California Electrician License Requirements

Official classification: C-10 Electrical Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

⚡ ElectricianCA ✔ Verified 2026-06-19

In California, electricians must hold the C-10 Electrical Contractor, issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and a $25,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed electrician in California

Follow these steps to earn your C-10 Electrical Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Contractors State License Board (CSLB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 4 years of journeyman-level (or supervisor/foreperson) electrical experience within the last 10 years.
Pass the Law & Business and C-10 Electrical Trade exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. California requires $25,000 contractor bond (plus $25,000 Qualifying Individual bond if applicable).
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ + FBI criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — $450 (nonrefundable) application fee, plus a $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner) license fee. Processing time: Variable; status checkable on CSLB site with fee number + PIN.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years.

California electrician license lookup

To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in California — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official cslb.ca.gov database →

License types

C-10 Electrical Contractor — Statewide license to contract for electrical work

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	4 years of journeyman-level (or supervisor/foreperson) electrical experience within the last 10 years.
Application fee	$450 (nonrefundable)
License fee	$200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner)
Renewal fee	$470 (sole owner) / $720 (non-sole owner) — C-10 electrical renews higher than other CSLB classifications
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	$25,000 contractor bond (plus $25,000 Qualifying Individual bond if applicable)
Liability insurance	Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if you have employees; exemption form filed if none.
Background check	Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ + FBI criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Arizona (C-11 Electrical — trade exam may be waived); Nevada
Processing time	Variable; status checkable on CSLB site with fee number + PIN

Exams

Law & Business	Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application
C-10 Electrical Trade	Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application

Preparing for the Electrician exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a California electrician license cost?

Application: $450 (nonrefundable). License: $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner). Renewal: $470 (sole owner) / $720 (non-sole owner) — C-10 electrical renews higher than other CSLB classifications.

How do I look up a electrician license in California?

Search the official license database at cslb.ca.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do electricians in California need a surety bond?

$25,000 contractor bond (plus $25,000 Qualifying Individual bond if applicable)

What experience is required for a California electrician license?

4 years of journeyman-level (or supervisor/foreperson) electrical experience within the last 10 years.

Is insurance required for electricians in California?

Liability: Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees; exemption form filed if none.

How often must a California electrician license be renewed?

Every 2 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-19 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before applying. This is not legal advice.