How much does a Plumber license cost in California?

The license fee is $650. Fee = $450 application + $200 initial license (sole owner; non-sole $800 total). Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.

Is a surety bond required in California?

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

California · Plumber

How to get a Plumber license in California

Yes — California requires a Plumber license, issued by CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor. 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 Plumber license requirements at a glance

License required	Yes (state)
Issuing board	CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor
Exam	Yes — Law & Business + C-36 trade exam (Spanish version available)
Experience	4 years journey-level plumbing within last 10 years
Bond	Yes — $25,000
License fee	$650
Renewal	Every 2 year(s)
Reciprocity	AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC reciprocity (AZ C-37 maps to CA C-36); law exam still required

License required

Yes (state)

Issuing board

CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor

Exam

Yes — Law & Business + C-36 trade exam (Spanish version available)

Experience

4 years journey-level plumbing within last 10 years

Bond

Yes — $25,000

License fee

$650

Renewal

Every 2 year(s)

Reciprocity

AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC reciprocity (AZ C-37 maps to CA C-36); law exam still required

Step by step

Meet the experience requirement. 4 years journey-level plumbing within last 10 years
Pass the required exam. Law & Business + C-36 trade exam (Spanish version available)
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 CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor 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 application + $200 initial license (sole owner; non-sole $800 total).

Already licensed in another state?

AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC reciprocity (AZ C-37 maps to CA C-36); law exam still required

California Plumber reciprocity in detail →

Official source: CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in California?: Yes. California requires a Plumber license issued by CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor.
How much does a Plumber license cost in California?: The license fee is $650. Fee = $450 application + $200 initial license (sole owner; non-sole $800 total). Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
How much experience do you need?: 4 years journey-level plumbing within last 10 years
What exam do you have to pass?: Law & Business + C-36 trade exam (Spanish version available)
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 reciprocity (AZ C-37 maps to CA C-36); law exam still required
How often do you renew?: Every 2 years.