Application for Original Contractor License

Listed below is general information to assist you as you complete the attached application. Detailed instructions are also provided that address the content of the application section by section. Please refer to the Applicants page on the Contractors State License Board's (CSLB) website (www.cslb.ca.gov) for more detailed information about the licensing process.

Do not submit this General Information and Instructions portion with your completed application - the actual application begins immediately following this section on Application – Page 1 of 4 and includes the Certification of Work Experience and the Owner-Builder B-General Building Construction Project Experience form, if needed. Before you submit your application, please review and be sure you have complied with the following items. .

• Enclose the nonrefundable application fee with your completed application for licensure in a single classification. CSLB cannot process your application without the appropriate fee made payable to the Registrar of Contractors. The initial license fee should be submitted separately after you pass the examination. If approved for the military expedite and initial license fee reduction provision (see instructions under Military), these initial license fees will be reduced by 50%. (Business and Professions Code [BPC] sections 7137 and 7138)
• Your application may be returned to you if it is insufficient or incomplete. You must provide any missing information, make corrections, and resubmit your completed application to CSLB within 90 days after the date that it was returned to you, or your application will be deemed abandoned and become void. You cannot reinstate an abandoned application - you must submit a new application and application fee if you wish to pursue licensure. (T16 CCR section 813)

Complete the application and all accompanying forms legibly in black or dark blue ink, or on CSLB's website using the Easy-Fill feature. Please make sure that you and other authorized individuals sign and date the forms, where applicable.

• Leave no space blank. If a particular question or request for information does not apply to you, indicate "N/A" in the blank space to indicate that the question has received your attention but that it is not applicable.
• The "#" symbol is used interchangeably with the word "number" where space is limited on the application.
• If you need additional copies of forms (e.g., Certification of Work Experience, Section 4 - Personnel Full Legal Names and Addresses), please make copies of the blank forms before you begin or print additional copies from the CSLB website, under the Forms and Applications page.

Business Name Styles (Box 1)

In accordance with BPC section 7059.1, the business name for a contractor license must not be misleading in relation to the classification(s) issued to the license and must be compatible with the type of business entity licensed (see Section 2 below). For example, it would not be acceptable for ABC123 Tile to apply for a C-10 Electrical contractor license, but it would be acceptable for ABC123 Construction to apply for a B-General Building contractor license or for ABC123 Tile to apply for a C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile contractor license. In addition, it would not be acceptable for a sole ownership or proprietorship to use the words "partners" or "incorporated" in its business name.

If your business is a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), the business name shown on your application must match exactly the business name as registered with the California Secretary of State (SOS).

Business Addresses, Phone and Email (Boxes 3a - 3c)

• You must provide an address of record (mailing address) for your business that will be made available to the public if you become licensed. This address will be published on CSLB's website and will also be used for service of all official correspondence, notices, and orders from CSLB, such as renewal notices. P.O. boxes and private mail boxes (PMB) are acceptable for the address of record.
• You must also provide a business street address that will be used only for CSLB's internal administrative purposes - it will not be published on CSLB's website. P.O. boxes and PMBs are not acceptable for the business street address.
• You are also asked to provide business phone and business fax numbers and a business email address. The business phone number is published on CSLB's website. If you have an email address at which you are currently receiving email, you must provide it. (BPC 7083.2) The email provided will not be part of your public license record. CSLB emails important license updates and changes to the law that may affect your license. All emails CSLB sends to the email address you provided are presumed to be received.

Classification Requested (Box 2)

Listed below are the contractor license classifications. Only one classification may be requested on an original application when an examination is required. For a complete description of the classifications, refer to the License Classifications link on the Applicants page of CSLB's website.

• A  General Engineering Contractor
• B  General Building Contractor
• B-2  Residential Remodeling Contractor
• C-2  Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
• C-4  Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor
• C-5  Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
• C-6  Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor
• C-7  Low Voltage Systems Contractor
• C-8  Concrete Contractor
• C-9  Drywall Contractor
• C-10  Electrical Contractor
• C-11  Elevator Contractor
• C-12  Earthwork and Paving Contractor
• C-13  Fencing Contractor
• C-15  Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor
• C-16  Fire Protection Contractor
• C-17  Glazing Contractor
• C-20  Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
• C-21  Building Moving/Demolition Contractor
• C-22  Asbestos Abatement Contractor
• C-23  Ornamental Metal Contractor
• C-27  Landscaping Contractor
• C-28  Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

