California General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: B General Building Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

🏗️ General ContractorCA ✔ Verified 2026-06-19

In California, general contractors must hold the B General Building 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 general contractor in California

Follow these steps to earn your B General Building 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 journey-level general-building experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or a relevant 4-year degree; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
Pass the Law & Business and B General Building Trade exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. California requires $25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not state-mandated for the B classification, but owners and lenders commonly require it. LLC licensees must carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (5 or fewer personnel of record), rising $100,000 per additional member above 5, capped at $5,000,000 (B&P Code §7071.19).), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ ($32) + FBI ($17) 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 the CSLB website.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years.

California general contractor license lookup

To confirm a general contractor 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

B General Building Contractor — Statewide license for structures built for the support, shelter and enclosure of people or property that require at least two unrelated building trades. On non-framing work a B contractor must either contract for two or more unrelated trades or hold/subcontract the appropriate specialty licenses (Fire Protection C-16 and Well Drilling C-57 must be subcontracted or specialty-licensed).

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	4 years of journey-level general-building experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or a relevant 4-year degree; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
Application fee	$450 (nonrefundable)
License fee	$200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner)
Renewal fee	$450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner)
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	$25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company.
Liability insurance	Not state-mandated for the B classification, but owners and lenders commonly require it. LLC licensees must carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (5 or fewer personnel of record), rising $100,000 per additional member above 5, capped at $5,000,000 (B&P Code §7071.19).
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption.
Background check	Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ ($32) + FBI ($17) criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Arizona (trade exam may be waived); Nevada; Louisiana; North Carolina
Processing time	Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website

Exams

Law & Business	Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application
B General Building 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 General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a California general contractor license cost?

Application: $450 (nonrefundable). License: $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner). Renewal: $450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner).

How do I look up a general contractor 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 general contractors in California need a surety bond?

$25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company.

What experience is required for a California general contractor license?

4 years of journey-level general-building experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or a relevant 4-year degree; at least 1 year must be practical experience.

Is insurance required for general contractors in California?

Liability: Not state-mandated for the B classification, but owners and lenders commonly require it. LLC licensees must carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (5 or fewer personnel of record), rising $100,000 per additional member above 5, capped at $5,000,000 (B&P Code §7071.19). Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption.

How often must a California general contractor 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.