California contractor license lookup: how to check and get a license
California contractor license lookup: who issues home improvement contractor licenses (CSLB), how to check one online, the license types, and 16,787 residential remodelers by county.
Do home improvement contractors need a license in California?
| Who licenses them | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) |
|---|---|
| License types | B General Building Contractor, B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor, C-class specialty contractors (e.g. C-33 Painting, C-39 Roofing, C-8 Concrete, C-54 Tile) |
| When a license is required | License required for jobs of $1,000 or more (labor + materials, projects can't be split), and for any job that needs a permit or where the worker uses employees, even under $1,000 (AB 2622, effective Jan 1, 2025; previously $500). Written home improvement contract required over $500. Down payment can't exceed 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less; no payment ahead of work completed or materials delivered. |
Unlicensed handypersons may advertise only for jobs under $1,000 and must say they're unlicensed. Every licensed contractor must keep a $25,000 contractor bond with CSLB (LLCs also carry a $100,000 worker bond); check the license, bond and any complaints on CSLB's lookup.
How do you look up a home improvement contractor's license in California?
- Ask the home improvement contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the California contractor license lookup run by CSLB.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the home improvement contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact CSLB.
What contractor licenses does California issue?
- B General Building Contractor
- B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor
- C-class specialty contractors (e.g. C-33 Painting, C-39 Roofing, C-8 Concrete, C-54 Tile)
How do you get a contractor license in California?
Licenses are issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official CSLB source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many home improvement contractors are there in California?
The Census Bureau counted 16,787 residential remodelers with employees in California in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Los Angeles County | 3,775 |
|---|---|
| San Diego County | 1,691 |
| Orange County | 1,349 |
| Santa Clara County | 892 |
| Riverside County | 802 |
| Alameda County | 769 |
| Contra Costa County | 721 |
| Sacramento County | 587 |
What do California homes mean for home improvement work?
The median home in California was built in 1976, 44% of households rent and 65% of homes are single-family houses. 62% of homes heat with utility gas and 29% with electricity.
How do you choose a home improvement contractor in California?
- Check the contractor's license with the state or city. Many places require a home improvement license for residential work over a few hundred dollars.
- Get a written contract with the scope, materials, schedule, total price and payment schedule. Don't pay most of it upfront.
- Ask who pulls the permits. If the contractor suggests skipping a permit that the job needs, find another contractor.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and make sure the policy is current.
- Ask for two or three recent jobs like yours that you can see or call about.
Home Improvement Contractors in other states
Sources: California licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.