• C-29  Masonry Contractor
• C-31  Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor
• C-32  Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor
• C-33  Painting and Decorating Contractor
• C-34  Pipeline Contractor
• C-35  Lathing and Plastering Contractor
• C-36  Plumbing Contractor
• C-38  Refrigeration Contractor
• C-39  Roofing Contractor
• C-42  Sanitation System Contractor
• C-43  Sheet Metal Contractor
• C-45  Sign Contractor
• C-46  Solar Contractor
• C-47  General Manufactured Housing Contractor
• C-49  Tree and Palm Contractor
• C-50  Reinforcing Steel Contractor
• C-51  Structural Steel Contractor
• C-53  Swimming Pool Contractor
• C-54  Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor
• C-55  Water Conditioning Contractor
• C-57  Well Drilling Contractor
• C-60  Welding Contractor
• C-61  Limited Specialty Classification (see below)

 

The C-61 Limited Specialty classification is for contractors who specialize in work not listed above (for example, C-61/D-50 Suspended Ceilings) or who perform work that is a specialized part of an existing classification (for example, C-61/D-29 Paper Hanging). The License Classifications link contains a full listing of the subcategories of the C-61 classification.

Applicants must designate their business entity. Below is information on the four business entity types that are covered by this application. Contractor licenses are also issued to joint ventures - such applicants must submit the separate Application for Joint Venture License, available on CSLB's website on the Forms and Applications page.

Corporations and LLCs must be registered and in good standing (not suspended or otherwise restricted) with California SOS in order to be licensed and remain licensed with CSLB. California SOS can be reached by calling (916) 653-6814 or by visiting their website at www.sos.ca.gov. Applicants who wish to change their business entity after the application is posted should withdraw their application and submit a new one.

Sole Owner

Check the "Sole Owner" box if the business is owned by only one individual person and is not a corporation or LLC.

Partnership

Check the "Partnership" box if the business is a partnership. Partnerships must be registered with the California SOS and in good standing prior to being issued a contractor license. Partnerships must provide their federal employer identification number (FEIN), which is available from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS can be reached by calling (800) 829-1040. Personal Social Security numbers are not acceptable for the FEIN.

Corporation

Check the "California Corporation" box if the business is a corporation. Corporations must be registered with the California SOS and in good standing prior to being issued a contractor license. Corporations must provide a current and active California SOS registration number where indicated in Section 2 of the application.

Limited Liability Company

Check the "Limited Liability Company" box if the company is a limited liability company. LLCs must be registered with the California SOS and in good standing prior to being issued a contractor license. LLCs must provide a current and active registration number where indicated in Section 2 of the application.

If your business entity is an LLC, before you submit your application, please be aware that the following additional requirements apply to LLC licenses (please refer to CSLB's website for more information):

• $100,000 Surety Bond. LLC licenses are required to file a $100,000 surety bond (in addition to the $25,000 contractor's bond) for the issuance, reissuance, reinstatement, reactivation, and renewal of an LLC license for the benefit of any employee or worker damaged by the LLC's failure to pay wages, interest on wages, or fringe benefits, as well as other contributions. (BPC sections 7071.6 and 7071.6.5)
• $1 million Liability Insurance Minimum. LLC licenses are required to carry liability insurance with the aggregate limit of $1 million for licensees with five or fewer persons and/or companies listed as personnel of record, plus an additional $100,000 required for each additional personnel, not to exceed $5 million total. (BPC section 7071.19)
• Personnel of Record. Every person and/or company that is an officer, responsible manager, or member of an LLC must be listed as personnel of record on LLC applications. All individuals who are members of the personnel of record are subject to fingerprinting. LLC managers and members must be listed on the LLC's record with California SOS. LLCs may also have additional officers who are not included on the official California SOS record, but who must be listed on this application and who will become part of the contractor license. CSLB staff will verify the number of managers and members listed on the California SOS record for LLCs in order to ensure that the number of personnel listed on this application is correct and to accurately calculate the required amount of the LLC liability insurance, as discussed above. (BPC section 7065)

The terms “qualifying individual” and “qualifier” are used interchangeably. The qualifying individual is the person who meets the experience and examination requirements for the license and who is responsible for exercising supervision and control of their employer’s or principal’s construction operations to secure compliance with CSLB’s laws, rules, and regulations. (BPC section 7068.1 (a)) “Supervision and control” means “direct supervision or control” or monitoring and being available to assist others to whom “direct supervision and control” has been delegated. “Direct supervision or control” means supervising construction, managing construction activities by making technical and administrative decisions, checking jobs for proper workmanship, and/or supervision on construction sites.

