California Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: C-36 Plumbing Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
🔧 PlumberCA ✔ Verified 2026-06-19
In California, plumbers must hold the C-36 Plumbing 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 plumber in California
Follow these steps to earn your C-36 Plumbing 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 plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
- Pass the Law & Business and C-36 Plumbing 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, but commonly required by clients and general contractors), 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 plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber 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.
License types
- C-36 Plumbing Contractor — Statewide license to install and service water-supply and gas piping from the utility meter, fixtures, water heaters, gas appliances, flues, on-site waste-disposal systems, venting and storage tanks, plus backflow preventers and gas earthquake valves.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; 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, but commonly required by clients and general contractors |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| C-36 Plumbing Trade | Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a California plumber 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 plumber 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 plumbers 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 plumber license?
4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
Is insurance required for plumbers in California?
Liability: Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients and general contractors Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption.
How often must a California plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years.
Official sources
cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36
cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/fees.aspx
cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx