Plain-language guides to licensing, public bidding and getting paid in New Jersey, written from the statutes, rules and agency pages and linked to them.
Licensing
Contractors and subcontractors on covered New Jersey public works must hold Public Works Contractor Registration. To bid state building projects, firms also need DPMC classification, renewed every 24 months.
Reviewed Nov 13, 2026
Bidding
DPMC bids state building projects to classified contractors and posts each advertisement with a bid date and estimate. NJDOT prequalifies highway primes through Form DC-74A.
Reviewed Nov 13, 2026
Liens & bonds
New Jersey lien claims are lodged within 90 days of last work. Residential claimants first file a Notice of Unpaid Balance within 60 days. Public bond claimants give notice before starting work.
Reviewed Nov 13, 2026
Procurement
NJSTART is New Jersey's eProcurement system. Vendor registration is generally required to bid most state contracts, including DPMC projects.
Reviewed Nov 13, 2026
Guides are general information, not legal advice.