Contractor licenses in
California
California licenses or registers contractors statewide.
Search California licenses (opens official site)
Official search run by Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at cslb.ca.gov
Which work needs a license
The state licenses general, residential, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and specialty work.
Small jobs
Under $1,000
Jobs under $1,000 total for labor and materials are exempt only if minor, need no building permit, are not split from a larger job, and the worker does not advertise as a contractor or use employees.
What a licensed contractor had to show
- Exam
- Law and Business exam plus a trade exam for the classification.
- Bond
- $25,000 contractor bond, plus a $25,000 qualifying individual bond when applicable.
- Insurance
- Workers' compensation if the contractor has employees; LLCs also need liability insurance of at least $1 million.
- Experience
- At least four years of journey-level or higher experience in the classification; up to three years can come from training or education.
State licensing agency
-
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
General building (B) and all specialty contractors including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing, on jobs of $1,000 or more
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
If something goes wrong
- File a complaint about a contractor (opens official site)
- Permits come from your city or county building department.