Source: http://sineconstruction.net/insurance/cash-or-surety-bond-definition.php
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 12:36:19+00:00

Document:
Fee payments are accepted only by mail, at CSLB's Sacramento Headquarters (9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95827), and at the offices shown below. Payments are NEVER requested or accepted over the telephone. Payments by mail should be made by check or money order only.
Payments at CSLB's Sacramento office may be made by cash (exact change only), check, money order, or the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. The Norwalk, Fresno, and San Diego offices accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards only - no cash.
Some of the documents below are provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, which can be viewed or printed using your Web browser and Adobe's Acrobat Reader software (How to get the Acrobat Reader).
Some of the documents can be ordered online and will be mailed to you. Just click the Order link and fill out the online order form.
In addition, some of the documents are available below as easy-fill forms/applications that will walk you through how to complete the form or application fully and accurately.
Please note: When using an easy fill form or application make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the entire form in one sitting. You will not be able to save a partially filled form to complete at a later time.
The "Application for Original Contractor License" is for new applicants for all business entity types, including limited liability companies, when experience and examinations are required. This application will result in a new license. Do not use this form if you have an existing license and wish to add a classification or replace the qualifying individual. View a sample "Application for Original Contractor License."
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee.
This form is to be used to report and confirm the journey-level work experience requirement. Include this form when submitting an "Application for Original Contractor License," "Application for Additional Classification," or "Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual."
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB.
This form is to be used when submitting an "Application for Original Contractor License," "Application for Additional Classification," or "Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual," if the experience you claim is from owner-builder work and you are applying for the B-General Building classification. This form is used in addition to the "Certification of Work Experience" submitted with the application. This form must be completed ONLY if the qualifying individual indicates on the Certification of Work Experience form that they obtained experience working on their own property as an owner-builder. One form is required for each completed construction project.
The "Construction Project Experience" form is to be used when submitting an "Application for Original Contractor License," "Application for Additional Classification," or "Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual" if requested by CSLB. This form is used in addition to the "Certification of Work Experience" submitted with the application. One form is required for each completed construction project.
This form is to be completed and submitted along with the "Application for Original Contractor License" or the "Application for Original Contractor License - Examination Waiver (7065)" when there are additional personnel to report on behalf of the applicant.
This document must be completed by all applicants for licensure who have any criminal plea(s) and/or conviction(s). This form shall list each plea or conviction, regardless of when the crime was committed, or whether it was dismissed or expunged. One form must be completed for each plea/conviction reported and all fields of this document require completion. Failure to report a plea/conviction as requested on the application is considered falsification of the application and may result in the denial of licensure.
In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CSLB provides applicants with ADA-compliant accommodations for taking the examinations. Applicants requesting accommodation must complete the "Accommodation Request for Examination" form (Form 13E-77) and submit it with their application. Verification by a medical authority or learning institution may also be required.
The "Application for Original Contractor License - Examination Waiver (7065)" form is to be used for all business entity types, including limited liability companies, for BPC § 7065 waiver-only applicants (e.g., sole owner applying for a corporate license). BPC § 7065 states, in part, "No examination shall be required of a qualifying individual if, within the five-year period immediately preceding the application for licensure, the qualifying individual has either personally passed the written examination for the same classification being applied for, or has served as the qualifying individual for a licensee whose license was in good standing at any time during the five-year period immediately preceding the application for licensure and in the same classification being applied for."
personally passed both the law and trade portions of the written exam in the same class being applied for?
If yes, this application is appropriate.
If no, please use the "Application for Original Contractor License" when an examination will be required. This application will result in a new license. Do not use this form if you have an existing license and wish to add a classification or replace the qualifying individual.
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee, plus $75 for each additional classification.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee, plus $75 for each additional classification.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $330 fee, plus $75 for each additional classification.
This form must be completed by existing sole owners applying for a corporate or limited liability company (LLC) license AND by existing corporations applying for an LLC license AND must be submitted in conjunction with a completed Application for Original Contractor License - Examination Waiver (7065).
This form is required regardless of whether or not the licensee wants their existing sole owner or corporate license number reissued to the new corporation or LLC.
