California contractor license lookup with the CSLB
How to check a California contractor license with the CSLB: status, classification, bond, workers' comp, and the traps that let a bad license look fine.
California licenses contractors statewide through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A license is required for most work, and the CSLB's online license check shows the status, classification, bond, and workers' compensation information you need. Check it before a sub starts, and again when their insurance or license renews.
When a license is required
According to the CSLB, anyone who builds or alters a structure needs a license if the project costs $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, if a building permit is required, or if the contractor uses employees. The threshold was $500 until it was raised in 2025, so some older pages and third-party guides may still show the old number; confirm the current figure on the CSLB site. Splitting a job into smaller pieces to stay under the limit is not allowed. For your purposes, assume any subcontractor on a commercial or property job needs a license, and confirm edge cases with the CSLB or an attorney.
Classifications: the license must match the work
The CSLB groups licenses into three families:
- A: General engineering contractor, for large infrastructure and engineering work
- B: General building contractor, for building work involving multiple trades (B-2 is residential remodeling)
- C: Specialty contractors, written C-2 and up, such as C-10 for electrical, C-36 for plumbing, and C-39 for roofing
A specialty license generally covers its own trade only. An active C-10 electrical license does not make someone qualified to do roofing. Check that the classification on the record matches the scope in your subcontract.
How to check a license
Use the CSLB's Check a License tool. You can search by license number, business name, or personnel name. The license number is best, and it is numeric only.
The record shows:
- License status, such as active, inactive, expired, or suspended
- Business name and address of record
- Classification or classifications
- Issue and expiration dates
- Contractor bond information
- Workers' compensation coverage or an exemption on file
- Disciplinary actions and complaint disclosure, where applicable
The bond and workers' comp lines
The CSLB requires licensed contractors to file a $25,000 contractor license bond. That bond is a license requirement, not proof the contractor can cover a large job or your contract, and it is separate from a performance bond.
For workers' compensation, the record shows either coverage with an insurer or an exemption filed by the contractor. Contractors with employees must carry coverage, and a contractor with no employees may file an exemption. Exemption rules change, so check current CSLB guidance. A workers' comp line on the CSLB record is also not a substitute for the ACORD certificate you collect, because the certificate is where you verify policy dates, limits, and endorsements. See workers comp exemptions for sole proprietors.
What to ask a subcontractor for
- The CSLB license number and exact business name on the license
- The classifications they are licensed under for your scope
- A current certificate of insurance and, if they claim an exemption, the exemption on file
- Names of any other licensed entities that will do part of the work
Common traps
- Name mismatch. A valid license number can belong to a different business than the one you are contracting with. Compare the business name on the record to the contract and the certificate.
- Active but wrong classification. The license is active, but it is a C-36 and the work is electrical.
- Inactive, expired, or suspended. Only an active license authorizes the work. An inactive license is not a license to bid or contract.
- Stale status. A license number on a bid does not prove current status. Look the number up yourself, on the day.
- Lapsed bond or insurance. A license can be affected when the bond or workers' comp coverage lapses. Recheck status after any renewal date.
When a license is not required statewide, check city and county
California has statewide licensing, but cities and counties still require business licenses and permits. A contractor can hold a valid CSLB license and still need a local business tax certificate. Check the city where the work is. Rules vary, and this is not legal advice.
For related reading, see certificate of insurance red flags and gc insurance requirements by trade.
Check this automatically
ComplySub covers license status for California along with Colorado, Texas, and Florida. It records the status, license number, and expiration date and flags a license that is expired or missing next to the insurance checks, against the requirements you set once. Vendors upload through a link without an account, and reminders go out before dates lapse. It does not replace the official CSLB record, and for a state or trade with no usable source you can enter the status manually.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Insurance and licensing rules vary by state, carrier, and contract; confirm what applies to you with your insurance professional, attorney, or licensing board.