A qualifying individual is required for every classification on every license issued by CSLB. The qualifying individual may or may not be the owner of the business.

You must complete the personnel information requested in Sections 3 and 4 of the application for each individual and company that will be listed on the license.

• Line 5a - Full legal names are required. You must provide the full legal name of all personnel. If an individual does not have a middle name, write "None" or "No Middle Name" in the space provided. If an individual has only an initial for their first or middle name, write "(Initial Only)" after the initial.
• Provide qualifier's date of birth where requested.
• All applicants are required to provide their U.S. Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) if an individual does not have an SSN.
• Box 5b - You must also provide a residence street address for the qualifier that will be used only for CSLB's internal administrative purposes - it will not be published on CSLB's website. P.O. boxes and PMBs are not acceptable for the qualifier's residence street address.
• Line 6 - Please enter any previous or current license numbers held by the qualifier in the provided box. Also enter the percentage of the new business owned/held by the qualifier (ranging between zero and 100%), the qualifier's driver license number, and the qualifier's home phone number.
• Box 7 - Check the appropriate box that identifies the title/position of the qualifying individual. The title/position must be compatible with the business entity type, as entered in Section 2 above. Please be sure your selected title/position complies with the following:
Sole owner entity = either Owner or Responsible Managing Employee (RME) - see below
Partnership entity = either Qualifying Partner or RME
Corporation entity = either Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) or (RME) in accordance with contractors law, every person who is an officer must be listed on the application as an officer of the personnel of record and must match those officers listed on California SOS records. (BPC 7065 (b)(1))
LLC entity = any one of RMO, Responsible Managing Manager, Responsible Managing Member, or RME - If an LLC has officers, the name(s) of their officer(s) must be listed on the application - president, secretary, and treasurer. Please be sure to write these titles in the space provided for the appropriate personnel in Sections 3 and 4 and be sure that they match those listed on California SOS records.
• An RME is a bona fide employee who is permanently employed by the applicant and is actively engaged in the operation of the applicant's contracting business for at least 32 hours or 80% of the total hours per week such business is in operation, whichever is less. (T16 CCR section 823 (a))
• Box 8 - You must print and sign your name and indicate the date below the certification statement at the bottom of Page 1 of the application. Failure to sign your application will result in the application being returned to you for correction.

You must complete the personnel information requested in Section 4 of the application for each individual and company that will be listed as personnel on the license, other than the qualifier listed in Section 3. Be sure to include the applicant's business name at the top of the page where requested.

• See Section 3 above for instructions on how to complete the specific fields of this section. If more than four (4) personnel must be reported, please make a copy of the blank form or complete an additional Easy-Fill form. All personnel must print and sign their names below the certification statement and include the date that the form was signed.
• LLC applicants must list every responsible manager, member, and officer on the application for licensure. Every LLC is required to have at least one manager or member. The personnel on the application must be consistent with the number, types, and names of personnel listed on California SOS records for that LLC. For example, if California SOS lists five (5) managers and members on the LLC's record, the application must list the same number and names of managers and members in order to be acceptable. In addition, LLCs can have officers who are neither managers nor members - those individuals must also be reported as officers on the application for licensure even though they are not listed on California SOS records.
• LLCs can have managers or members that are corporations or other LLCs, as opposed to individual people. When an LLC has corporate or LLC managers or members, complete Section 4 for those companies, omitting the fields that do not apply (e.g., date of birth, SSN/ITIN, and driver license number). Since corporations and LLCs are incapable of signing documents (e.g., applications, renewals, etc.), you must also report at least one individual person who will be an authorized signer for that company. To do this, you must complete a portion of Section 4 using this individual person's personal information. Identify that person as the "Authorized Signer for ______" (inserting the name of the corporation or LLC on behalf of which the individual person will sign). This individual person will not be part of the official license personnel of record (unless they are also an actual responsible manager, member, or officer of the applicant LLC), but their information will be maintained by CSLB for signing purposes only.

Be sure to include the applicant's business name at the top of the page where requested. All questions must be answered, unless otherwise indicated, and all requested explanations and documentation must be provided or the application will be returned to the applicant for correction. Failure to thoroughly and accurately complete this section of the application can delay the licensure process or result in denial of the application.