Please be aware that once the license number is reissued, it belongs to the new corporation or LLC and cannot be reissued to the individual or corporation at a later date.
The "Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual" is to be used only for replacing the qualifying individual on an existing license for all business entity types, including limited liability companies (LLC). You can replace qualifying individuals on a sole ownership license with the existing owner or a qualified responsible managing employee (RME); on a partnership with an existing general partner or a qualified RME; on a corporation with a qualified RME or qualified responsible managing officer; and on an LLC with a qualified RME, qualified responsible managing officer, qualified responsible managing member, or qualified responsible managing manager.
Replacement of the qualifier must be made within 90 days of disassociation to avoid a suspension of the license. Notification can be made by the owner, partner, officer, member, manager, or the qualifier who is leaving by using the "Disassociation Request" form. Replacement of the qualifier may be made by submitting the Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual and appropriate fees.
Qualifiers are limited in the number of additional licenses for which they may qualify. Factors such as common ownership between or among the entities being qualified are considered. Persons granted qualifier status are restricted to qualifying no more than three firms in any one-year period.
An RME must inactivate his or her sole ownership license to qualify for another license and must meet certain employment requirements. On a sole ownership license, the RME may be replaced by the existing owner or by another RME. On a partnership license, the RME may be replaced by an existing general partner or by another RME. Note, however, an additional general partner may not be added to an existing partnership license - a new license would need to be obtained. On a corporate license, the RME may be replaced by a responsible managing officer or another RME. On an LLC license, the RME may be replaced by another RME, a responsible managing officer, responsible managing member, or responsible managing manager.
Failure to replace the disassociated qualifying individual within 90 days from the date of his or her disassociation will result in the automatic suspension of a license that is on active status. If the license has more than one classification and the qualifier for the other class or classes remains on the license, the licensee may continue to operate in the remaining class or classes. The class qualified by the person who disassociated will be removed at the end of the 90 days unless replacement is made within that time. For reference purposes, view a sample "Application for Original Contractor License."
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $150 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $150 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $150 fee.
The "Application for Additional Classification" is to be used only for adding classifications to an existing license for all business entity types, including limited liability companies. You can add any classification to an existing license for which you have qualifying experience and for which you pass the applicable examination.
Qualifiers are limited in the number of additional licenses for which they may qualify. Factors such as common ownership between or among the entities being qualified are considered. Persons granted qualifier status are restricted to qualifying for no more than three firms in any one-year period.
A responsible managing employee must inactivate his or her sole proprietor license to qualify for another license and must meet certain employment requirements. For reference purposes, view a sample "Application for Original Contractor License."
Use this form to remove an existing classification from a license. Once the classification is removed, you must submit an "Application for Additional Classification" with the required fee if you wish to add the classification back on the license.
If the business name that appears in CSLB records is not compatible with the remaining classification(s) listed on the license, this form will be rejected. To change the license's business name, complete the "Application to Change Business Name or Address" (form 13L-4).
A joint venture license may be issued to any combination of two or more licenses issued to sole ownerships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, or other joint licenses. The joint venture license may be issued in any classification held by at least one of the entities.
Use this form if you are a currently licensed contractor who performs asbestos-related contracting in relation to the other classification(s) held by the licensee. When a licensee has qualified for this certification, it is added to the license much like an additional classification. To obtain the asbestos certification, a contractor must be registered with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
If you are an existing contactor who wants to add the C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification to perform asbestos abatement work as a stand-alone classification, use the "Application for Additional Classification."
The asbestos certification and the C-22 classification are not required for bidding purposes only, as long as the contractor subcontracts with and the work is performed by a duly licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
Contractors who perform hazardous substance removal work at specific sites and/or who bid for the installation or removal of, or install or remove, underground storage tanks must complete the application for hazardous substances certification to add the certification to their existing licenses. Eligibility for this certification is limited to licensees who hold the "A" General Engineering, "B" General Building, "C-12" Earthwork and Paving, "C-36" Plumbing, "C-57" Well Drilling (Water), or "C-61/D-40" Service Station Equipment and Maintenance (only those licensees who currently hold this classification) license classification.
