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CSLB license check: how to look up a California contractor license

Use the CSLB's free Check a License tool. Search by license number, business name or person name, then open the license detail page and check the status, classifications, bond and workers' comp. (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))

Open the official CSLB lookup (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Search by license number (digits only), business name or person name. For "John Smith Construction" type "Smith John Con". (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))

Checked against official Contractors State License Board sources. See sources.

Step by step

  1. Open the official CSLB Check a License page (button above). (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))
  2. Search by license number (digits only), business name, person name or HIS registration. For "John Smith Construction" type "Smith John Con". (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))
  3. Type only the first 10 to 15 letters of a name. Results show 50 at a time. (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))
  4. Open the license detail page for the right business. (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))

What the results mean

Red flags when hiring

Full checklist: how to check a contractor before you hire

Common questions

Is the CSLB license check free?

Yes. The lookup on the CSLB website is free and needs no account. (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))

What if the contractor isn't in the CSLB search?

Try fewer letters or the license number. If they still don't show up, treat them as unlicensed for jobs of $1,000 or more. (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab), source: Business and Professions Code 7028 (opens in a new tab))

Can CSLB get my money back?

Not directly. CSLB can discipline a contractor, but for money you may need small claims or another court. (source: CSLB: Filing a complaint (opens in a new tab))

Sources and last verified

Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.

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