On-line reports are available over the internet through the DEP Online Reports Portal where one can search the PCP licensing database for information on applicator businesses (companies that provide pest control services). You can search by the business license number or by the business name. You can also search for such businesses by the county they are located in and the type of pest control work they claim to do. That report would be useful to the general public when looking for pest control services in their area.

Instructions for (Initial) Pesticide Applicator Business Licensing

General Information

State law requires that all "Pesticide Applicator Businesses" operating in New Jersey be licensed with the Pesticide Control Program (PCP). The definition of a "Pesticide Applicator Business" is a business or person who either wholly or in part holds himself out for hire to apply pesticides. (Examples: exterminators, landscapers, tree services, aerial applicators, pet groomers, etc.)

Businesses must obtain a license for each location where they have an office. Businesses must also obtain a separate license for every name they operate under. Businesses using telephone answering services where only messages are collected do not have to obtain a license for each answering service location.

Out-of-State businesses who operate in New Jersey must also be licensed.

Licensing is required every year. The license year ends on October 31st each year.

Note: All business locations must have employed at least one licensed Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator, who is certified in the appropriate categories. Each location must have their own certified pesticide applicator. The same certified pesticide applicator cannot be listed for more than one location. If there is a change of certified pesticide applicator at a business location, complete the Responsible Certified Applicator Change Form and mail to the address indicated at the top of the form.

How to Get Your Business Licensed:

Each business location and/or name used by the business must have a separate license. For each license, complete the Applicator Business Form (VPA-013).

Follow the instructions on the application form. Be sure to complete the application ENTIRELY as incomplete applications will be sent back for the missing information.

The following insurance coverage is required for business licensing. Do not send proof of insurance coverage at this time. You will receive an invoice to pay for your applicator business license after your initial application form is entered into our computer system. When you return that invoice with the license fee, you will also have to submit proof of liability insurance coverage.

The minimum insurance coverage required to operate is as follows:

1. For pesticide applicator businesses which do not engage in fumigation pest control:

Liability insurance coverage from an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey with the equivalent of a $300,000 combined single limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage, which includes coverage for completed operations.

As part of the coverage required above, coverage for chemical liability is required, for the types of pesticide application performed. This chemical liability coverage shall provide coverage equivalent to that provided by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) standard endorsement CG 22 64 (which provides chemical liability coverage for the ground application of pesticides by pesticide applicator businesses) or its equivalent.

If chemical liability coverage is not available for the type of pesticide applications performed by the pesticide applicator business, the pesticide applicator business shall obtain written confirmation from its insurance provider and submit this information with the Insurance Coverage Verification Form that is included with the invoice for licensing.

2. For pesticide applicator businesses engaged, wholly or in part, in fumigation pest control:

Liability insurance coverage from an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey with the equivalent of a $500,000 combined single limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage, which includes coverage for completed operations.

As part of the coverage required above, coverage for chemical liability is required for the types of pesticide application performed. This chemical liability coverage shall provide coverage equivalent to that provided by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) standard endorsement CG 22 64 (which provides chemical liability coverage for the ground application of pesticides by pesticide applicator businesses) or its equivalent.

If chemical liability coverage is not available for the type of pesticide applications performed by the pesticide applicator business, the pesticide applicator shall obtain written confirmation from their insurance provider and submit this information with the Insurance Coverage Verification Form that is included with the invoice for licensing.

Send the completed application form to the following address:

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Pesticide Control Program/Applicator Business
PO Box 411
Trenton, NJ 08625-0411

You may also fax the completed application to 609-984-6555. No payment is to be sent at this time. You will then receive an invoice to pay for the business license, which will have to be signed and returned along with the completed "Insurance Coverage Verification Form" and the $150.00 license fee.

A license renewal will be automatically sent to you annually before the expiration date of your license. If you have any changes, including the business name, mailing or physical address, phone number, or responsible certified pesticide applicator, the PCP must be notified of the change, in writing, within 30 days!

If you have any questions about business licensing, call the PCP at (609) 984-6601. Copies of the Pesticide Control Regulations are also available.

Note: Once you have your business license number, you must display that number on at least two sides of every service vehicle, in numbers at least 3 inches high. Also on each service vehicle, you must have wording, at least 3 inches high and on two sides, which clearly indicates that pesticides are stored in that vehicle. If the name of your business indicates this, then put that on the vehicle. Otherwise, put on something like "Pesticide Vehicle" or "Pest Control Unit."