Contractor License and Insurance

[Jason Rivera]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've been on.  I'm starting my 2nd project and I have a contract written and ready to go for a contractor that I've chosen but... I've asked for proof of license, proof of insurance and proof of workman's comp and all I received so far is a text with his license number, an expired certificate of liability insurance, and a verbal confirmation of workman's comp insurance.  Is there a way that I can verify this myself or should I just hold off on signing the contract until he provides me with physical copies of the paperwork?  Should I make copies of this paperwork for my records too?

He was referred to me by a relative and he seems capable so I haven't bolted just yet.

Thanks,

Jason