Not as a rule for everything but this might be a good policy to establish. 

If needed for a permit or an inspection contingency.

Otherwise a license has NOTHING to do with the quality of the contractor.

I typically know those whom I work with, so I don't. 

I request a copy of their state license and insurance. 

I usually recommend licensed contractors when I can. It is very easy to check them out at sites like the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Arizona Board of Technical Registrations or Better Business Bureau. I don't expect them to provide proof of insurance or copies of their license.

But, in all honesty, I have hired non-licensed contractors for some small jobs. Sometimes it is a little risky, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

I never get involved in actual "repairs"... I will often give recommendations of several contractors to my clients, but it's up to them to do their own due-diligence.

I would not use someone who has not been previoiusly vetted.

Yes for permittted work. I have handymen who are not licensed but can do many things not requiring a perrmit!

I learned that lesson the hard way.

I always request license and insurance information when doing property management. Most condos here require that anyone doing work in the complex must be licensed and insured so even when we have work done on our condo, I still ask. And I have the DBPR app on my phone so when they present the license I can look it up to make sure it's still current and active. Some aren't...

But there are some unlicensed handyman types who do a great job at a good price and I would use them on small jobs but not on anything ilke electrical or plumbing, etc.

We have an online site that we check, Fred.

I will say that I have a handyman that does better work than any licensed GC and is 1/2 the price of a GC. That said, if the buyer has an issue with the seller using him and they don't plan to do a re-inspection, I will offer to pay for the re-inspection - he's never failed a re-inspection in the decade since I've been using him...and I've paid for 3 re-inspections over that decade! 

Yes sir

Yes, the license is always MUST.

Yes. 

In our areas nothing could be done without it. Have to have a permit to do the job. Building and permit departments are hunting for violations and fine is HUGE!

Happy New Year!

On the big jobs ($$$) yes indeedy

Not with everything, but know we should.

Pat of my vetting of these people

I do not recommend . 

No.  Never asked to see any of that from my gardeners, plumbers, handymen, etc.  My homeowners insurance actually covers me should anything happen.  Yay for AAA!!!!

My wife is a lawyer, so she always does.

I look them up.

yes

No. I usually use people that I know.