sub has OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 trained supervisor on site
Required on many public projects; best practice on all projects
OSHA cert confirmed
Verify sub's safety record (EMR rating if available)
Experience Modification Rate (EMR) below 1.0 indicates better-than-average safety record
EMR if known
Confirm sub is aware of and will comply with site-specific safety plan
Provide written site safety requirements at pre-construction meeting
Acknowledged Y / N
Click checkboxes to mark complete • Fields editable • One checklist per sub per project
Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational and organizational purposes only. Requirements vary by state, contract, and project type. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for subcontract documentation requirements specific to your state and project type.
Why Subcontractor Vetting Matters for Your Bond
As a general contractor, your contractor license bond primarily covers your own conduct — but how you manage your subcontractors affects your overall exposure to complaints, licensing board investigations, and civil liability. Using unlicensed subcontractors can itself be a licensing law violation in some states. An uninsured sub's injured worker can trigger claims against your GL policy. Failing to collect lien waivers can result in double-payment exposure.
The 20 minutes it takes to vet a subcontractor is genuinely one of the highest-value risk management activities a GC can perform.