Fingerprint Requirement

Please be sure to read the Important Notice Regarding Convictions on the front of this application packet. All applicants for licensure are required to submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check. Fingerprints will be compared to the records of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine whether a criminal history exists. Your license will not be issued until CSLB receives fingerprint results from both DOJ and FBI. Even though you may have been fingerprinted previously for an employer or another regulatory body, you will need to undergo the fingerprinting and criminal history check process again specifically for CSLB. California Penal Code section 11142 prohibits criminal history information from being released to any entity other than the requesting agency that you have authorized to receive it.

After an application has been accepted by CSLB as complete (also known as "posted"), each individual listed on the application who needs to fingerprint will be sent instructions on the process for obtaining and submitting fingerprints. Individuals in California are required to fingerprint by electronic live scan; individuals outside of California can fingerprint either by electronic live scan in California or by submitting hard card fingerprints that are completed in the applicant's location, as explained in the instructions that are sent after the application has been posted. For more information, please visit CSLB's website and view information on the Applicants page.

Translator for Examination (Question 15)

Check the "Yes" box if you have difficulty understanding or reading the English language and you would like to use a translator to read the examination to you. The translator you choose must be approved in advance by CSLB. If you check the "Yes" box, information will be sent to you regarding the translator process.

Education and Apprenticeship (Question 16)

CSLB may grant up to three years of credit toward the four-year experience requirement for completed training in an accredited school and/or apprenticeship programs in the construction trade for which the applicant is applying. (T16 CCR section 825) For formal education, request a certified official transcript from the applicant’s educational institution. Include the sealed official transcript with the application when submitted. Degrees obtained outside of the United States must be translated, if in a language other than English, and evaluated by an accredited evaluation service in the U.S.

For apprenticeship programs, applicant must submit a copy of their apprenticeship certificate and indicate the dates of the program where requested on the application.

Reciprocity (Question 17)

Applicants who are seeking licensure in California and who are licensed in the same classification in another state may be eligible for the waiver of the trade examination if the qualifier meets the requirements for reciprocity (BPC section 7065.4). Please see CSLB’s website (www.cslb.ca.gov) for more information. If you are licensed in a state and classification recognized by the Board, please have the licensing agency from your state complete a “License Verification Request” form and submit it with this application. The California Law and Business Examination will still be required if the applicant has not passed the California Law and Business Examination last five (5) years. (See CSLB’s website for more information on reciprocity on the Applicants page.)

Military (Questions 18 and 19)

Expedited Processing and 50% reduction of Initial License fee for Military Personnel

CSLB will expedite the licensure process and reduce the initial licensing fee by 50% for an applicant who is a current active duty member of the Armed Forces or who was not dishonorably discharged after having served as an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard or Reserves. Please provide the following documentation: Evidence of your current military duty (copy of your military orders) or your previous military service (copy of your latest DD 214 long form – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty showing discharge status or a copy of a current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state with the word “Veteran” printed on its face or for California National Guard discharge status (copy of your NGB 22 form), or for Reserves discharge status (copy of your DD256 form).

Expedited Processing and Fee Waiver for Military Personnel Spouses or Domestic Partners

CSLB will expedite the licensure process and waive the application fee and initial license fee for an applicant who:

• Is married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official active duty military orders.
  AND
• Holds a current license in another state, district, or territory of the United States in the profession or vocation for which the applicant seeks a license from the board.

If you answer “Yes” to question 19 and you would like to be considered for this expedited processing and waiver of licensure fees, please provide a copy of your current license from the other state, district, or territory of the United States documenting a contractor license, registration, permit, or certificate in the same classification for which you are seeking licensure AND documentation of your marriage or legal union AND your spouse’s or partner’s active military duty. For example, in addition to the licensure documentation, attach a copy of the marriage certificate or certified declaration/registration of domestic partnership filed with the Secretary of State AND military orders establishing a duty station in California. For other forms of “legal union” not recognized by California, you may submit other documentary evidence of legal union issued by the state that recognizes your legal union for consideration by CSLB in meeting this requirement.

Fees will not be required with this application if all of the above mentioned requirements are met and all the required documentation is submitted with the application.

