Contractor Licensing in California: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, California requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Contractors State License Board. Initial cost is $699.
California requires statewide contractor licensing through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). All trades follow the same licensing framework with a Law & Business exam plus a trade-specific exam. The CSLB issues over 60 license classifications under Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty) categories.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
California has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full California reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
California Licensing Overview
California requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $699 to $699, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. California also participates in reciprocity agreements with 4 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
California Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | $699 |
| Electrician | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | $699 |
| Plumber | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | $699 |
| HVAC Technician | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | $699 |
| Roofing Contractor | $450 | — | $200 | $25,000 | $699 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in California
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in California. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About California Contractor Licensing
- Workers comp required if you have employees. Sole proprietors may file an exemption.
- California has reciprocity agreements with 4 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- C-10 renewal is $470 (includes $20 C-10 surcharge)
- 2026 change: Workers comp now mandatory for all C-20 holders, including sole proprietors
You're licensed in California — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Contractors State License Board issues the B - General Building; the business that invoices California customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
California requires a $25,000 surety bond. Contractor license bond; premium typically $100-$500/year based on credit. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
California does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers comp required if you have employees. Sole proprietors may file an exemption. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California require a contractor license?
Yes, California requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in California?
The estimated initial cost is $699, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does California have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, California has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in California?
Workers comp required if you have employees. Sole proprietors may file an exemption.
Official California Licensing Resources
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor