Contractor License Verification (TradesAPI) vs HiveLaw

In-depth architectural comparison of the Contractor License Verification (TradesAPI) and HiveLaw MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Contractor License Verification (TradesAPI) when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Legal domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
• You have access to required keys: CLV_API_URL, CLV_API_KEY.
• Primary tools included: verify_license.

Explore Contractor License Verification (TradesAPI) Details

Choose HiveLaw when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Legal domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
• Primary tools included: hivelaw_audit_output, hivelaw_verify_stamp, hivelaw_agent_history.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Contractor License Verification (TradesAPI) Legal	HiveLaw Legal
Summary	Verify contractor licenses: 50 states + DC + 8 cities — status, expiration, disciplinary history.	Governance framework, dispute resolution, and arbitration for agents
Category & Scope	Legal	Legal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contractor-license-verification-tradesapi-2": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "contractor-license-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CLV_API_URL": "YOUR_CLV_API_URL_HERE",
        "CLV_API_KEY": "YOUR_CLV_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "hivelaw": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "hivelaw"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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