License lookup for Bay Area, CA contractors
Search 22,572 B and B-2 licenses by business name, license number or the name of a person on the license. You get the status, then a link to the live CSLB record.
Searches active and lapsed Bay Area B and B-2 licenses. Other classes: search on CSLB.
CSLB records dated Oct 16, 2026 checked Oct 18, 2026 Verify live on CSLB
Check a license on CSLB in three steps
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Get the license number
Look on the estimate, contract, website and truck, or ask. A name search also works, but business names repeat.
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Search it on CSLB
Open CSLB's Check a License page and search by license number, business name or the name of a person on the license. Searching by number returns one record.
Open CSLB Check a License -
Read the record
Read the status, class, bond, workers' comp and the expiration date. Then check the class covers your work: a B-2 can't build an addition, and a C-36 plumber can't run your whole remodel.
What each field means
- Status
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CSLB writes the status in a plain sentence, such as "This license is current and active." Active is the only status that fits a job today. Inactive, expired, suspended: CSLB shows the status and what it means for that license. Read its wording, not ours.
Source: CSLB Check a License, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Class: B vs B-2
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B (General Building) covers a prime contract with two or more unrelated trades. B-2 (Residential Remodeling) is for remodels of an existing wood-frame home with three or more unrelated trades and no changes to load-bearing parts. A B-2 fits a kitchen or bath remodel. It does not fit an addition, structural work or a commercial job.
Source: CSLB class B, CSLB class B-2, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Contractor bond: $25,000
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Each licensed contractor keeps a $25,000 contractor bond with a surety. It is a surety bond, not liability insurance for your job. This amount took effect Jan 1, 2023. Older pages that say $15,000 are out of date.
Source: CSLB bond requirements, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Workers' comp: insured or exempt
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Anyone with employees must carry workers' comp. A contractor with no employees may file an exemption instead. In our file, 12,347 of 22,572 Bay Area B and B-2 licenses show an exemption. "Exempt" means the contractor told CSLB there are no employees, so ask who will be on your site. On Jan 1, 2028 California moves to a certificate of coverage as a condition of every license, with one exemption for a joint venture with no employees.
Source: CSLB workers' comp, B&P Code 7125, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Complaint disclosure, and its limits
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When a license has a disclosable action, CSLB shows a link on the license page. State law restricts what CSLB may disclose, and some information may not be entered yet. No link means nothing disclosable is shown. It does not mean CSLB has received no complaint. This site makes no claim about complaints. Check them on CSLB.
Source: CSLB Check a License notice, B&P Code 7124.6, B&P Code 7071.17, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Two rules that protect you on the contract
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A down payment on a home improvement contract is capped at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less. Work under $1,000 that needs no building permit is exempt from licensing, unless the person advertises as a contractor or has employees. The $500 figure you may still see online is out of date.
Source: B&P Code 7159.5, B&P Code 7048, checked Oct 18, 2026
Questions
How do I look up a contractor license by name in California?
Type the business name in the box above, or search CSLB's Check a License page by business name or by the name of a person on the license. If the name is common, use the license number. It returns one record.
How do I check if my contractor is licensed and bonded?
Find the license on CSLB. Status should read active. The record also lists the contractor's bond and workers' comp. The required contractor bond is $25,000. Then confirm the license class covers your job.
What does an expired or suspended license mean?
Read CSLB's own wording on the license page. A license that is not active should not take a job that needs one, so ask the contractor to explain before you sign anything.
Is a license enough to hire a contractor?
No. A license shows the contractor is registered, bonded and has workers' comp or an exemption on file. It doesn't show quality. Get several bids, ask for references and check the class matches the work.
Can a contractor with no employees skip workers' comp?
Until Jan 1, 2028, a contractor with no employees can file a workers' comp exemption, except in classes that must carry it regardless (C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, C-61/D-49). Ask who will be on your site, then look at the license record.
Checked a license and still need a contractor?
Compare active B and B-2 contractors by city, or send your project through the form.
Our search covers B and B-2 licenses in nine Bay Area counties. For other classes or regions, search CSLB directly.