The "Application for Registration as a Home Improvement Salesperson" (HIS) is for the registration of a person who will be employed by a licensed contractor to solicit, sell, negotiate, or execute home improvement contracts. An HIS registration is a stand-alone registration that is valid for a two-year period before it must be renewed. Before an HIS registrant can work for a licensed contractor, the contractor must first notify CSLB of their employment of the registered HIS using the "Contractor Notification of Home Improvement Salesperson Employment" form. When an HIS no longer works for a licensed contractor, the contractor is required to notify CSLB of the cessation of HIS' employment using the "Contractor Notification of Home Improvement Salesperson Employment Cessation" form.
Easy-Fill: Fill out the application online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
PDF: Print a blank application, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
Order: Receive a blank application by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $83 fee.
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 7154, contractors must notify the CSLB Registrar in writing of the employment of a registered HIS prior to the HIS beginning work for the contractor. Submission of this completed form to CSLB by a contractor meets that notification requirement.
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 7154, contractors must notify the CSLB Registrar in writing within 90 days after the date that a registered HIS ceases to be employed by the contractor. Submission of this completed form to CSLB by a contractor meets that notification requirement.
This form is used to request the voluntary surrender and cancellation of a home improvement salesperson's (HIS) registration. An HIS should complete and submit this form when they no longer wish to have a registration that allows them to function as an HIS. The effective date of cancellation will be the date CSLB receives the form. A contractor may not submit this form. If a contractor ceases to employ an HIS, they must submit the "Contractor Notification of Home Improvement Salesperson Employment Cessation" form.
The application to renew a contractor license automatically is sent to current licensees by CSLB about 60 days before an expiration date. However, if by four weeks before the expiration date you have not received your renewal, request a duplicate renewal. This can happen if you move without providing CSLB with a current mailing address for the license or if the U.S. Postal Service is not forwarding your mail. If you order another renewal, please be sure to indicate the current address. A license can be renewed as a delinquent renewal for up to five (5) years after it expires, as long as there is no change of ownership of the license-that is, the renewing license will have the same owner, or same partners, or same corporation, or same limited liability company as was previously licensed. When ordering a renewal, you will be asked for the license number.
The application to renew a Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration automatically is sent to current registrants by CSLB about 60 days before an expiration date. However, if by four weeks before the expiration date you have not received your renewal, request a duplicate renewal. This can happen if you move without providing CSLB with a current mailing address for the license or if the U.S. Postal Service is not forwarding your mail. If you order another renewal, please be sure to indicate the current address. An HIS registration can be renewed as a delinquent renewal for up to three (3) years after it expires. When ordering a renewal, you will be asked for the HIS registration number.
This form should not be submitted to CSLB for processing until after the judgment is final. CSLB may only consider judgments that are substantially related to the construction activities of a licensee or to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the contractor's license (see Title 16, Division 8 of the California Code of Regulations section 868).
To inactivate your contractor license, use the "Application to Inactivate Contractor's License." There is no fee for inactivating your license if you return your current pocket license card with the application. If your current pocket license card is lost or destroyed, you must enclose the $12 fee to replace it.
The holder of an inactive license is not entitled to practice as a contractor or submit a bid for work.
Do not use this form to renew your license as inactive; instead, use a renewal application.
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $12 fee (if applicable).
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $12 fee (if applicable).
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $12 fee (if applicable).
A license that is currently renewed but is on inactive status may be restored to active status by filing the "Application to Reactivate Inactive State Contractor's License." Some restrictions apply; these are explained on the application. If you consider your license to be "inactive" but it actually has expired and the expiration date is within five years, order a renewal application. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must file an original application and request the license number be reassigned.
This application should be completed only to add new personnel of record to an existing corporate license (officer only) or to an existing limited liability company (LLC) license (officer, manager, or member only). Only one officer, manager, or member may be added per form; each additional personnel must use a separate form. This form cannot be used to replace the qualifying individual, to report officer or personnel title changes, or to disassociate personnel from a license; use other appropriate forms for those purposes.
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $100 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $100 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $100 fee.
