How to Do a CSLB License Check in California (and What to Look For)

Before you hand anyone a deposit for work on your home in California, spend two minutes on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. The license lookup is free, it's public, and it tells you more than most people realize: whether the license is active, what kind of work it covers, whether there's a bond and workers' comp on file, and whether the board has taken action against the contractor.

Here's how to run the check and read the results.

When does a contractor need a license?

In California, anyone who does construction work where the combined labor and materials total $1,000 or more must hold a CSLB license. That threshold was raised from $500 effective January 1, 2025. The project also can't be split into smaller contracts to get under the limit. See the CSLB's guidance on unlicensed contractors for details.

That covers nearly every remodel, ADU, roof, electrical or plumbing job.

Step 1: Get the license number

Ask for it. Licensed contractors are required to put their license number on bids, contracts and advertising (Business and Professions Code §7030.5). If someone hesitates to give you a number, that's your first answer.

Step 2: Look it up

Go to the CSLB's Check a License page. You can search by license number, business name or personal name. A license number is the most reliable, because many businesses have similar names.

Step 3: Read the record

Business name and address

Make sure the name matches the contract and the person you're talking to. A mismatch can mean someone is using another contractor's license, which is illegal.

License status

You want to see "This license is current and active." Watch for: - Expired, inactive, or canceled. They can't legally contract. - Suspended. This is often due to a bond, workers' comp or judgment problem.

Classification

The classification tells you what work the license covers: - B: General Building Contractor, for projects involving multiple trades - C-10: Electrical - C-36: Plumbing - C-20: Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning - C-39: Roofing - C-33: Painting and Decorating - C-35: Lathing and Plastering (stucco) - C-8: Concrete

A specialty contractor should be licensed in the trade you're hiring them for. A B general contractor can take on a project with multiple unrelated trades, with some limits; for example, a B contractor generally needs a specialty license or a licensed sub for work like standalone plumbing or electrical. The CSLB has a full list of classifications.

Bond

California contractors must carry a $25,000 contractor's bond (required since January 1, 2023). The record shows the surety and the bond's dates. A bond is a limited source of recovery for consumers. It isn't insurance and it doesn't guarantee the work.

Workers' compensation

The record shows either a current workers' comp policy or an exemption, which means the contractor certifies they have no employees. If someone shows up with a crew and the license shows an exemption, ask about it. Roofing (C-39) licensees must carry workers' comp regardless of whether they have employees. Requirements have been expanding, so check the CSLB's workers' comp page for current rules.

Disciplinary actions and complaints

The lookup shows legal actions such as citations, accusations and suspensions. It also shows some complaints that were referred for legal action. Not every complaint appears, so an empty record isn't proof of good work. A history of citations is worth asking about.

Step 4: Check what the lookup can't tell you

The CSLB record is a baseline, not a full vetting. Also: - Get a certificate of liability insurance, and call the insurer if the job is large. - Ask for recent references on similar LA jobs. - Check that the permit will be pulled under that contractor's license. - Read the contract. California home improvement contracts must meet requirements in B&P Code §7159. That includes the 10%-or-$1,000 cap on down payments, whichever is less, and a three-day right to cancel in many cases.

Our California home improvement contracts guide and contractor scam red flags cover these.

Red flags at a glance

• No license number, or a number belonging to a different business
• A license that's expired, suspended or the wrong classification
• A workers' comp exemption on file but a crew on site
• Asking for cash only, or a large deposit up front
• Suggesting you pull the permit as an "owner-builder" so they don't have to

For contractors: your license is your marketing

If you're a licensed contractor, homeowners are running this check on you. Keep your record clean and current, make sure your business name matches everywhere, and put your license number on every bid.

Bidroom builds contractor directory profiles from public CSLB records. If your license is already in the directory, you can claim your profile for free and bid on open LA jobs. Homeowners can browse licensed pros by trade, including general contractors, electricians, plumbers, roofers and HVAC.

General information only. For the official record and current rules, always rely on cslb.ca.gov.