How do I check if a California contractor is bonded?
Each contractor profile here shows whether a contractor bond is on file in the CSLB record, and CSLB's Check a License page lists the surety company and bond number. California requires active licensees to maintain a $25,000 contractor bond (or a $25,000 cash deposit with CSLB), so a missing bond on an otherwise active license is worth a second look.
Verified against CSLB on · reflects current CSLB rules and California law.
Summary — key takeaways
- California licensees must keep a $25,000 contractor bond on file (B&P Code §7071.6).
- A $25,000 cashier's check or cash deposit with CSLB is an accepted alternative.
- The bond is a limited guarantee against licensing-law violations, not insurance or a warranty fund.
- Claims are filed with the surety company shown on the license record, not with CSLB.
- A lapsed bond can cause an otherwise active license to be suspended.
What a contractor bond is (and isn't)
A contractor bond is a financial guarantee, not insurance. It provides a limited fund, currently $25,000, that can be claimed against when the contractor violates the contracting license law: think abandonment, fraud, a serious departure from accepted trade standards, or unpaid workers. It is not a warranty fund for disappointing work in itself, and it does not cover accidents or property damage the way liability insurance does.
California's $25,000 bond requirement
California requires active licensees to keep a $25,000 contractor bond on file under Business & Professions Code §7071.6; a $25,000 cashier's check or cash deposit with CSLB is an accepted alternative, and the license record shows what's on file. A suspended status is sometimes caused by a lapsed bond, so a missing or expired bond on an otherwise active-looking license deserves a closer look. Workers' compensation is a separate requirement shown on the same record.
How a bond claim works
Bond claims go to the surety company that issued the bond, not to CSLB; the surety's name and bond number appear on the license record. The surety investigates and pays valid claims up to the bond's limits, and most of the bond amount is reserved for homeowners who hired the contractor for work on the home they live in. If the surety denies a claim, you can still sue the contractor, in small claims court for smaller amounts. Because recovery is capped, treat the bond as a backstop, not a reason to skip checking insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a California contractor's bond?
$25,000 for most licensees, set by Business & Professions Code §7071.6 (raised from $15,000 effective January 1, 2023). Contractors can post a $25,000 cashier's check or cash deposit with CSLB instead. Either way, it's a limited guarantee, not full insurance.
Does a bond protect me if a contractor does bad work?
Only in limited ways. The bond can be claimed against for violations of the licensing law, such as abandonment, failure to pay workers, or a serious departure from accepted trade standards, up to capped amounts. It is not a workmanship warranty. For damage or injury, rely on the contractor's liability and workers' compensation insurance.
How do I file a claim against a contractor's bond?
Contact the surety company listed on the CSLB license record; claims are filed directly with the surety, not with CSLB. If the contractor posted a cash deposit instead of a bond, recovery generally requires suing and getting a court order. Small claims court remains an option for smaller amounts if the surety route fails.
What does it mean if no bond shows on the license?
An active license should have a bond or cash deposit on file, because it's a condition of keeping the license. No bond usually means the license is suspended or inactive, or the record is mid-update. Check the status carefully and confirm on CSLB's site before hiring.
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