Skip to content
State files updated Oct 27, 2026
Look up a contractor
MenuClose

Home / Licensing / California

California contractor license (CSLB)Requirements, cost, exam

California licenses general contractors through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). License required if project needs a building permit, uses additional workers, or total of contracts (labor+materials) is $1,000 or more.1

California · general contractor

State license required

Experience
Age 18+. 4 full years journey-level/foreman/supervisor/contractor experience in the class, within last 10 years.2
Exam
Two exams: (1) Law & Business and (2) trade exam for the classification (no trade exam for C-61).3
Bond
$25,000 contractor bond (or $25,000 cashier's check).1
Insurance
LLC licensees must carry liability insurance with an aggregate limit of at least $1,000,000 for five or fewer people on the personnel of record, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5,000,000 (B&P Code 7071.19).4
Fees
Application $450 (one classification).5
Renewal
Active license renews every 2 years.6

Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

How do you get a California contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    License required if project needs a building permit, uses additional workers, or total of contracts (labor+materials) is $1,000 or more.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    Age 18+. 4 full years journey-level/foreman/supervisor/contractor experience in the class, within last 10 years.2

  3. Apply to the CSLB$450

    Application $450 (one classification).5

    CSLB site
  4. Pass the exam

    Two exams: (1) Law & Business and (2) trade exam for the classification (no trade exam for C-61).3

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    $25,000 contractor bond (or $25,000 cashier's check). LLC licensees must carry liability insurance with an aggregate limit of at least $1,000,000 for five or fewer people on the personnel of record, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5,000,000 (B&P Code 7071.19).1

    California bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew$200–$350

    Active license renews every 2 years.6

    Renewal and CE
Board feesFrom $650Lowest tier of each fee. Bond premium and insurance cost extra.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in California

Which license class do you need in California?

B General Building Contractor.7

Classes with the most active holders in the state file, 2026-10-261.

All 64 classes

C6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry · C9 Drywall · C17 Glazing · C53 Swimming Pool · D28 Doors, Gates and Activated Barrier Systems · D49 Tree Service · C12 Earthwork and Paving · C16 Fire Protection · C29 Masonry · C35 Lathing and Plastering · C13 Fencing · C21 Building Moving/Demolition · HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification · D12 Synthetic Products · B2 Residential Remodeling · D35 Pool and Spa Maintenance · C38 Refrigeration · C51 Structural Steel · D52 Window Coverings · D06 Construction Clean-up · Class D34 · C43 Sheet Metal · C2 Insulation and Acoustical · C46 Solar · C60 Welding · C23 Ornamental Metal · Class D21 · C5 Framing and Rough Carpentry · C42 Sanitation System · C45 Sign · Class D63 · Class D24 · ASB Asbestos Certification · C57 Well Drilling · C4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting · Class D64 · Class C49 · C34 Pipeline · Class D03 · C32 Parking and Highway Improvement · C31 Construction Zone Traffic Control · C47 General Manufactured Housing · Class D38 · Class D42 · Class D41 · C28 Lock and Security Equipment · C22 Asbestos Abatement · C55 Water Conditioning · Class D39 · Class D16 · C50 Reinforcing Steel · C11 Elevator

Does California have license reciprocity?

Agreements with AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC.8

Do you need workers' comp?

Must file valid WC certificate or self-insurance certificate, or a signed exemption (no employees).9

California insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): who needs a license (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): experience (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): exam (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): insurance (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): fees (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): renewal (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  7. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): license classes (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  8. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): reciprocity (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  9. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): workers' comp (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  10. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Get Licensed To Build (cslb.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)
  11. Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Codes display Section.xhtml (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, 2026-10-27)