California Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: C-36 Plumbing Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
🔧 PlumberCA ✔ Verified 2026-06-16
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 |
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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 |
🛡️ Plumber liability & workers' comp insurance —
required for most license holders. Compare quotes in minutes.
Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-16 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before applying. This is not legal advice.
Official sources
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/fees.aspx
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx