California licensing for homeowners

Who must be licensed in California

California requires a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licence for any construction project — including labor and materials — of $500 or more. The licence must match the work: general building (Class B), general engineering (Class A), or a specialty Class C classification (plumbing C-36, electrical C-10, HVAC C-20, roofing C-39, and dozens more). Performing contracting without a licence is a misdemeanor, and homeowners who knowingly use an unlicensed contractor can lose the right to sue for breach and may face permit and insurance problems.

Licensing boards and lookups

Licence classes and what they authorize

• Class B — General Building Contractor

  Projects using two or more unrelated trades; typical home remodeling and additions.

• Class C-10 — Electrical Contractor

  Electrical systems and related low-voltage scope per CSLB definition.

• Class C-36 — Plumbing Contractor

  Plumbing, drainage, and related fixtures; gas lines per code.

• Class C-20 — HVAC Contractor

  Warm-air heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.

• Class C-39 — Roofing Contractor

  Roofing and waterproofing on existing structures.

Verify a licence in about two minutes

1. Go to CSLB's Check a License tool and enter the six-digit licence number.
2. Read the status line: Active, Inactive, Suspended, or Revoked — only Active is acceptable.
3. Open the classifications list and confirm the class matches your job (B for multi-trade remodel, C-36 for repipe-only, etc.).
4. Check workers' compensation and bond status shown on the CSLB record when available.
5. For employees performing electrical work, optionally cross-check DIR electrician certification if the scope is employee-performed electrical.

Insurance and bond minimums

CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor's bond (or cash deposit) for most licences, plus proof of workers' compensation when employees are used. General liability is not a CSLB filing requirement but is standard on any serious job — request COI directly from the insurer. Bond and insurance protect different parties; you want both on a large remodel.

Who issues permits

Permits are issued by the city or county building department where the property sits. California Building Standards Code applies statewide, but local amendments and inspection practices differ. CSLB licences are state-level; permits are local.

Homeowner permits — can you pull one, and should you

Owner-builders may pull permits in many jurisdictions for work on their own residence, but they may not advertise or contract for others. Work must still meet code. CSLB considers arranging multiple trades for pay without a licence illegal contracting even if you pull the permit yourself.

Deposits, cancellation rights, and liens

Deposit rules

Home improvement contracts: down payment cannot exceed 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less (B&P §7159). This applies to contracts negotiated at your home for jobs over $500.

Rescission / cooling-off

Home solicitation sales contracts generally include a three-business-day right to cancel (B&P §7154). The contractor must provide two copies of the notice of cancellation.

Mechanic's lien timeline

Preliminary notice rules under Civil Code §8200 et seq. affect who can lien. Original contractors generally record within 90 days of completion; subcontractors and suppliers have shorter notice windows. Use conditional waivers on each payment.

Written home improvement contracts over $500 must include specific disclosures per B&P §7159 (start/end dates, down payment, mechanics lien warning, etc.).

Where to file a complaint

CSLB handles licence complaints, bond claims, and many contractor disputes. File online or by mail. Serious unlicensed contracting can be referred for criminal prosecution. Small-claims and civil court remain available for breach, with different remedies if the contractor was unlicensed.

If you hire someone unlicensed

Hiring an unlicensed contractor for $500+ work can bar you from suing for breach (B&P §7031). Permits may be denied or red-tagged. Insurers may deny claims tied to unpermitted or unlicensed work. Resale and refinance inspections surface unpermitted improvements.

Which trades need a licence here

Reciprocity

CSLB does not grant automatic reciprocity with other states. Some classifications allow exam waivers with documented out-of-state experience — check current CSLB reciprocity bulletins.

Cities and counties with an extra layer

Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and other cities add local business tax registration, soft-story or seismic ordinances, and stricter energy codes. Coastal Commission review applies in the coastal zone.

Related guides

Common questions — California

Sources

• California Business & Professions Code §7026 et seq.
• CSLB — Check a License
• California Civil Code — Mechanics lien notices

Content reviewed 2026-10-06. Statutes and board URLs were checked at publication; confirm current text on the official site before relying on it in a dispute.