How to get a general contractor license in California
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Contractors State License Board licenses general contractors in California. A CSLB license is required when labor, materials and other costs on the project total $1,000 or more, or the job needs a building permit or uses employee labor.
Who licenses general contractor work in California
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | Contractors State License Board official statement |
| Official lookup | Search general contractor licenses |
| When a license is needed | A CSLB license is required when labor, materials and other costs on the project total $1,000 or more, or the job needs a building permit or uses employee labor. source |
| License types | A - General Engineering Contractor, B - General Building Contractor, B-2 - Residential Remodeling Contractor |
How to get licensed
- Apply to Contractors State License Board as an A - General Engineering Contractor or B - General Building Contractor or B-2 - Residential Remodeling Contractor.
- Two exams: the Law and Business exam plus a trade exam for the class applied for. source
- Experience: at least 4 years of journey level, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder experience in the class applied for; up to 3 years can be credited for training or education. source
- Post a contractor license bond of $25,000 (or a $25,000 cashier's check filed with CSLB) before the license is issued. source
- Carry workers' compensation insurance is required for licensees with employees (others file an exemption); LLC licensees also need liability insurance (see the LLC verify note). source
- Pay the original application fee, covering the exam or waiver for one classification: $450. source
- Active licenses renew every two years; inactive licenses every four years. source
General contractor requirements in California
| Exam | Two exams: the Law and Business exam plus a trade exam for the class applied for. source |
|---|---|
| Experience | At least 4 years of journey level, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder experience in the class applied for; up to 3 years can be credited for training or education. source |
| Bond | Contractor license bond of $25,000 (or a $25,000 cashier's check filed with CSLB) before the license is issued. source |
| Insurance | Workers' compensation insurance is required for licensees with employees (others file an exemption); LLC licensees also need liability insurance (see the LLC verify note). source |
| Renewal | 2 years (Active licenses renew every two years; inactive licenses every four year). source |
| Reciprocity | Reciprocity with Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and North Carolina in classifications on each state's reciprocal list, for contractors licensed in good standing there for the previous five years; the trade exam may be waived but the Law and Business exam is still required. A B applicant who passed the NASCLA Commercial General Builders exam and held a general building license for five years also qualifie. source |
| Fees |
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Hiring a general contractor?
See every official lookup in California, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a general contractor license in California?
- Contractors State License Board licenses general contractors in California. A CSLB license is required when labor, materials and other costs on the project total $1,000 or more, or the job needs a building permit or uses employee labor.
- How do I check a general contractor license in California?
- The Contractors State License Board keeps the record for general contractors in California. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a general contractor license cost in California?
- $450 (Original application fee, covering the exam or waiver for one classification). $200 (Initial license fee for a sole owner). $350 (Initial license fee for a corporation, LLC, partnership or other non-sole owner). Exam fee: no separate exam fee is listed; the exam is covered by the $450 original application fee. $450 (Active license renewal for a sole owner, filed on time). $700 (Active license renewal for a non-sole owner, filed on time). $150 (Each additional classification on an original license application).
- How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in California?
- At least 4 years of journey level, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder experience in the class applied for; up to 3 years can be credited for training or education.
- How often does a general contractor license renew in California?
- Active licenses renew every two years; inactive licenses every four years.
Other trades in California
- Electrical license in California
- Plumbing license in California
- HVAC license in California
- Roofing license in California
- All California trades
General contractor license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/Exam_Application/Before_Applying_For_License.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/Exam_Application/Studying_For_Exam.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/Exam_Application/Experience_For_Exam.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_Requirements.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Workers_Compensation.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Renew_License/General_Renewal_Information.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/Reciprocity_Requirements.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.