Credit for Military Experience and Training

CSLB will grant credit toward licensure requirements for applicable work experience and training received while the applicant was an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States performing duties in the classification for which they are applying. This work experience and training must be reported on a Certification of Work Experience form and must be supported by acceptable documentation. Include a copy of your Joint Service Transcripts (military transcripts) for evaluation. You may also provide evidence of current military duty (copy of applicant’s military orders) or previous military service (copy of applicant’s DD 214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If you are claiming military experience, please be sure to check the “Yes” box for Question 18 on the application, as discussed above.

Immigration Status Expedites (Question 20)

CSLB will expedite the licensure process for an applicant who immigrated to the United States of America in certain circumstances. Please check the “yes” box to question 20 on this application if:

• You were admitted to the United States as a refugee pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code;
• You were granted asylum by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the United States Attorney General pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code; or,
• You have a special immigrant visa and were granted a status pursuant to section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, Public Law 109-163, or section 602(b) of title VI of division F of Public Law 111-8, relating to Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters or those who worked for or on behalf of the United States government.

If you selected YES, you must attach evidence of your status as a refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa holder. Failure to do so may result in application review delays. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with an admission class code such as “RE” (Refugee) or “AY” (Asylee) or other information designating the person a refugee or asylee.
• Special immigrant visa that includes “SI” or “SQ.”
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a “Green Card,” with a category designation indicating that the person was admitted as a refugee or asylee.
• An order from a court of competent jurisdiction or other documentary evidence that provides reasonable assurance that the applicant qualifies for expedited licensure.

Experience and Examination Information

Applicants for licensure must meet specific experience and examination requirements, as explained below.

Waivers of the trade examination may be granted under certain circumstances, as indicated on the next page. If you qualify for exam waiver or exemption, do not use this application - please instead use the Application for Original Contractor License - Waiver (7065) (form 13A-1A).

Experience Requirements

To be eligible for licensure, the qualifying individual must have had, within the last 10 years, at least four (4) years of experience in the classification for which they are applying. The experience must be at no less than a journeyman level, or as a foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder. A “journeyman” is defined as an experienced worker who is fully qualified (as opposed to a trainee) and is able to perform the trade without supervision, or one who has completed an apprenticeship program. Experience is documented on the Certification of Work Experience form. (T16 CCR section 825)

Examination Eligibility Requirements

The qualifying individual for a contractor license is required to pass the written Law and Business Examination and a specific trade examination if required (BPC section 7065), unless they meet the requirements for a waiver (see below for information regarding examination waivers). Official CSLB examination study guides are available free of charge on CSLB’s website and are mailed to applicants when they are scheduled for exams. These study guides are available in English and Spanish.

Re-Examination

If you are required to take an examination, subject to some limitations, you have 18 months after the approval of your application in which to achieve a passing score on the exam(s). During that time period, you may take the exam(s) as many times as needed within retesting guidelines. A $100 fee is required each time you reschedule an exam. (See BPC section 7074 for more detailed information on re-examinations.)

Reasonable Accommodation - The Americans with Disabilities Act

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CSLB provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities that may affect their ability to take the required examinations. Applicants wishing to request reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA must complete the Special Accommodation Request for Examination form (available on the Forms and Applications page on CSLB's website) and submit it to CSLB with the appropriate supporting documentation. In order to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate candidate needs, the form and supporting documentation should be submitted as soon as possible.

Examination Waivers and Exemptions

The examination may be waived if the qualifying individual is currently, or has been in the last five (5) years, actively engaged in the construction business and meets specific waiver requirements as mandated by law, or has been actively licensed in good standing or has passed the required exams in the classification for which they are applying. (See BPC sections 7065 – 7065.4 for a complete list.) If you are applying for licensure based on waiver of or exemption from the trade and Law and Business exams, you should complete the Application for Original Contractor License – Examination Waiver (7065) instead of this application.

In addition, the trade examination may be waived if the qualifier meets the requirements for reciprocity, please see CSLB’s website (www.cslb.ca.gov) for more information. If you are licensed in a state and classification recognized by the Board, please have the licensing agency from your state complete a “License Verification Request” form and submit it with this application. The Law and Business Examination will still be required if the applicant has not passed that examination within the last five (5) years. (See CSLB’s website for more information on reciprocity on the Applicants page.)

