California Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering Contractor Covers fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge — highways, bridges, dams, pipelines, irrigation systems, power plants, and similar infrastructure projects. Requires 4 years of journey-level experience and passing trade and law exams. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| General Building Contractor Covers construction of structures — residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. A B license holder can self-perform up to three unrelated trades on any project and must subcontract the rest to appropriately licensed C-classification contractors. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Residential Remodeling Contractor A subcategory of the B license specifically for residential remodeling, repairs, and alterations. Does not cover new construction from the ground up. Same exam and experience requirements as the full B license. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Electrical Contractor Covers installation, alteration, and repair of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, and equipment. Includes solar electrical connections, EV charger installations, and low-voltage systems when performed as part of a larger electrical project. | $450 | $470/$720 timely; $695/$1,070 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years — includes $20 C-10 electrician certification surcharge) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Covers installation, maintenance, and repair of warm-air heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and evaporative cooling systems. Includes ductwork, thermostats, and related controls. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Painting and Decorating Contractor Covers surface preparation, application of paints, stains, coatings, wallpaper, and similar decorative finishes to buildings and structures. Includes lead paint abatement and related environmental compliance work. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Plumbing Contractor Covers installation, maintenance, and repair of piping, fixtures, and appliances for water supply, drainage, waste, and venting systems. Includes gas piping, water heaters, and backflow prevention devices. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Roofing Contractor Covers installation and repair of roofing systems — shingles, tiles, built-up roofing, single-ply membranes, metal roofing, and waterproofing. Includes associated sheet metal flashings and roof insulation. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Sanitation System Contractor Covers installation, repair, and maintenance of septic tanks, cesspools, and sewage disposal systems. Includes excavation for sanitation system installation and connection to public sewer lines. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
| Solar Contractor Covers installation of solar energy systems for heating, cooling, and electrical power generation. Includes solar panels, thermal collectors, mounting hardware, and associated plumbing or electrical connections specific to solar systems. | $450 | $450/$700 timely; $675/$1,050 delinquent (sole owner/non-sole owner, every 2 years) | $25,000 contractor license bond |
Processing time: 6 to 9 months (4-6 weeks for exam eligibility, 2-4 weeks for exam scheduling, plus fingerprint and background review) from application submission to license issuance.
California (CA) has one of the strictest contractor licensing systems in the country, administered by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Any project valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials requires a licensed contractor — a threshold raised from $500 to $1,000 effective January 1, 2025 under AB 2622. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of verified journey-level experience, pass trade and law exams, submit to mandatory Live Scan fingerprinting, and post a $25,000 contractor license bond. The CSLB actively enforces licensing laws through undercover sting operations and maintains a public license lookup system so consumers can verify any CA contractor license before hiring. If you're not yet licensed, see how to get a California contractor license.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's CSLB License Number
California law requires contractors to display their CSLB license number on all advertising, business cards, contracts, and vehicles. If a contractor cannot provide a license number or makes excuses for not having one, treat that as a serious red flag. The license number is your starting point for every verification step that follows.
Step 2: Look Up the License on the CSLB Website
Use the CSLB's official online license check tool to verify the contractor's license status. You can search by license number, business name, or individual name — so even if you don't have the license number, you can look up a California contractor by name. The lookup shows license classification, status (active, inactive, suspended, revoked), expiration date, bonding status, and workers' compensation information.
Step 3: Verify Bond and Insurance Status
Every active California contractor must carry a $25,000 contractor license bond. The CSLB lookup shows whether the bond is current. Beyond the bond, verify the contractor carries adequate insurance for your project.
- Contractor license bond: $25,000 minimum (required for all active licenses)
- General liability insurance: not state-mandated but strongly recommended — ask for a certificate
- Workers' compensation insurance: required if the contractor has any employees
Step 4: Check Complaint and Disciplinary History
The CSLB license lookup shows complaint and disciplinary history including citations, accusations, and legal actions. A contractor with multiple complaints or a history of disciplinary action is a significant risk. You can also call the CSLB directly at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) to ask about pending investigations not yet visible online.
Step 5: Confirm Workers' Compensation Coverage
If your contractor has any employees, California law requires them to carry workers' compensation insurance. Under SB 216 (2022), C-8, C-20, C-22, and D-49 contractors must carry workers' comp regardless of whether they have employees; C-39 roofers were already required. SB 1455 (2024) delayed the universal workers' comp requirement for all license classifications from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. The CSLB license lookup shows whether a contractor has an active workers' comp policy or has filed a certificate of self-insurance or exemption. Hiring a contractor without workers' comp puts you at risk of liability for on-the-job injuries.
California Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Not state-mandated by CSLB, but strongly recommended. Most project owners and general contractors require proof of general liability insurance before allowing work to begin. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for all contractors with employees. Additionally required regardless of employees for C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and D-49 classifications. Universal requirement for all licensees (with employees or not) was delayed by SB 1455 (2024) from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028; contractors with no employees must file an exemption certificate once the universal requirement takes effect. |
California Contractor Bond Requirements
All active California contractors must post a $25,000 contractor license bond — raised from $15,000 on January 1, 2023. The bond must be issued by a California Department of Insurance-licensed surety company and filed with the CSLB within 90 days of the effective date. The bond protects consumers who suffer financial harm from a contractor's faulty or incomplete work.
California Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
California law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must display their CSLB license number in all advertising, contracts, business cards, and on vehicles used for work — failure to do so is a violation.
- Home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing and include the contractor's license number, a detailed scope of work, total price, payment schedule, and estimated completion date.
- Homeowners have a 3 business day right to cancel home improvement contracts (5 business days for senior citizens age 65 or older under California's Home Solicitation Sales Act) — the contractor must provide a notice of cancellation rights.
- The CSLB conducts undercover sting operations targeting unlicensed contractors and issues citations, fines, and criminal referrals.
- The CSLB has authority to suspend, revoke, or place conditions on a contractor's license and can impose fines for violations.
- Property owners can verify contractor license status before local building departments issue permits.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in California puts you at risk:
- The contractor cannot file a mechanics lien against your property, but you also have no CSLB recourse if something goes wrong
- The contract may be legally unenforceable — courts can void agreements with unlicensed contractors
- Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor in California carrying up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $5,000
- You lose access to the CSLB's complaint investigation, mediation, and disciplinary process
- Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage caused by work performed by an unlicensed contractor
- The CSLB actively conducts sting operations targeting unlicensed contractors and can issue stop-work orders
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in California
Report unlicensed contracting activity to the CSLB. Performing contractor work without a valid license on projects valued at $1,000 or more is a misdemeanor in California. The CSLB investigates reports of unlicensed activity and conducts regular undercover sting operations.
- Online: cslb.ca.gov
- Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
- Mail: CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in California
The Contractors State License Board investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. CSLB mediates disputes, investigates violations, and can issue citations with fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and refer cases for criminal prosecution.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: File a complaint at cslb.ca.gov
- Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
- Mail: CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
CSLB investigates both licensed and unlicensed contractor activity. For financial recovery beyond what CSLB can mediate, you may need to pursue civil court or file a claim against the contractor's $25,000 bond.
California Contractor Bond Schedule
California requires several types of surety bonds depending on the situation. The contractor license bond is mandatory for all active licenses.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $25,000 | Required for all active contractor licenses. Raised from $15,000 effective January 1, 2023. |
| Disciplinary Bond | $25,000 minimum, up to 10x the license bond (currently up to $250,000) | CSLB may require an additional bond as a condition of continued licensure after disciplinary action. Minimum raised to $25,000 effective January 1, 2023 (SB 607). Must remain on file at least 2 years. |
| Bond of Qualifying Individual | $25,000 | Required when the qualifying individual (the person whose experience qualifies the business for a license) is not an owner of the business. |
What Makes California Contractor Licensing Unique
AB 2622 Licensing Threshold Increase
Effective January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2622 raised the minimum project value requiring a licensed contractor from $500 to $1,000 (combined labor and materials). Projects under $1,000 can legally be performed by an unlicensed handyperson.
Mandatory Live Scan Fingerprinting
All contractor license applicants must complete Live Scan fingerprinting for FBI and DOJ background checks. The CSLB-set portion totals $49 — $32 for the California DOJ and $17 for the FBI. On top of that, the Live Scan operator charges a separate rolling fee that varies by site (often $20-$40), so the all-in cost is higher than $49.
4 Years Journey-Level Experience Required
California requires at least four years of verified journey-level experience in the trade classification being applied for. Experience must be documented and verified by employers or licensed contractors. There is no shortcut — a degree or certification alone does not satisfy this requirement.
Workers' Comp Universal Requirement Delayed to 2028
SB 216 (2022) originally required ALL active contractors — with or without employees — to carry workers' compensation insurance by January 1, 2026. In response to industry concerns, SB 1455 (2024) pushed the universal deadline to January 1, 2028. In the meantime, workers' comp remains required for any contractor with employees, and regardless of employees for C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and D-49 classifications.
Application to License: 6-9 Months
The realistic timeline from application to active license in California is 6 to 9 months. This includes 4-6 weeks for exam eligibility determination, 2-4 weeks for exam scheduling, plus additional time for fingerprinting, background review, and bond filing.
California Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: California Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in California?
Go to the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov and use the Check a License tool. Enter the contractor's license number, business name, or individual name. The lookup shows the license classification, current status (active, inactive, suspended, or revoked), expiration date, bond status, workers' compensation filing, and any complaint or disciplinary history. You can also call the CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) to verify license information by phone.
Is my contractor licensed in California?
