How to Verify a Contractor’s License in California
Checking a California contractor’s license takes five minutes on the CSLB website. Here is what to look for before you sign anything.
In short: look up the contractor’s license number on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. A good result shows an active license in the right classification, a current contractor bond and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation coverage.
Step by step
- Ask the contractor for their license number. It should also be on their contract, estimate, website and advertising.
- Go to the CSLB website and use its license check tool, or search by business name if you do not have a number.
- Confirm the license status is active, not expired, suspended or cancelled.
- Check that the name on the license matches the business you are hiring.
- Review the classification. A B (General Building) license covers general remodeling; specialty work may need a specialty license.
- Look at the bond and workers’ compensation listings and the disciplinary history.
What a license does and does not tell you
An active license shows the contractor met state requirements. It does not guarantee quality, so also read reviews, ask for references and look at completed projects.
Red flags
- No license number on the estimate or contract
- A license that belongs to someone else’s name or a different business
- Pressure to pay a large deposit before any work or paperwork
- Reluctance to put the scope, price and schedule in writing
Why it matters
Hiring an unlicensed contractor for work that requires a license can leave you with little recourse if something goes wrong, and can create problems with permits and insurance. The dollar threshold above which a license is required has changed over time, so check the CSLB site for the current limit.
Grizzly Strong Construction’s license is CSLB #1088204. You can verify it yourself on the CSLB website, and we are happy to answer any question about our bond and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What does a B license cover?
A B (General Building) license covers general construction and remodeling. Work in some trades, such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC, may require a specific specialty license held by the contractor or a licensed subcontractor.
Where do I check a license?
On the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website, which lists license status, classification, bond, workers’ compensation and any disciplinary actions.
How big is the deposit limit in California?
California limits how much a contractor may ask for as a down payment on a home improvement contract. The limit has changed, so check the current figure on the CSLB website.
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