Random Application and Experience Review

By law, CSLB must randomly review three percent (3%) of applications, including the experience claimed on Certifications of Work Experience forms that must be verifiable through payroll records or similar documents. In the event that your application is selected for review, please see CSLB's website for the listing of Acceptable Supporting Experience Documentation (located at CSLB’s website on the Applicants page) that may be submitted to CSLB to support claimed experience. In addition, CSLB staff may contact the certifier of experience or other parties to verify experience. (BPC section 7068 and T16 CCR 824)

C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

The C-22 – Asbestos Abatement contractor performs abatement, including containment, encapsulation, or removal, and disposal of asbestos containing construction materials, as defined in Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, in and on buildings and structures. All work performed and all documentation prepared by an asbestos abatement contractor shall be done in accordance with DOSH regulations and requirements.

The Board shall not issue an asbestos abatement contractor license unless the applicant or contractor is duly registered with DOSH pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code or has an active application for registration in process with DOSH. All holders of the C-22 – Asbestos Abatement classification shall have completed DOSH registration training requirements, as contained in Section 1529 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

You may wish to contact DOSH prior to applying for the asbestos certification or the C-22 – Asbestos Abatement classification to be sure that you understand their requirements for registration since DOSH registration is required in order to perform asbestos-related work. DOSH’s Asbestos Contractors’ Registration Unit (ACRU) can be reached at (916) 574-2993 or ACRU@dir.ca.gov, or you can visit their website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/ACRU/ACRUhome.htm.

C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor License

Prior to obtaining a C-47 – General Manufactured Housing contractor classification, applicants must complete a federally approved initial installer training. Along with your application, please submit a “Certificate of Completion of Training” from a qualified trainer approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The license applicant is responsible for ensuring the training program is approved by HUD. Existing C-47 license holders are exempt from the requirement.

Bond, Insurance, and Other Licensure Requirements

All contractors must meet specified bond, insurance, and other requirements for licensure with CSLB, as indicated below. Failure to maintain a required bond or insurance may result in the suspension of the license. For information on bonds, see A Guide to Contractor License Bonds, available on CSLB website under the Resources tab and then choose CSLB Publications. Bonds may be submitted to CSLB electronically by the issuing surety company.

Contractor's Bond

All contractors must have a $25,000 contractor's bond on file with CSLB. (BPC section 7071.6)

Bond of Qualifying Individual

An additional $25,000 qualifying individual's bond must be filed for all contractors that are qualified by an RME, or under certain other circumstances for corporate and LLC contractors when the qualifying individual (RMO, responsible managing manager, or responsible managing member) holds less than 10 percent of the voting stock of the corporation or membership interest in the LLC. (BPC section 7071.9)

LLC Employee/Worker Bond

All LLC licenses are required to have an additional $100,000 employee/worker bond on file with CSLB for the benefit of workers employed by or contracted to work for an LLC. (BPC section 7071.6.5)

Disciplinary Bond

A license that has been disciplined may be required to have an additional disciplinary bond on file with CSLB in an amount fixed by the Registrar at not less than $25,000 or more than $250,000.(BPC section 7071.8)

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Workers' compensation is required when a contractor has employees, including an RME and/or home improvement salespersons, and for all contractors applying for the C-8 Concrete, C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, C-22 Asbestos Abatement, C-39 Roofing, and/or D-49 Tree Service classifications. The Certificate of Insurance must be issued in the business name shown on this application. Contractors that have no employees and are not otherwise required to have workers' compensation insurance can complete the Exemption from Workers' Compensation form, available on CSLB website's Forms and Applications page. (BPC section 7125)

LLC Liability Insurance

All LLC licenses are required to have liability insurance in an amount that is not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more than five million dollars ($5,000,000). The amount is determined based on the number of personnel of record on the license. For five (5) or fewer personnel, the amount is not less than $1 million. For each additional member of the personnel, the amount increases $100,000, up to a maximum of $5 million. For example, an LLC that has eight (8) personnel would be required to carry a $1,300,000 liability insurance policy. (BPC section 7071.19)

Asbestos Open Book Examination

All qualifiers who have not yet completed one must complete the Asbestos Open Book Examination, which can be found on CSLB's website. (BPC section 7058.5). Completion of this required examination does not authorize the licensee to remove asbestos.