California law requires contractors to display their CSLB license number on all advertising, contracts, business cards, and vehicles. If a contractor cannot or will not provide a license number, they are likely unlicensed. Verify any number you receive through the CSLB's online lookup tool — confirm the license is active, not expired or suspended, and that the classification matches the type of work you need done. Be wary of contractors who claim to be 'exempt' or 'bonded but not licensed.'
What is a CSLB license number?
A CSLB license number is a unique identifier assigned by the Contractors State License Board to every licensed contractor in California. The number is typically six to seven digits and stays with the contractor for life, even if the license expires or is revoked. You can use this number to look up the contractor's full licensing history, bond status, insurance filing, and complaint record on the CSLB website. Contractors are legally required to display this number in all advertising and contracts.
What's the difference between Class A, B, and C contractor licenses in California?
Class A (General Engineering) covers infrastructure and specialty engineering projects like highways, bridges, pipelines, and power plants. Class B (General Building) covers building construction — residential, commercial, and industrial structures — and allows self-performing up to three unrelated trades per project. Class C licenses are specialty contractor classifications covering specific trades like electrical (C-10), plumbing (C-36), HVAC (C-20), roofing (C-39), and over 40 other specialties. A general contractor (A or B) must subcontract work to appropriately licensed C-classification contractors for trades outside their scope.
How much does a California contractor license cost?
The application fee is $450 for all classifications. If approved, the initial license fee is $200 for sole owners or $350 for non-sole owners. Timely active license renewal costs $450 (sole owner) or $700 (non-sole owner) every two years — C-10 electrical contractors pay $20 more ($470/$720) to fund electrician certification enforcement. Delinquent renewals (after expiration) are $675/$1,050. Additional costs include Live Scan fingerprinting ($49 CSLB-set + operator rolling fee (varies)), adding a classification ($230), and the $25,000 contractor license bond (annual premium varies by credit, typically $100-$500/year).
Do California contractors need a surety bond?
Yes. Every active California contractor must carry a $25,000 contractor license bond — this amount was raised from $15,000 on January 1, 2023. The bond must be issued by a surety company licensed by the California Department of Insurance and filed with the CSLB. The bond protects consumers who suffer financial harm from a contractor's work. Contractors do not pay the full $25,000 — they pay an annual premium to a surety company, typically ranging from $100 to $500 depending on their credit and claims history.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in California?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in California carries serious risks. The contractor cannot file a mechanics lien against your property, but you also lose access to CSLB's complaint investigation and mediation services. An unlicensed contractor's contract may be unenforceable. Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage caused by unlicensed work. For the contractor, unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $5,000 — and the CSLB actively conducts sting operations to catch unlicensed operators.
How do I file a complaint against a California contractor?
File a complaint with the CSLB online at cslb.ca.gov, by phone at (800) 321-CSLB (2752), or by mail to CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. The CSLB investigates complaints against both licensed and unlicensed contractors. For licensed contractors, the CSLB can mediate disputes, issue citations with fines, and suspend or revoke licenses. Gather documentation before filing — contracts, receipts, photos of work, and correspondence with the contractor.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in California?
The realistic timeline from application to active license is 6 to 9 months. After submitting your application and $450 fee, it takes 4-6 weeks for the CSLB to determine exam eligibility, then 2-4 weeks to schedule and take the trade and law exams. After passing, you must complete Live Scan fingerprinting and wait for background check clearance, then file your $25,000 bond and pay the initial license fee. Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if the background check flags issues.
What is the minimum project amount that requires a licensed contractor in California?
As of January 1, 2025, any project valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials requires a licensed contractor. This threshold was raised from $500 to $1,000 under Assembly Bill 2622. Projects under $1,000 can legally be performed by an unlicensed handyperson. The threshold applies to the total project value — you cannot split a larger project into smaller contracts to avoid the licensing requirement.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- CSLB — Contractors State License Board (home) — Primary regulator for all California contractor licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — Check a License (official lookup tool) — Search by license number, business name, or personnel name. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — List of All CSLB Fees — Authoritative fee schedule (application, initial license, renewals, Live Scan). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — Bond Requirements — $25,000 contractor license bond, Bond of Qualifying Individual, Disciplinary Bond. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — AB 2622 Industry Bulletin ($500 → $1,000 threshold) — CSLB implementation guidance for the handyperson exemption raised to $1,000 effective Jan 1, 2025. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — Workers' Compensation Requirements — Workers' comp rules including SB 216 classifications and SB 1455 delay to Jan 1, 2028. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — 2026 New Laws Industry Bulletin — Summary of contractor-law changes taking effect January 1, 2026 (including SB 291 workers' comp penalty increases). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — What Is a Home Improvement Contract — $500 written-contract threshold, 3-business-day right to cancel, 10%/$1,000 down-payment cap. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — File a Complaint — Complaint process for licensed and unlicensed contractor activity. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — Contact CSLB — Headquarters: P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. Phone: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- CSLB — 2026 Contractors License Law Book — Current consolidated Business & Professions Code and CSLB regulations. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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