This application should be completed only to change the title of a current officer or personnel already on record for an existing corporate license (officer only) or for an existing limited liability company (LLC) license (officer, manager, or member only). Only one officer or personnel title may be changed per form; each additional officer or personnel must use a separate form. This form cannot be used to replace the qualifying individual, to add new personnel, or to disassociate personnel from a license; use other appropriate forms for those purposes.
This application should only be completed to add a new limited partner to an existing limited partnership license. A limited partner is responsible for a business only in proportion to his or her financial interest and does not take part in the business' day-to-day operation. A limited partnership license must have at least one limited partner. If there is only one limited partner on the license and they disassociate, the limited partner must be replaced within 90 days of disassociation to avoid retroactive cancellation of the license.
This application cannot be used to add, remove, or change a general partner. Removing or adding general partners results in the cancellation of the license and requires the new partnership structure to apply for a new license.
Use this form if you are a licensee or applicant and want to report changes to your mailing address(es) or make allowable changes to your business name(s). If a business name is changed, it must reflect the type of business you operate and the classification in which you are licensed. For example, a sole ownership license cannot add the word "Corporation" to the business name.
Copies of the wall certificate and/or pocket card may be ordered by the license holder only. To order copies, complete the appropriate sections on this form. The fee for each copy is $12.
The application for changing a salesperson's address is for use by home improvement salespersons who need to report changes in their mailing and/or residential addresses.
To order a new pocket registration card, complete the appropriate sections on this form. The fee for each pocket card is $12.
If a general or qualifying partner disassociates from a license, it results in the cancellation of the partnership license. Pursuant to BPC § 7076, the remaining partner(s) may request a continuance to complete projects in progress. To disassociate a limited partner, use the "Application to Change Limited Partners of a Partnership" (form 13A-62).
There has been a delay in processing the application that is out of the applicant's control and is the responsibility of CSLB or an affiliated state or federal agency.
A responsible managing employee or limited partner cannot submit or sign this form.
To cancel a sole ownership license, the signature of the owner is required. If the owner is deceased, an immediate family member may complete the form. Please include a copy of the death certificate or obituary.
To cancel a partnership license, the signature of a general or qualifying partner is required.
If there are no current officers listed in CSLB records, provide a copy of the corporation's or limited liability company's final dissolution, merger, surrender, cancellation, or conversion filing documents completed by the California Secretary of State.
To cancel a joint venture license, the signature of an individual listed on one of the entities that comprise the joint venture license is required.
This form is to be used pursuant BPC § 7076 - see criteria below.
A license continuance request can only be considered when this form is submitted and accepted for processing by CSLB within 90 days of the event that caused the license cancellation.
What does an approved continuance allow you to do? After a continuance is approved, a sole ownership, partnership, or joint venture license that has been canceled can continue normal business operations for a reasonable amount of time, which is determined by Contractors' State License Law.
Only a sole ownership, partnership, or joint venture entity license may apply for a continuance.
Corporations and limited liability companies are not eligible for a continuance.
All licenses on active status and all applicants for issuance of the license must file evidence of workers' compensation insurance or exemption from the requirements. The Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance is provided by the workers' compensation insurer. This process was created by CSLB to allow insurers to fill in and submit Workers' Compensation policy requirements through the CSLB Website, directly into the database. This documentation can only be submitted by an insurer duly licensed to write workers' compensation insurance in this state.
Note: You cannot use this form if this is a cancellation, or if the insurer is a leasing company. You will need to continue to submit these certificates by mail.
Online: Only an insurer duly licensed to write workers' compensation insurance in this state should submit this form.
All licenses on active status and all applicants for issuance of the license must file evidence of workers' compensation insurance or an exemption from the requirements.
You have employees, including Home Improvement Salespersons (HIS) or a qualifier who is a Responsible Managing Employee (RME).
You hold a C-39 Roofing classification - all contractors with a C-39 Roofing classification are required by B&P Section 7125 to have a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self-Insurance on file with CSLB.
You must be an owner, partner, officer, member or manager to file an Exemption.
