What must be included in a licensee's advertising in the local telephone book?

The inclusion of a licensee's name and license number in advertising, particularly in the local telephone book, is essential for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements governing the profession. This practice serves several important purposes.

Firstly, providing the licensee's name ensures that consumers can accurately identify the professional they may wish to contract with. Transparency is crucial in establishing trust between the consumer and the contractor. The license number adds a layer of verification, allowing potential clients to confirm that the contractor holds a valid license. This can be particularly important in industries where licensing ensures that the contractor has met specific qualifications and standards of practice.

Additionally, regulations often mandate that the license number be included in advertising to protect consumers from unlicensed or fraudulent operators. By being able to look up the license number, consumers can verify the legitimacy and credibility of the contractor.

Including names of all the firm’s owners or providing a statement about being licensed and insured, while beneficial for additional transparency, may not be explicitly required in this type of advertisement. Similarly, while a mailing address can be helpful for customers wanting to contact the contractor, the primary focus of the legal requirement often revolves around the name and license number for clarity and compliance purposes.