Do I Need a Contractor License in California?

Yes. California requires a CSLB license for any project over $500 (materials + labor combined). The Contractors State License Board issues Class A (general engineering), Class B (general building), and Class C (42 specialty trades). Working without a license is a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000.

More detail

Who Needs a License?

Any contractor performing work valued over $500 on someone else's property needs a CSLB license. This includes electrical (C-10), plumbing (C-36), HVAC (C-20), roofing (C-39), painting (C-33), and landscaping (C-27).

How to Get Licensed

• Experience: 4 years of journeyman-level work
• Exam: Two-part (law/business + trade-specific)
• Bond: $25,000 contractor bond required
• Cost: ~$925-$1,125 total first year
• Renewal: Every 2 years, $450

Penalties

• First offense: up to 6 months jail + $5,000 fine
• Cannot file a mechanics lien without a valid license
• Customers can sue for full refund of all money paid

Your license number must appear on every invoice, contract, and advertisement.