If you are a California licensed contractor, but reside out of state and have Workers' Compensation in that State, you can fill out the Exemption form using this process, however, when prompted, you will need to print, email, or save the document to your own device. You cannot submit the document online, the exemption and the out of state certificate must be submitted by mail.
Online: Fill in the required fields and submit the information real time into the CSLB system.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, fill it out and mail it to CSLB.
If a licensee can show that failure to have a current Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate on file was due to circumstances beyond his or her control, the CSLB can accept the certificate as of its effective date, even though it was not received by CSLB within 90 days after that date. CSLB can then reinstate the license, if otherwise eligible, retroactive to the certificate's effective date.
Please only use the "Request for Workers' Compensation Certificate Acceptance" (Form 13L-49) if you intend to petition the registrar to accept a certificate of workers' compensation insurance that was not received by the CSLB within 90 days after the effective date of the certificate.
B&P Code section 7071.19 (c) requires that LLC liability insurance policies be written by insurers that are "duly licensed by this state or an eligible surplus line insurer." According to the legal office of the California Department of Insurance (CDI), the only insurers that are duly licensed by the State of California are admitted insurers that are licensed by CDI, searchable on their website under Insurance Company Profiles. Eligible surplus line insurers include those listed on CDIâ€™s List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers (LASLI) and other eligible carriers as determined by law.
To qualify for an exemption from the Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI) requirement, the responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, or responsible managing member must own 10% or more of the voting stock or equity of the corporation or LLC. A "Qualifier Statement of Ownership" form must be submitted to establish the exemption. Note: All responsible managing employees must have BQIs and cannot qualify for the exemption.
The responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, responsible managing member, or qualifying partner must own at least 20% of each firm for which he/she is the qualifier in order to maintain an active individual license. A Qualifier Statement of Ownership form must be submitted to verify the ownership percentage. If the 20% ownership requirement is not met, the qualifier's individual license must be inactivated.
A contractor's bond is required for the issuance of an active license, reactivation of a license, and for the maintenance of an actively renewed license. The bond is filed for the benefit of consumers who may be damaged as a result of defective construction or other license violations, and for the benefit of employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them. The bond must be written on a form approved by CSLB, by a surety company licensed and authorized to write surety bonds through the California Department of Insurance.
( Order ) - Only authorized surety companies may order the approved Contractor's Bond form.
A bond of qualifying individual (BQI) is required, in addition to the Contractor Bond, if the qualifier is a responsible managing employee (RME). A BQI is also required if the qualifier is a responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, or responsible managing member with less than 10 percent ownership of the voting stock or equity of the corporation or limited liability company (LLC) for which he/she is qualifying. The bond must be written on a form approved by CSLB, by a surety company licensed and authorized to write surety bonds through the California Department of Insurance.
( Order ) - Only authorized surety companies may order the approved Bond of Qualifying Individual form.
To qualify for an exemption from the BQI requirement, the responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, or responsible managing member must own 10 percent or more of the voting stock or equity of the corporation or LLC. A "Qualifier Statement of Ownership" form must be submitted to establish the exemption. Note: All RMEs must have BQIs and cannot qualify for the exemption.
An LLC employee/worker bond is required, in addition to the contractor bond, for the issuance of an active license, reactivation of a license, and for the maintenance of an actively renewed license when the business entity is an LLC. The bond is filed for the benefit of any employee or worker damaged by the LLC's failure to pay wages, interest on wages, or fringe benefits, as well as other contributions. The bond must be written on a form approved by CSLB, by a surety company licensed and authorized to write surety bonds through the California Department of Insurance.
( Order ) - Only authorized surety companies may order the approved LLC Employee/Worker Bond form.
The "Request for Current Bond Information" form is used to obtain information on a license's current surety bonds; the fee is $8 and must accompany the request. "Current" bond status covers the last three years. Individuals who intend to make a claim against a contractor bond or cash deposit should submit a "Request for Current Bond Information." To obtain additional surety bond history, use the "Request for Certified License History" (form 13L-2b).
CSLB can provide copies of public records or other records from which personal or confidential information, such as birth dates, Social Security numbers, residence addresses, experience records, and financial information will be redacted (deleted).
