Q: How can I find out if a contractor I want to hire has a legitimate, up-to-date contractor’s license?

A: You certainly should ask any contractor you consider hiring to provide a copy of his or her license, especially if such a document is required for the work that needs to be done. But simply asking to see a copy is not enough, because some contractors have been known to counterfeit their own licenses or to alter expired licenses so they appear to be up-to-date.

As a backup, you also should call the agency that regulates contractors in your area. In most states, it’s the Contractors State License Board, the Department of Real Estate or the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Many of those government agencies will not only confirm licenses but also will provide other valuable information about a contractor’s work experience, insurance protection and history of complaints.