California Contractor License Reciprocity
California has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. These agreements may allow you to skip certain trade exams when applying for a license in those states, or when applying for a California license with credentials from those states.
States That Accept a California License
Licensed contractors with 5+ years of licensure may qualify for trade exam waiver. Must still pass the Arizona SRE and meet all other requirements.
Trade exam waived via licensure by endorsement if actively licensed in CA for 4+ years with no disciplinary actions
Licensure by endorsement available for contractors licensed in CA for 1+ years in good standing
States Whose Licenses California Accepts
Trade exam waived if CA license active 5+ years
Trade exam waived if CA license active 5+ years
Trade exam waived if CA license active 5+ years
Trade exam waived if CA license active 5+ years
Working in California with an out-of-state company?
Reciprocity moves your license, not your business. An LLC formed elsewhere generally has to register as a foreign entity in California before it can contract there — Northwest files the qualification and serves as the in-state registered agent.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Register your company in another state→Taking the business into California?
A new state means new customers to quote, schedule and invoice from day one. Housecall Pro runs that side of a home-service company — estimates, dispatch, invoicing, card payments — from one app, so the move into California does not start on paper. Through this link: 20% off your first 12 months.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Start a free trial of Housecall Pro →Need full licensing details? View Californiacontractor license requirements →