California Contractor License Requirements
Do You Need a Contractor License in California?
California has a statewide contractor license. Threshold: $1,000 in labor and materials, or a job needing a permit or extra workers. Trades such as electrical and plumbing often have separate rules. Confirm with the official site, because rules change.
Open the Official California Site
- System
- State License
- When it applies
- $1,000 in labor and materials, or a job needing a permit or extra workers
- Summary checked
- By its authors, 2026-09-04 to 2026-10-26. Not verified by us against state law.
How to Check a Contractor in California
Ask for the license number and exact business name, then search them on the state's official site. Check that the license is active, that its class covers your job and its dollar size, and that the name matches your contract.
California Lookup
California’s board runs a free license check. We do not publish California license records yet, so use that tool for every California contractor.
Common Questions
How do you check a contractor in California?
Ask for the license number and exact business name, then search them on the state's official site. Check that the license is active, that its class covers your job and its dollar size, and that the name matches your contract.
Does a license mean the contractor is insured?
Not always. Ask for a current certificate of liability insurance and proof of workers’ compensation, and call the insurer to confirm if the job is large.
Contractors in California
All 1,100 listed in California, most in San Jose, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Daly City, Campbell.
Next: hiring checklist · how to check a license · compare bids