By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
Every California contractor who works on projects worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or that need a building permit, must hold a license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Checking one takes a couple of minutes, and the record tells you more than whether the license exists. Here is how to do it and what to look for.
Step 1: Get the license number
Ask for it. A licensed contractor should give it freely, and California requires it on contracts, bids and advertising. Ours is CSLB #920095, and it is printed on every page of this site.
Step 2: Search the CSLB website
On the CSLB site, choose Check a License. You can search by license number, business name or the name of a person. Searching by number is the most reliable.
Step 3: Read the license record
The record shows:
- Business name and address on file. It should match the company you are talking to.
- Status: active, expired, suspended or revoked. Only “active” means the contractor can legally contract.
- Issue and expiration dates.
- Classifications. A B General Building license covers remodels involving multiple trades. C classifications cover single trades. Make sure the license fits the work.
- Qualifying individual: the person responsible for the company’s compliance with license law.
Step 4: Check the bond
Scroll to the bonding section. California requires a contractor’s bond to keep a license active. The record lists the surety company, bond number and dates. The bond is a limited source of recovery for license law violations, shared among claims, so it is a safeguard rather than full project protection.
Step 5: Check workers’ compensation
The record shows whether the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance or claims an exemption because it has no employees. A contractor with a crew should have a policy. If a worker without coverage is hurt on your property, the cost can fall on you.
Step 6: Look for public actions
The record lists public legal actions and disciplinary history. Anything listed is worth asking about.
Red flags
- A license number that belongs to a different business or person.
- An expired, suspended or inactive license.
- A specialty license for a job that clearly needs a general building license.
- A contractor who asks for a large down payment. California limits the down payment on home improvement contracts to $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less.
- Pressure to skip permits.
What our record shows
L E Construction General Building Contractor Inc. holds CSLB #920095, issued in 2008, with B General Building and C-8 Concrete classifications, active through June 2028. Our bond and workers’ compensation are on file with the state. You can see the details on our licenses and insurance page, and we encourage you to check the CSLB record yourself.
Frequently asked questions
When does California require a contractor to be licensed?
California requires a CSLB license for construction work where the combined value of labor and materials is $1,000 or more, or when a building permit is required. Unlicensed contractors cannot legally take on those jobs, and homeowners who hire them lose many protections.
What is the difference between a B and a C license?
A B General Building license covers projects involving two or more unrelated trades on a structure, which describes most remodels and additions. C licenses are specialty classifications for a single trade, such as C-8 Concrete, C-10 Electrical or C-36 Plumbing.
What should I do if a contractor's license shows as expired or suspended?
Do not sign or pay until it is resolved. An expired or suspended license means the contractor cannot legally contract for the work. Ask them about it directly, and if the answer is not clear, look for another contractor.
Can I see complaints against a contractor on the CSLB site?
The license record shows public legal actions and disciplinary history. It does not show every complaint ever filed, only those that resulted in public action. Reviews and references fill in the rest of the picture.