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How to Verify a Professional's License in Phoenix?

Boards licensing professionals in Phoenix include the Arizona Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (AZDFI), the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Department of Real Estate, the Arizona State Board of Accountancy, the Arizona Board of Technical Registration, and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. All professionals practicing in Phoenix are required to be registered except those designated under Arizona Law Chapter 32-1121 and handymen handling contracts less than $1,000 in labor and costs. While there is no civil penalty for hiring an unlicensed professional in Arizona, you will have to assume liability in case of uncompleted work or fraud. You can verify a Phoenix professional's license status by visiting the website of the board that licenses such professionals.

While confirming your professional license status is quite important, equally relevant is ensuring that you obtain the necessary permits that may be required for your project before commencing any work. For example, if you are building a structure from scratch, or expanding, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing an already existing structure, you will need to apply for a building permit. In Phoenix, the City's Planning and Development Department provides the required permits for new residential construction and remodelling projects. Application and search for permits can be made online or at the Department's office at:

• Phoenix City Hall
• 200 W. Washington Street
• 2nd Floor
• Phoenix, Arizona 85003
• Phone: (602) 262-7811
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Do Phoenix Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

Phoenix comprises eight council districts headed by a mayor. The eight individual districts of Phoenix are represented by council members that advise and advocate for their respective districts. While these councils are concerned with transportation, infrastructure, economic development, justice, and public safety of the neighborhoods in the city, they do not issue building permits. Building permits in Phoenix are centrally processed by the Planning and Development Department in line with the municipal codes. Typically, building permit fees are based on the valuation of the project.

In recent times, annual applications for new construction and remodelling permits in Phoenix have been on the rise. As of February 2021, the City was ranked among the top five cities in the US for new building permits. Recently, Phoenix has been labelled a 24-hour city as you can literally secure a building permit in less than 24 hours.

How to File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Phoenix?

Complaints concerning a Phoenix professional's actions and unfair business practices can be filed with the Arizona State Attorney General Office by filling out a form online. You can also call the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix via (602) 542-5763, (520) 628-6648 if in Tucson, and (800) 352-8431 if you are outside the metro Phoenix area. This office can also be contacted in person at:

• 2005 N Central Avenue
• Phoenix, AZ 85004-2926
• Or
• 400 W. Congress
• South Building
• Suite 315
• Tucson, AZ 85701-1367

Alternatively, you can download a Consumer Complaint Form (Espanol), complete it and submit it via email. In cases where the supposed complaint involves an alleged criminal act or offense committed by the professional, you may contact a private attorney via the State Bar of Arizona Website or report at the Phoenix Police Department. Note, if your dispute claim does not exceed $2,500 you can file a suit at the Small Claims Court. Where the claim is less than $10,000 you may be able to file a suit at a local Justice Court nearby depending on the nature of the case.