Which California Contractor License Filing Do I Need?
Updated October 29, 2026
Most contractors only deal with CSLB paperwork every two years, so it is easy to forget which form does what. Start with the question that matches you.
Do you already have a California license?
| Your situation | The filing | CSLB fee |
|---|---|---|
| Active license, expiring in the next 60 days | License renewal | $450 sole owner, $700 other entities (C-10 adds $20) |
| Already expired (up to 5 years) | Delinquent renewal | $675 sole owner, $1,050 other entities |
| License is on inactive status and you want to work again | Reactivation | $450 sole owner, $700 other entities |
| You want to do a new trade under the same license | Add classification | $230 |
| Your RMO or RME left | Replace the qualifier | $230 |
| New officer or LLC member | Add personnel | $125 |
| New business name or address | Name or address change | $100 for a name, $0 for an address |
| No employees, need the workers' comp exemption on file | Workers' comp exemption | No CSLB fee |
| Closing the business or stepping away | Inactivate or cancel | No CSLB fee |
No license yet?
You need an original license application. CSLB charges a $450 application fee, and then an initial license fee ($200 sole owner, $350 other entities) once the application is approved and any exams are passed.
You may be able to skip the trade exam, or the whole exam, if you already qualified a license in the same classification, passed the exam within the last five years, are licensed in a reciprocity state, or are an immediate family member who has worked in the family contracting business. See Can you skip the CSLB exam?
Changing the business entity?
A license belongs to the entity. If a sole owner forms an LLC or corporation, CSLB treats it as a new entity, which needs its own license application. CSLB's renewal pages say plainly that a change in business entity cannot be handled as a renewal.
A few timing rules
- CSLB does not accept a renewal more than 60 days before the expiration date.
- A license can be renewed for up to five years after it expires. After that, a new application is required.
- Online renewal through CSLB is only for licenses with one qualifier. Licenses with more than one qualifier renew on the paper form.
Sources
- CSLB: List of All CSLB Fees
- CSLB: Online Renewals
- CSLB: General Renewal Information
- CSLB: Application for Original Contractor License, Examination Waiver (7065), form 13A-1a
This guide is general information, not legal advice. CSLB rules and fees change; always confirm on cslb.ca.gov.