How do I check a contractor license in California?

On the CSLB Check a License page, by license number, business name or the person's name, or by calling (800) 321-2752.

Does a contractor need a license for work under $1,000?

Not if the job is under $1,000 in labor and materials, needs no permit and no one is employed on it.

What license do I need for a kitchen remodel?

CSLB points to a "B" General Building contractor when plumbing, electrical and carpentry are under one contract.

Does a complaint on the record mean the contractor did something wrong?

Not on its own. Disclosed complaints are shown as allegations, and complaints resolved in the contractor's favor are not shown.

How much can a contractor ask for up front?

No more than 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.

What is Home Pro's license number?

CSLB #1003187. You can look it up on the CSLB Check a License page.

How to check a contractor license in California

By Home Pro Green Remodeling Inc. · Published November 4, 2026

How do you check a contractor license in California?

You check a California contractor license on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Check a License page, by license number, business name or the contractor's name, or by calling CSLB at (800) 321-2752.1 2 The record shows whether the license is current, the classification, workers' compensation information and complaint disclosure.1 2 Do it before you sign anything or pay a deposit.

How do you look up a license step by step?

Get the license number. Every contractor ad, from an online ad to the name on a truck, must show the state license number, and contractors must put it on business cards, bids and contracts.2
Open CSLB Check a License. Enter the number with no letters and no more than 8 digits.1
No number? Search by name. Type only the first 10 to 15 letters of the business name. If the business name has a first and last name, type the last name first. You can also search by the person's name.1
Check a salesperson too. Salespeople who sell home improvement work must be registered with CSLB as Home Improvement Salespersons, and their registration can be looked up on the same page.1 2
Read the whole record, using the checklist below.

What should you look for on the license record?

Status. The license is current and active, not expired or suspended.2
Business name and address of record. They match the company and the person you are dealing with.2
Classification. It fits the job. A kitchen remodel with plumbing, electrical and carpentry under one contract calls for a "B" General Building contractor.3
Workers' compensation. A contractor with employees must carry it, and the record shows it.2
Complaint disclosure and discipline. Read any disclosed complaints, citations or other actions.1 4

How do you check if a California contractor license is valid?

Look at the status on the CSLB record. CSLB warns that seeing a license number does not mean the license is valid, so check the number itself.2 When the contractor visits, ask to see the plastic pocket license with a photo ID, and make sure the person in front of you is the person on the license.2

What do complaints on a license record mean?

California law sets what CSLB shows:4

A complaint is shown only once it has been referred for an accusation, or referred for investigation after CSLB staff find a probable violation serious enough for suspension, revocation or prosecution. It is shown with a note that it is an allegation.
Complaints resolved in the contractor's favor are not shown.
Citations are generally shown for 5 years after the contractor complies.
Accusations that led to a suspension are generally shown for 7 years after they are settled.
A revocation that is not stayed is shown with no time limit.

Does California require contractors to be licensed?

Yes, for most remodeling work. Anyone who contracts for work on a project that needs a building permit, uses employees, or is valued at $1,000 or more in labor and materials must hold a current CSLB license.3 The $1,000 limit took effect on January 1, 2025, up from $500, and the exemption below it applies only when no permit is needed and no one is employed on the job.5 A kitchen or bathroom remodel almost always needs a permit in Los Angeles, so it needs a licensed contractor. See our bathroom and kitchen permit guides.

What license does a kitchen or bathroom remodeler need?

For a remodel that combines several trades under one contract, CSLB points to a "B" General Building contractor, who can do the work or subcontract parts of it to specialty contractors. CSLB licenses contractors in 45 classifications, from general contractors to plumbers and electricians.3

What does Los Angeles check when a contractor pulls a permit?

When a contractor pulls a permit, LADBS asks for the contractor's license number and classification, workers' compensation information and City business tax registration.6 We pull the permits, and the contract should name who does.

What should you check after the license?

Get at least three written bids on the same plans and scope, and be careful with a bid far lower than the rest.2
Get a written contract. California requires one for home improvement work over $500.7
Check the down payment. It can be no more than 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.7
Put changes in writing.7

More in our guide to choosing a remodeling contractor in Los Angeles.

Written by Home Pro Green Remodeling Inc., a general contractor in Tarzana with over 30 years of combined experience. CSLB #1003187.

Next step

To talk about a kitchen or bathroom remodel, call (213) 770-6727 or send a message through the contact form on our website. Check our license first. Home Pro Green Remodeling Inc., CSLB #1003187.

Sources (every page below was opened and read on 2026-11-02)

CSLB, Check a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration (search by license number, business name, contractor name or salesperson; complaint disclosure; search tips). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx
CSLB, How do I find the right licensed contractor? (license number in ads, on cards, bids and contracts; (800) 321-CSLB; a number does not mean a valid license; pocket license and photo ID; registered salespeople; three written bids; address of record; workers' compensation on the record). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/finding_the_right_contractor.aspx
CSLB, What Kind of Contractor Do You Need? (license needed for permit work, employees, or $1,000 or more; 45 classifications; "B" General Building for a kitchen remodel with plumbing, electrical and carpentry). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/What_Kind_Of_Contractor.aspx
California Business and Professions Code Sec. 7124.6 (what complaint and discipline information CSLB discloses, and for how long). https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7124.6
CSLB Industry Bulletin 24-07, California License Requirement for Minor Work Increases from $500 to $1,000, Dec 31, 2024 (effective Jan 1, 2025; only when no permit is needed and no one is employed). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/IndustryBulletins/2024/AB%202622%20Implementation.FINAL.pdf
LADBS, Homeowner Step-By-Step (documents a contractor brings to get a permit: license number and classification, workers' compensation, City business tax registration). https://dbs.lacity.gov/services/homeowner-step-by-step
CSLB, Contracts and Binding Agreements (written contract over $500; down payment no more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less; changes in writing). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx