Is a surety bond required in California?

Yes — $25,000. You pay an annual premium, not the full bond amount.

California · General Contractor

How to get a General Contractor license in California

Yes — California requires a General Contractor license, issued by Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building. You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience, post a surety bond. The license fee is $650, and it renews every 2 years.

California General Contractor license requirements at a glance

License required	Yes (state)
Issuing board	Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building
Exam	Yes — Law & Business exam + B trade exam (both required)
Experience	4 years journey-level (or foreman/supervisor/contractor) within last 10 years
Bond	Yes — $25,000
License fee	$650
Renewal	Every 2 year(s)
Reciprocity	AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC — trade exam may be waived (5 yrs licensed, good standing); law exam still required. NASCLA accepted for B.

License required

Yes (state)

Issuing board

Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building

Exam

Yes — Law & Business exam + B trade exam (both required)

Experience

4 years journey-level (or foreman/supervisor/contractor) within last 10 years

Bond

Yes — $25,000

License fee

$650

Renewal

Every 2 year(s)

Reciprocity

AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC — trade exam may be waived (5 yrs licensed, good standing); law exam still required. NASCLA accepted for B.

Step by step

Meet the experience requirement. 4 years journey-level (or foreman/supervisor/contractor) within last 10 years
Pass the required exam. Law & Business exam + B trade exam (both required)
Post your surety bond. A $25,000 surety bond is required before the license is issued.
Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building with the $650 fee.
Keep the license current. Renew every 2 years to stay eligible to pull permits.

Fee detail and fine print

Fee = $450 original application + $200 initial license (sole owner; non-sole $350 = $800 total), per cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx. Bond $25,000 (SB 607). License required for jobs $1,000+ (AB 2622). Fingerprinting (~$49) and PSI exam fees separate.

Already licensed in another state?

AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC — trade exam may be waived (5 yrs licensed, good standing); law exam still required. NASCLA accepted for B.

California General Contractor reciprocity in detail →

Official source: Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to work as a general contractor in California?: Yes. California requires a General Contractor license issued by Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — B General Building.
How much does a General Contractor license cost in California?: The license fee is $650. Fee = $450 original application + $200 initial license (sole owner; non-sole $350 = $800 total), per cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx. Bond $25,000 (SB 607). License required for jobs $1,000+ (AB 2622). Fingerprinting (~$49) and PSI exam fees separate. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
How much experience do you need?: 4 years journey-level (or foreman/supervisor/contractor) within last 10 years
What exam do you have to pass?: Law & Business exam + B trade exam (both required)
Is a surety bond required in California?: Yes — $25,000. You pay an annual premium, not the full bond amount.
Does California have reciprocity with other states?: AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC — trade exam may be waived (5 yrs licensed, good standing); law exam still required. NASCLA accepted for B.
How often do you renew?: Every 2 years.