How do I verify a California contractor's license?
Look up the contractor's license number on the CSLB "Check a License" tool — or find their profile in this directory — and confirm the status reads Active, with a classification that matches your project. Active is the only status that means a contractor is currently authorized to work; expired, suspended, and inactive licenses are not.
Verified against CSLB on · reflects current CSLB rules and California law.
Summary — key takeaways
- Active is the only CSLB status that means a contractor can legally work.
- Verify by license number — business names and DBAs change, the number doesn't.
- Since Jan 1, 2025, jobs of $1,000+ in labor and materials need a licensed contractor (AB 2622).
- Checking a license is free — on the CSLB "Check a License" tool or in this directory.
- Match the classification to your project — e.g. C-39 for roofing, C-20 for HVAC.
What construction work requires a licensed contractor
Almost all paid construction work in California requires a CSLB license. As of January 1, 2025, any project where combined labor and materials total $1,000 or more must be done by a licensed contractor — the threshold was raised from $500 under Assembly Bill 2622. The license number is the reliable identifier: business names and DBAs change, license numbers don't.
Three things to verify before you sign
Verify three things before you sign: (1) the license is Active, (2) the classification covers your work (for example, C-39 for roofing or C-20 for HVAC), and (3) the contractor carries the contractor bond and, where required, workers' compensation. Each profile here shows all of this, dated against the day we last synced the CSLB public record, with a link back to the official CSLB page so you can confirm nothing has changed.
Confirm the license matches the business you're hiring
Confirm the license is held by the business you're actually hiring — match the name, and get the license number in writing on the contract and any bid.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a contractor's license number in California?
Enter the number in the CSLB "Check a License" tool, or open the contractor's profile in this directory. The CSLB record shows status, classification, bond, and workers' compensation. Confirm the status is Active before hiring.
Is checking a California contractor's license free?
Yes. CSLB license records are a free public record, and verifying a contractor in this directory is free. You never have to pay to confirm a license is valid.
What if a contractor won't give you their license number?
Treat it as a red flag. Licensed California contractors must put their license number on contracts, bids, and advertising. If they can't or won't provide it, you cannot verify they're authorized to do the work.
Verify a contractor