Check a contractor's license
Enter the number from a quote, a truck or a website. We open that record on the state's own site, in a new tab.
Who needs a license
In California, contracting work needs a license from the Contractors State License Board unless the whole job is under $1,000, needs no building permit, and is done by someone who doesn't advertise as a contractor or hire help (Business and Professions Code §7048).
What the record shows
Four things matter. Status tells you whether the license is active today, inactive, expired or suspended. Classification lists the trades it covers, so a C-36 plumber isn't quoting your roof. Bond shows the $25,000 contractor bond the state requires. Workers' comp shows a policy, or an exemption that means "no employees", which is a problem if a crew shows up.
Read it in sixty seconds
- Status says Active. Anything else, ask before you sign.
- The classification matches the job you're hiring for.
- The name on the license matches the quote, or there's a clear reason it doesn't.
- A bond is on file, and workers' comp is insured or honestly exempt.
Where we've matched a CSLB record, the profile shows it with the date we read it. Some listings say "License not matched yet". That means we haven't tied a license to the listing, so ask the business for its number and check it here.
Source: the Contractors State License Board public license lookup, cslb.ca.gov.