Free tool — official CSLB search

California Contractor License Lookup

California licenses almost every contractor through the CSLB. Anyone contracting for construction work totaling $1,000 or more (labor and materials combined) generally needs a CSLB license in the right classification — and you can verify it free on the CSLB's official license check before you sign anything.

The official lookup: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Search by license number, business name, or the license holder's name. This is the board's live database — the same record building departments and insurers check.

Open the official CSLB license search →

https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

What the CSLB licenses

  • ✓ General building (Class B) and general engineering (Class A) contractors
  • ✓ Specialty trades (Class C) — electrical (C-10), plumbing (C-36), HVAC (C-20), roofing (C-39), and 40+ more
  • ✓ Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registrations

How to verify a California contractor in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Get the license number

    Ask the contractor for it — in most states it must appear on their contracts, bids, and advertising. No number? The search also works by business or owner name.

  2. 2

    Search the CSLB database

    Open the official search above and look up the record by license number, business name, or the license holder's name.

  3. 3

    Read the record like an inspector

    Status must be active, the name must match your contract, the classification must cover your project, and the expiration date must be in the future. Check disciplinary actions before you sign.

California license lookup FAQs

What does a California contractor license record show?

The CSLB record shows the license status (you want "Active"), the classifications the contractor may legally perform, the business type, bond and workers' compensation insurance information, and complaint disclosure / disciplinary actions. If the status is anything other than active, the contractor cannot legally take the job.

What is a CSLB license classification, and why does it matter?

A classification is the category of work a license covers — Class B for general building, Class A for general engineering, and Class C specialties such as C-10 Electrical or C-36 Plumbing. A contractor may only perform work inside their classification(s), so check that the classification on the record matches the work in your contract.

How do I find a California contractor's license number?

By law it appears on the contractor's contracts, bids, and advertising. If you can't find it, search the CSLB lookup by business name or the owner's name instead — or ask the contractor directly. A licensed contractor will share it without hesitation.

What if the contractor isn't in the board's database?

Either the license isn't active, the details were entered differently (try the owner's name, not just the business name), or the contractor isn't licensed. Ask the contractor for their license number and search by number — if it still doesn't appear, do not hire them for work that requires a license.

How often should I re-check a license?

Verify before you sign, and again before final payment on long projects. Licenses can be suspended mid-project, and a lapsed license can void insurance coverage and leave you outside the board's complaint process.

Working in California? You'll also need the permit office.

A license lets a contractor work — a permit lets the project start. Browse California permit portals for the official building department links, or look up a contractor in another state.

TexasFloridaNew YorkWashingtonArizonaIllinois

Managing licenses for a whole crew or sub roster?

Permit Warden keeps every license, permit, and renewal date in one place and reminds you before anything expires — across every state you work in.

Start tracking licenses free