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How to check and report a contractor in California

Short answer

CSLB shows complaint information on a license record only where the law allows it to, plus construction-related civil judgments reported to it. A record with nothing on it doesn't mean no complaint was ever filed. To report a contractor, use CSLB's Construction Complaint form online or by mail, within four years of the act.

Rules checked Oct 18, 2026 against 5 CSLB and California code pages, listed below.

What CSLB shows on a license record

  • Complaint disclosure is restricted by law (B&P Code 7124.6). When a license has disclosable information, the record shows a link to it.
  • Construction-related civil judgments are disclosed when they have been reported to CSLB (B&P Code 7071.17).
  • Arbitrations aren't listed unless the contractor fails to comply with the award.
  • CSLB notes that, because of workload, some information may not be entered yet.

Source: CSLB, license detail record (sample #1046239, opened after a search), checked Oct 18, 2026

On CSLB's site

Look up a license File a complaint

Both open cslb.ca.gov. We don't receive or see what you file.

How to look up complaints on CSLB

  1. Search the license

    Open CSLB's Check a License page and search by license number, or by business or personnel name.

  2. Open the record

    Read the status line first. It tells you in plain words whether the license is current and active.

  3. Look for the disclosure link

    If CSLB has disclosable complaints, citations or judgments for that license, the record links to them. Read CSLB's own wording.

Sources: CSLB, Check a License, checked Oct 18, 2026; CSLB, license detail record (sample #1046239, opened after a search), checked Oct 18, 2026

What we show

Nothing about complaints or discipline. We don't buy CSLB's disclosure file and we don't summarize it. Every profile on this site links to the contractor's live CSLB record so you can read it there. The rules are on how we rank.

How to file a complaint with CSLB

CSLB investigates licensed and unlicensed contractors and can take disciplinary action against a license. It says an investigation doesn't guarantee you get money back. For that, it points to small claims court for limited amounts and to an attorney for larger ones.

  1. Write to the contractor first

    CSLB asks whether you formally told the contractor about the problem. Send a letter and keep a copy to include with your complaint.

  2. File the complaint

    Use the Construction Complaint form online, or download the PDF form and mail it. CSLB also has separate forms for solar jobs, advertising and building permit violations.

  3. Know the time limit

    CSLB addresses violations for up to four years from the date of the act.

Source: CSLB, Filing a Complaint, checked Oct 18, 2026

If the contractor isn't licensed

Work under $1,000 in total that needs no permit is exempt from licensing. Above that, or if the person advertises as a contractor or has employees, the job needs a license. CSLB's complaint process covers unlicensed contractors too, and it has a lead referral form for an active job site.

Sources: California B&P Code 7048 (as amended by AB 1170, effective Jan 1, 2026), checked Oct 18, 2026; CSLB, Filing a Complaint, checked Oct 18, 2026

Two rules that limit how much you can lose

  • The down payment on a home improvement contract is capped at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less.
  • No progress payment may exceed the value of the work done or the materials delivered.

Source: California B&P Code 7159.5, checked Oct 18, 2026

Questions

Can I see complaints against a contractor in California?

Only what CSLB is allowed to disclose. Open the license on CSLB's Check a License page; if there is disclosable information, the record links to it. Reported construction-related civil judgments are disclosed too.

How do I report a contractor in California?

File CSLB's Construction Complaint form online, or mail the PDF form. CSLB asks whether you notified the contractor in writing first, so keep a copy of that letter.

Is there a deadline to file with CSLB?

CSLB addresses violations for up to four years from the date of the act.

Will CSLB get my money back?

CSLB says its investigation doesn't guarantee restitution. It suggests small claims court for limited damages and an attorney for larger ones.

Next steps on this site

Sources

  1. CSLB, license detail record (sample #1046239, opened after a search), checked Oct 18, 2026
  2. CSLB, Check a License, checked Oct 18, 2026
  3. CSLB, Filing a Complaint, checked Oct 18, 2026
  4. California B&P Code 7048 (as amended by AB 1170, effective Jan 1, 2026), checked Oct 18, 2026
  5. California B&P Code 7159.5, checked Oct 18, 2026

This guide explains public rules in plain words. It isn't legal advice. CSLB and the code sections above are the authority, and rules change.