Copies of investigation reports normally cannot be released. However, copies of legal actions, such as the formal case accusation and decision, or citations may be provided.
Copies of the contractor bonds and other documents, with personal or confidential information deleted, may be obtained from a licensee's file. There is a $0.10 per page charge for copies. Certification of a copied document costs $2 plus $0.10 per page. Licensees may request copies of documents from their own files without charge, unless they want the copies certified. Subpoenas for any of CSLB's documents or records must be personally served on the Custodian of Records of the Contractors Board at the headquarters office location, 9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95827. If you want to request copies of documents or inquire about the availability of copies of specific types of documents, send a written inquiry to CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.
A general status letter provides current information about a license. A fee of $8 must accompany your request for a general status letter. The information includes the business name and address, classifications held, owners, partners, or officers and qualifying persons, and current standing. The general status letter does not contain license history or bond information. Please allow two to three weeks for a response.
A Verified Certificate is a certified license history covering a specific time period. The Verified Certificate is used mainly for court actions involving contractors, and is admissible in court as prima facie evidence of the facts stated on the certificate. The document covers the last three years of the license status, unless otherwise requested. The Verified Certificate contains the contractor's business name and address, trade classifications held, license issuance date, license personnel, bond information (if requested), any enforcement actions taken against the license, and the license status during the time period covered by the certificate.
A Verified Certificate of Home Improvement Salesperson provides the salesperson's registration number, the business name and license number of the home improvement contractor with whom the salesperson is registered, and the issuance and expiration dates of the registration. If the person is not registered as a home improvement salesperson, or not registered with a specific contractor, a "no record" certificate is issued. This document is admissible in court as prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the history.
A written request is required for a "Verified Certificate of Home Improvement Salesperson." Your written request should include as much information as you have about the salesperson (name, address, registration number, etc.). The fee for each Verified Certificate is $67. Send the request to CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. Allow about six-to-eight weeks for a response.
The “License Verification Request” form is for contractors who have been licensed in a state that has a reciprocal license agreement with California. Currently, California has reciprocity with Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada and Utah. If a contractor has held a valid license in one of these states for the past five years and is applying for a similar license in California, he/she may be eligible for a waiver of the trade exam. The bottom portion of the License Verification Request form must be completed by the licensing agency in the state where the contractor was previously licensed.
CSLB can provide the public with the nature of complaints that have been investigated and referred for legal action and any legal action CSLB has taken against a license.
The fact that a complaint against a contractor has been referred for legal action does not mean that the contractor has necessarily committed a violation of California Contractors' State License Law; no conclusion or judgments as to the validity of the charges should be assumed until the legal action has been completed.
After you have checked the license information for a particular contractor and if the status information indicated a past or pending legal action, you can call CSLB's legal action disclosure number nearest your construction location for further details.
A Certificate of Non-License is a prepared statement of the absence of a license during a given time period, also called a "No Record Verified Certificate." The Certificate of Non-License is used mainly for court actions involving contractors, and is admissible in court as prima facie evidence of the facts stated on the certificate. To identify the non-licensed subject, you will need to provide the person's full name, business name, and address, if available. The document covers the last three years, unless otherwise requested (up to a maximum of 10 years).
If you are searching for licensed contractors by city or zip code, you may create and export a free-of-charge PDF or Excel list by clicking here. There is no charge for this function.
Status: Active, Inactive, or Both.
Review the Record Layout (PDF) to ensure this is the data you require.
The number of records provided in the order depends on the parameters set by the requestor.
There is a $235 non-refundable fee for each file ordered. With this form, you may order FULL and/or UPDATE files of the CSLB's license database. Files are provided in Text File format, NOT Excel.
A FULL file is required to obtain all license records. Full files are run in January and July.
UPDATE files may then be ordered on a monthly basis to update the records provided in the Full file. In order to have the most current information possible, you must obtain a FULL file and supplement it with monthly UPDATE files.
UPDATE files include any changes which occurred to a license within a specific month. If no changes occurred to a license during that month, the license record will not be reflected on the Update file.
Review the Record Layout to ensure this is the data you require.
✓ The FULL file provides approximately 750,000 records. You will need large file software to view the data.
✓ Licenses include current, expired, cancelled, and revoked status.
✓ Licenses can be expired in excess of 10 years.
✓ Names of license personnel are NOT included. If you are interested in obtaining personnel history information, you must purchase the Business Principle Full File IN ADDITION TO this file.
✓ This file includes surety bond company and policy information.
✓ This file DOES NOT include workers' compensation information.
✓ The FULL file provides approximately 1.2 million records. You will need large file software to view the data.
✓ This file provides a full history of personnel for each license, including ALL currently associated and disassociated personnel. Personal information (DOB, SSN, residential address) is NOT included.
✓ Business names and addresses are NOT included. If you are interested in obtaining business name and address information, you must purchase the License Master Full File IN ADDITION TO this file.
✓ Business names and addresses are NOT included. If you are interested in obtaining business name and address information, you must purchase the License Master Full File IN ADDITION TO these files.
✓ Personnel information is NOT included. If you are interested in obtaining personnel history information, you must purchase the Business Principle Full File IN ADDITION TO these files.
Use this form to make suggestions or to file a complaint concerning the services provided by CSLB. This is not the form to file a complaint against a contractor.
Use this form to request a CSLB speaker for a function or event at least three (3) weeks in advance.
Building Departments use this form to notify CSLB about unlicensed activity, contractors working without workers' compensation insurance, and building code violations.
CSLB's complaint process is designed to protect the public in matters pertaining to construction and to assist in the resolution of construction-related complaints. CSLB addresses violations of California Contractors License Law, whether the contractor is licensed or unlicensed, for up to four years from the date of the act.
This section is an overview about how CSLB addresses complaints and the procedures that are followed.
Use this form if you are a homeowner, other contractor, subcontractor, or employee who wants to file a complaint against a contractor. Public agencies also may file complaints using this form.
Use this form to file a complaint for ACTIVE projects being undertaken by both unlicensed and licensed contractors. Please submit this form only if you know the job site address. If you are party to a contract on an active project, please use the Complaint form above.
Use this form to report an unlicensed contractor who is advertising illegally.
This form is to be used to report any contractor who fails to pull a project building permit for construction activity.
Building permits are required by law as a public safety measure. Permits ensure that construction is performed in compliance with state and local codes, including safety standards. Since 2010, CSLB has accelerated enforcement of building permit violations.
Failure to obtain a building permit is a violation of California Contractors License Law. Further, construction performed without a permit can expose a homeowner to additional liability and costs. When a contractor performs work without the required permit, it is a violation of Business and Professions Code sections 7110 and 7090. Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including assessment of civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction to pay the cost of permit fees, as well as any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.
If you suspect a violation has occured, please fill out a "Permit Violation Form." CSLB will contact the contractor regarding the permit allegation and take the appropriate disciplinary action.
Use the SWIFT Lead Referral form to file a complaint against an unlicensed contractor who is ACTIVELY working on a construction project. Complaints against unlicensed contractors may be filed with the board by other public agencies, other contractors, subcontractors, homeowners, and employees. Complaints within the board's jurisdiction involve licensed contractors and unlicensed operators.
It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project for which the contract price is $500 or more in combined labor and materials costs.
In general, the board has jurisdiction over licensed and unlicensed contractor complaints for up to four years from the time the alleged damage occurred.
The lead form should be complete and provide detailed information regarding the unlicensed activity. Please indicate if there are employees on the project. The more information and evidence (including photos), the better.
After completing the form, fax or mail it to the appropriate SWIFT office, based on the county where the alleged unlicensed activity is taking place.
Please note: Complaints regarding COMPLETED construction projects should not be reported on a "SWIFT Lead Referral" form; instead use the Complaint form.
Complaints are processed according to the date of receipt, priority, and staff availability if the job site is located in a remote area. The complaint will be assigned to an Enforcement division representative for follow-up.
For more information regarding CSLB's Forms and Applications section, contact CSLB's Licensing Information Center at (800) 321-2752.

References: § 7065
 § 7065
 § 7154
 § 7154
 § 7076
 § 7076