Reissuance or Reassignment of License Number

If the qualifier has previously been licensed, it may be possible to have the previous license number reissued or reassigned under certain circumstances. Sole owner license numbers may be reissued to corporations or LLCs, and corporate license numbers may be reissued to LLCs. To request the reissuance of a license number, the applicant must complete and submit with their application the Request for License Number Reissuance form (13A-1h), available on the Forms and Applications page on CSLB's website. (BPC section 7075.1)

Construction Management Education Account

A grant program was established in 1991 to provide funds for qualified public post-secondary schools that teach construction management. Applicants may voluntarily contribute to the account when paying the application fee or the license renewal fee. If you would like to make a voluntary contribution, please mark the box on the top portion of Page 1 of the application, write in the dollar amount in the space provided, and include that dollar amount in the total amount paid with your application, or submit a separate check or money order made payable to CSLB/Construction Management Education Account. (See BPC sections 7139.2 and 7139.4.)

Collection of Social Security Numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and Federal Employer Identification Numbers

With the exception of the driver license number, all information requested on the application is mandatory, including disclosure of U.S. Social Security numbers (SSN), individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITIN), and federal employer identification numbers (FEIN). Collection of the SSN, ITIN, and FEIN is authorized by BPC sections 30, 31, and 7145.5. SSNs, ITINs, and FEINs are used exclusively for the purpose of tax enforcement, compliance with any judgment or order for family support in accordance with Family Code section 17520, measurement of employment outcomes of students who participate in career technical education programs offered by the California Community Colleges as required by BPC section 30, and investigation of tax evasion and violations of cash-pay reporting laws as set forth in Section 329 of the Unemployment Insurance Code. If you fail to disclose your SSN, ITIN, or FEIN, your application will not be processed and you will be reported to the Franchise Tax Board; they may assess a $100 penalty against you.

Collection of Personal Information

CSLB collects the personal information requested on the following form as authorized by BPC sections 30, 31, 114.5, 115.5, 141, 480, 7066, 7069, 7072, 7073, and 7145.5 and T16 CCR section 816. CSLB uses this information to identify and evaluate applicants for licensure, issue and renew licenses, and enforce licensing standards set by law and regulation. Submission of the requested information is mandatory. CSLB cannot consider your application for licensure unless you provide all of the requested information. You may review the records maintained by CSLB that contain your personal information, unless the records are identified as confidential information and exempted from disclosure by the Information Practices Act, including Civil Code section 1798.40. CSLB makes every effort to protect the personal information you provide us; however, it may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request as allowed by the Information Practices Act; to another government agency as required by state or federal law or as provided in Civil Code section 1798.24; or in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant. The Custodian of Records is responsible for maintaining the information on this form and may be contacted at the address and telephone number listed in the letterhead at the top of this General Information and Instructions portion for questions about this notice or access to records.

Resources on the Licensing Process

CSLB has a variety of publications available to help you become a licensed contractor and to maintain your license. You can order free publications from or view documents on CSLB's website (www.cslb.ca.gov), by writing to CSLB at the address listed below, or by calling the 24-hour automated phone system at (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Please visit CSLB's website or call the toll-free phone number to find out how to order the current edition of the California Contractors License Law & Reference Book or other publications.

Application Processing - Follow Your Application Status Online

When CSLB receives your application, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you that explains how to check the status of your application online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752) using the Application Fee Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) provided in the acknowledgement letter.

Please include your Application Fee Number in any correspondence. All correspondence should be sent to:

Following the application in this packet, you will find the Certification of Work Experience form that must be completed by the qualifying individual on the application and certified by a qualified and responsible person who has direct knowledge of the experience and time period listed. The experience must be verifiable through payroll records or similar documents. Corrections on the certification forms must be initialed by the certifier. Forms containing strikeouts or modifications that may compromise the validity of the work experience certification may not be accepted.

To assist the certifier in completing Part 2 of the Certification of Work Experience form, a listing of the License Classifications is available through a link on the Applicants page of CSLB's website. This document may be used as a reference when listing the specific trade duties that the qualifier has performed or supervised in the classification for which they are applying.

The Certification of Work Experience form may not be required if the qualifier has ever served as the qualifier on a license in the same classification for which they are currently applying.

Pursuant to BPC section 7044, owners who build or improve structures on their own property are exempt from the licensure laws for contractors under certain circumstances. The Owner-Builder B-General Building Construction Project Experience form must be completed by the qualifier on the application if they are claiming experience as an owner-builder working on projects on their own property. The experience must be verifiable through building permits, final inspections, or similar documents. Please see CSLB's website for the listing of Acceptable Supporting Experience Documentation (located at CSLB’s website on the Applicants page) that may be submitted to CSLB to support claimed experience. (BPC section 7068 and T16 CCR section 824) A separate form is required for each project on the owner-builder's property.