The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state's construction industry. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses about 285,000 contractors in 45 different classifications.
Disaster Hotline: 800-962-1125
Going Solar
When it comes to going green, especially utilizing solar energy, California leads the nation. Our solar industry is booming. It’s never been easier or more affordable to go solar. If you’re considering installing a residential solar energy system, there’s important information you need to consider so you can be “Solar Smart.”
Subscribe
Stay informed by subscribing to receive important email updates from Contractors State License Board.
You can sign up to receive Industry Bulletins to stay informed about new laws, fee changes, fraud alerts and other important construction news.
You can also sign up to receive any of the following: Press Releases and Consumer Alerts, Newsletters, Public Meeting Notices, Surveys, CSLB Job Openings, and Podcasts or Webcasts. Subscribe
Visit our Senior Scam Stopper℠ page
CSLB has offered Senior Scam Stopper℠ seminars throughout California since 1999, in cooperation with legislators, state and local agencies, law enforcement, district attorneys, and community-based organizations.
Seniors are a particularly vulnerable audience, often preyed upon by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors. Senior Scam Stopper℠ seminars are an important tool to help educate seniors about hiring contractors, and to help protect them from being victimized.
Online Sole Owner Application for Original Contractor License
Expedited Licensure Application Processing for Service Members Enrolled in Skillbridge
Don’t Pay Too Much Money Upfront for Home Improvement Projects
Scam Alert
Scammers may send you fraudulent text messages, phone calls, or emails impersonating CSLB, including signatures and sender information that appear to be legitimate. Licensees who receive these emails should check the email address to verify it is coming from a @cslb.ca.gov domain before responding. You can report suspicious emails toCSLBinfo@cslb.ca.gov.
Rebuilding After the 2025 LA Wildfires: Important Contract and Payment Rules
If you are rebuilding your home after a wildfire or another declared disaster, the law treats rebuilding as a home improvement project. This means contractors must follow all home improvement contract and payment rules and not treat the work as new construction.
Contractors must use a fixed price contract. A fixed-price contract lists the full agreed upon price for the project. Contractors are not allowed to use “time and materials” or “cost plus” contracts for disaster related home improvement work.
Down payments should not be more than $1,000 or 10%. Contractors also cannot ask for or accept a down payment of more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. Any other payments must be clearly listed in the contract. They must also be based on the actual value of work already completed or on materials that have been delivered to your home.
These rules apply to all home improvement projects, including residential solar installations and the construction of residential accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
California Licensed Contractor Stats - As of
Active Licenses
Inactive Licenses
Total Contractors
Change in Last Month
Change in Last 12 Months
