California contractor license lookup
California licenses contractors through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A licensed contractor is required for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, and for smaller jobs that need a building permit or are done by someone with employees.
Where to search
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Licenses: General engineering (Class A), general building (Class B) and specialty trade (Class C) contractors.
When you need a licensed contractor in California
- Any job of $1,000 or more, counting labor and materials together.
- Any job that needs a building permit, whatever its price.
- Any job done by someone who has employees.
- The $1,000 limit has applied since January 1, 2025. Before that it was $500.
How to check a California contractor
- Ask for the contractor’s license number and the business name exactly as it appears on the license.
- Search CSLB’s Instant License Check by license number, business name or personal name.
- Confirm the license is active and that its class fits your job: B for general building work, the matching C class for a specialty trade such as electrical or plumbing.
- Look at the bond and workers’ compensation details, and at any disciplinary or legal actions listed.
- Make sure the name on your contract matches the name on the license.
Watch out for
- For home-improvement work, a contractor may not ask for a down payment of more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, unless it has a special blanket bond on file with CSLB.
- Someone who advertises that they are licensed can’t rely on the under-$1,000 exemption.
Questions
Do I need a licensed contractor for a job under $1,000?
Not always. Since January 1, 2025, an unlicensed person may do a job under $1,000 in labor and materials, but only if it needs no building permit and they have no employees. Anyone who advertises as licensed can’t use this exemption.
What do Class A, B and C mean?
Class A covers general engineering work such as roads, bridges and pipelines, Class B covers general building, and Class C covers specialty trades such as electrical or plumbing. Check that the class on the license fits your project.
Does the CSLB lookup show complaints?
It shows disciplinary and legal actions on the license, together with its status, classes, bond and workers’ compensation details.
How much can a contractor ask for up front?
For home-improvement work, no more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket bond on file with CSLB. Later payments should match work done or materials delivered.
Other states
Checked on November 3, 2026 against these sources:
- CSLB industry bulletin on AB 2622 (the $1,000 minor work exemption)
- CSLB contract payment rules
- CSLB Instant License Check
Rules change. Always confirm a license on the official board’s website before you hire.