California Contractor License Requirements
In California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) regulates all contractors performing work valued at $500 or more in combined labor and material costs. Operating without a proper license is illegal and carries significant penalties. Bidroom verifies contractor licenses to protect property owners and maintain platform quality.
License Classifications
| Class | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Engineering | Fixed works requiring specialized engineering, like roads, bridges, and pipelines |
| B | General Building | Building construction, remodeling, and renovation of residential and commercial structures |
| C | Specialty | 36 specialty classifications including C-10 Electrical, C-36 Plumbing, C-20 HVAC, and more |
Application Requirements
- Experience — At least 4 years of journey-level experience in the classification you are applying for within the last 10 years.
- Examination — Pass the trade examination for your classification and the Law and Business examination.
- Fingerprinting — Submit fingerprints through Live Scan for a background check by the California Department of Justice and FBI.
- Bond — Obtain a $25,000 contractor license bond (as of 2024) from a licensed surety company.
- Insurance — Carry workers compensation insurance if you have employees (exempt if sole owner with no employees).
- Application Fee — Pay the application fee and initial license fee to the CSLB.
Maintaining Your License
- Renew your license every two years before the expiration date printed on your license.
- Keep your contractor bond active at all times — a lapsed bond results in automatic license suspension.
- Report any changes to your business entity, personnel, address, or bond to the CSLB within 90 days.
- Maintain current workers compensation insurance or file a valid exemption certificate.
- Complete any continuing education requirements applicable to your classification.
Bidroom License Verification
When you register on Bidroom as a contractor, we verify your CSLB license number against the official CSLB database. Verified contractors receive a Licensed badge on their profile, which significantly increases owner trust and bid acceptance rates. If your license expires or is suspended, the badge is automatically removed until the issue is resolved. Contractors in other states should provide their equivalent state licensing board credentials for verification.
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Performing work without a proper contractor license in California is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $15,000 and up to six months in jail. Additionally, unlicensed contractors cannot file liens for unpaid work and may be required to return all payments received for the project. Always ensure your license is current before bidding on or performing any construction work.