California contractor license renewal (CSLB)
California active contractor licenses renew every two years. The renewal date is only half of it: a lapsed workers' comp policy or a cancelled bond can suspend your license in between.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Quick facts
- Licenses covered
CSLB contractor licenses, all classifications
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
- Renewal cycle
Active licenses expire every 2 years (inactive every 4)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
- Continuing education
CSLB lists no CE requirement for contractor renewal
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
- Renewal fees
Active, on time: $450 sole owner, $700 non-sole owner. Active, delinquent: $675 sole owner, $1,050 non-sole owner. C-10 electrical adds $20.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
- Agency
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Fees as published by CSLB, checked Oct 23, 2026. Confirm at the source.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Who needs this license
In California, contracting work generally needs a CSLB license in the right classification. If your license is active, it expires every two years, and you need current workers' comp coverage (or an exemption on file) and a current bond to keep it in good standing.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
How renewal works
CSLB mails a renewal application about 60 days before expiry. If it hasn't arrived 45 days out, order one online or call CSLB.
Complete and sign the renewal. Make sure your workers' comp and bond are current.
Pay the fee: $450 sole owner or $700 non-sole owner for a timely active renewal (C-10 adds $20).
Get it to CSLB headquarters before the expiration date. A renewal received late costs more and leaves a gap.
Keep the confirmation and track the next date, two years out.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Continuing education
CSLB's renewal information doesn't list a CE requirement for contractor licenses. The work in California is keeping the date, the fee, and your workers' comp and bond in order.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Insurance and bonds
Workers' comp
If your workers' comp policy is cancelled or expires, your license is suspended. To reinstate, your insurer sends CSLB a reinstatement or renewal notice. If you have no employees, you file an exemption.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Bond
If your surety cancels your bond, your license is suspended. CSLB must receive a rescission of the cancellation within 90 days of the cancellation date, or a new bond within 90 days of its effective date, and coverage must be continuous.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Working while suspended or expired
CSLB says any work performed while the license is suspended is considered unlicensed, and so is work performed while it's expired.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the renewal form instead of tracking the date yourself.
- Mailing the renewal so it arrives after the expiration date, which means a delinquent fee and a gap in your license.
- Switching workers' comp carriers and not checking that CSLB got the new certificate.
- Missing a bond cancellation notice from the surety.
- Paying the C-10 fee wrong (C-10 adds $20).
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
How CompliAct helps
We pull your expiry date, workers' comp and bond details from CSLB public records, remind you at 90, 60, 30 and 7 days, prepare the renewal for your signature and aim to get it in well before the date. On the Desk plan we also watch your workers' comp and bond dates and chase your carrier or surety when something changes. CSLB fees are passed through at cost.
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)
Source: CSLB(opens in a new tab)