Is My Contractor Licensed in California?
Quick answer
California licenses construction contractors statewide through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which issues trade classifications such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and roofing. Pest control companies are licensed separately by the Structural Pest Control Board. Plumbers: Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Electricians: Contractors State License Board (CSLB); electricians certified by the Department of Industrial Relations. HVAC (heating and air): Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Roofers: Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Checked September 30, 2026. Every rule below links to the official source; licensing rules change, so confirm with the board before you hire.
Plumbers in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Plumbing contractors are licensed by the CSLB under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification. As of 2026, a CSLB license is required for any job that needs a building permit, uses employees, or is valued at $1,000 or more for labor and materials combined. Look up the contractor's license number with CSLB's Check a License tool before work starts.
Look up a license · Source: CSLB: C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification · 161 plumbing companies in California on 1-800Deals
Electricians in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB); electricians certified by the Department of Industrial Relations
Electrical contractors are licensed by the CSLB under the C-10 Electrical Contractor classification. Electricians who work for a C-10 contractor must also hold a state electrician certification from the Department of Industrial Relations. Check the contractor's license number with CSLB's Check a License tool.
Look up a license · Source: California DIR: Who needs to be certified to work as an electrician · 22 electricians companies in California on 1-800Deals
HVAC (heating and air) in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Heating and air conditioning contractors are licensed by the CSLB under the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor classification, which covers installing, servicing and repairing heating systems and heat pumps. Confirm the license and classification with CSLB's Check a License tool before hiring.
Look up a license · Source: CSLB: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor classification · 20 hvac companies in California on 1-800Deals
Roofers in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Roofing contractors are licensed by the CSLB under the C-39 Roofing Contractor classification, covering products and repairs that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures. Look up the roofer's license number with CSLB's Check a License tool, which also shows complaint disclosures.
Look up a license · Source: CSLB: C-39 Roofing Contractor classification · 1 roofing company in California on 1-800Deals
Pest control in California
Licensed by: Structural Pest Control Board
Structural pest control companies must be registered with the Structural Pest Control Board and have a licensed operator as qualifying manager, in one or more branches: fumigation, general pest, or wood-destroying organisms such as termites. Search the company or technician in the Department of Consumer Affairs license search, linked from the board's Verify a License page.
Look up a license · Source: Structural Pest Control Board: The Three Branches of Structural Pest Control · 101 pest control companies in California on 1-800Deals
Garage door companies in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
California has a CSLB specialty classification, D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices, for contractors who install, modify or repair residential doors and power-activated door equipment. As of 2026, any job that needs a permit, uses employees, or costs $1,000 or more requires a CSLB license. Check the license and classification with CSLB's Check a License tool.
Look up a license · Source: CSLB: D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices Contractor classification · 40 garage doors companies in California on 1-800Deals
Water damage restoration in California
Licensed by: Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for repair and rebuild work
California has no separate CSLB classification named for water damage restoration, but the CSLB says anyone who contracts for work that needs a building permit, uses workers, or is valued at $1,000 or more (as of 2026) must hold a valid license. For repairs that involve several trades, the CSLB suggests a B General Building contractor. Check the license with CSLB's Check a License tool.
Look up a license · Source: CSLB: What Kind of Contractor Do You Need? · 372 water damage restoration companies in California on 1-800Deals
Local guides in California
- Pest control in Bakersfield, CA
- Plumbing in Bakersfield, CA
- Pest control in Riverside, CA
- Plumbing in Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently asked questions
When does a contractor need a license in California?
As of 2026, the CSLB requires a license for any job that needs a building permit, uses employees or other workers, or is valued at $1,000 or more for labor and materials combined.
How do I check a roofer's or plumber's license in California?
Use the Contractors State License Board's Check a License tool. You can search by license number, business name or person, and the results include complaint disclosures.
Who licenses pest control companies in California?
The Structural Pest Control Board, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Companies are registered in branches for fumigation, general pest and wood-destroying organisms, and can be verified through the board's license search.
This page is general information, not legal advice. 1-800Deals does not license, verify or endorse contractors. See all states: contractor licensing by state.