In California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues licenses and regulates contractors. The application process varies slightly depending on the business structure, and certain business types may require additional steps.
| ✔️ | Determine business structure |
| ✔️ | Register your business |
| ✔️ | Obtain and complete an "Application for Original Contractor's License" |
| ✔️ | Fingerprinting for individuals listed on the application |
| ✔️ | Schedule examination date |
| Upon exam completion | |
| ✔️ | Pay initial license fee |
| ✔️ | Submit a Contractor's Bond or cash deposit |
| If you have employees | |
| ✔️ | Submit proof of Worker's Compensation Insurance |
| If you do not have employees | |
| ✔️ | Submit a Worker's Compensation Exemption Certificate |
📝 Application for Original Contractor's License
Be sure to carefully read all instructions included with the application, as inaccuracies and omissions can delay the process.
There are currently 3 ways to complete this form:
- Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to the CSLB with the appropriate fee.
- PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to the CSLB with the appropriate fee.
- Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the appropriate fee.
Once you submit your application, and pay the initial application fee, you will receive a letter of acknowledgment from the CSLB that contains a nine-digit application fee number and a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) that you may use to check on the status of your application on the CSLB website.
📝 Fingerprinting for Individuals listed on the Application
After an application has been accepted by CSLB, each individual listed on the application who needs to be fingerprinted will be sent instructions on the process for obtaining and submitting fingerprints.
Fingerprints must be submitted (to both the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation) before the application will be fully processed by the CSLB.
📝 Scheduling your Contractor's License Examination
Once your application has been approved and referred for testing, the Notice to Schedule for Examination will be mailed to you with detailed information regarding the self-scheduling of your exam through PSI Exams. Therefore, you are responsible for scheduling an appointment to take the examination, which can be done either online or by telephone at (877) 392-6422.
📝 Congratulations! You've passed the Contractor's License Examination. Now what?
Upon successful completion of the examination, applicants must submit the following, plus any additional information or documentation requested by CSLB.
- $200-350 initial license fee
- Submit a Contractor's Bond or cash deposit in the amount of $25,000
- Submit proof of Worker's Compensation insurance. If you have no employees, you will be allowed to submit an exemption certificate.
A Contractor's Bond is a monetary assurance by a company to the State of California that it will pay damages if the contractor violates contractors' state license law.
If your business is an LLC, there may be additional financial requirements for licensure.
📝 Worker's Compensation Exemption Certificate
To be exempt from workers' compensation, an applicant or licensee must submit this form to the CSLB, certifying under penalty of perjury that the business owner does not employ anyone in a manner that is subject to the workers' compensation laws of California.
This exemption is not available to contractors applying for or holding a license in any of the following classifications:
- C-8 Concrete
- C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
- C-22 Asbestos Abatement
- C-39 Roofing
- C-61/D-49 Tree Service
Joint ventures entities are excluded from this provision.