California Contractor License Lookup

A California contractor license lookup uses one official search: the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license check.

Last verified: November 4, 2026

Getting licensed in California instead? See how to get a California contractor license.

Which California license search do I use?

What to check on a California license

Complaints. The CSLB license check includes complaint disclosure, so read past the license status.

Workers’ compensation. Active concrete (C-8), HVAC (C-20), asbestos abatement (C-22), roofing (C-39), and tree service (C-61/D-49) contractors must carry workers’ compensation insurance or have a Certification of Self-Insurance on file with CSLB, whether or not they have employees. It shows when you review the license status (CSLB).

The person matches the license. CSLB advises asking to see the contractor’s pocket license and a photo ID, and making sure the person in front of you is the one on the license.

California’s $1,000 rule: when a license is required

A CSLB license is required when the total cost of a project, labor and materials across one or more contracts, is $1,000 or more. It’s also required for any job that needs a building permit or uses additional workers, whatever the price (CSLB).

Even below that, home improvement work over $500 needs a written contract, and any changes must also be in writing (CSLB).

Before you hire: 60-second checklist

1. Know whether the job needs a license. Any job of $1,000 or more, or one that needs a permit or extra workers, needs a CSLB license. Make sure the license class fits the work, for example C-36 for plumbing (see the table).
2. Match the license to the person. Look up the license yourself, then check the contractor’s pocket license and photo ID against it.
3. Keep the down payment small. By law, a home improvement down payment can’t be more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. The exception is a contractor with a Blanket Performance and Payment Bond on file with CSLB (CSLB).
4. Get a written contract. It’s required for home improvement work over $500, and the contract must tell you about the contractor’s insurance (CSLB).
5. Ask about insurance. Recommendation, not a legal requirement. General liability insurance isn’t required, so ask how damage to your property would be covered.
6. Know your right to cancel. Unless you negotiated the contract at the contractor’s place of business, you have three days to cancel, or five days if you’re 65 or older (CSLB).
7. Know where to complain. CSLB takes complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors (see how).

This checklist is written to be printed. A valid license does not guarantee quality of work or insurance coverage.

How to verify a contractor license in California, step by step

1. Open the CSLB license check. It covers every contractor class and home improvement salesperson registrations.
2. Search by license number if you have it. Enter digits only, up to 8; the number is on the contractor’s pocket license.
3. Or search by business name. Type the first 10 to 15 letters. If the business name includes a person’s name, put the last name first (for example “Smith John Con”), and leave off a leading “The” or “A” at first.
4. Or search by a person’s name (last name, first name) to find the license they’re associated with.
5. Salespeople: search the home improvement salesperson registration number, which ends in “SP”.
6. If nothing appears, try the name with one or two fewer letters, or with and without spaces between initials. No result does not, on its own, prove someone is unlicensed; call CSLB at (800) 321-2752.

Where to complain about a California contractor

Before you file with CSLB, it suggests writing to the contractor about your concerns and keeping a copy of the letter to send with your complaint.

Getting licensed in California instead? See how to get a California contractor license.

California contractor licensing overview · All states