Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
C-20 · State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Continuing education
- Not required
- Deadline rule
- Active license expires every 2 years; exact expiration date is shown on the license/pocket card and CSLB License Check. CSLB mails a renewal application ~60 days before expiration; renewal must be received by CSLB before the expiration date to avoid unlicensed time (a missing notice does not excuse late renewal). Inactive licenses expire every 4 years.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insuranceHide fees, grace period, bond and insurance
- Grace period
- No grace period to keep working: the license is expired the day after the expiration date and work is unlicensed. If a complete renewal with fees is received within 90 days after expiration, the Registrar must retroactively reinstate the license (SB 1474, in effect since 2021); the delinquent fee still applies. Outside that window a petition for retroactive renewal may be considered only if the delay was beyond the licensee's control.
Fees, approximate
- Renewal fee
- About $450
- Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Delinquent (late) active renewal: sole owner about $675, non-sole owner about $1,050 (timely fee plus 50% penalty; penalty cannot be waived). Inactive: timely about $300/about $500, delinquent about $450/about $750 (sole/non-sole).- Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)
An expired license can be renewed late (delinquent fee) within 5 years of expiration if ownership is unchanged; there is a break in licensure time and work during the gap is unlicensed. After 5 years must file an original application and pass the law and trade exam. Suspended licenses (e.g., lapsed bond or workers comp) are lifted by filing proof with CSLB HQ. Military: renewal fees waived if license expired during active duty.
Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Why approximate?
Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.
- Bond
- Required: $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
- Insurance
- Workers' comp: holders of C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 must carry workers compensation coverage (or self-insurance) whether or not they have employees; exemption not available for them or RME-qualified licenses. Lapse suspends the license. CSLB sets no general liability insurance requirement for license renewal.
- Reciprocity
- Reciprocity exists with AZ, LA, MS, NV, NC: applicant must hold an active license in good standing in that state for the previous 5 years, be in a classification on that state's reciprocal list, and submit verification form + original application. NASCLA Commercial General Builders exam holders (any state, 5 years in good standing) may apply for B with exam waiver.
Notes
Fee shown is the timely active renewal for a sole owner; non-sole owners (corp/LLC/partnership) pay $700 timely. Online renewal only for licenses with a single qualifier; licenses with multiple qualifiers must mail or hand-deliver the form. A $25,000 contractor license bond (effective 1/1/2023, SB 607) is required to issue/renew/reactivate an active license; a separate $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual applies when the qualifier is an RME or an RMO owning <10% of voting stock (each qualifier). Renewal form requires certifying the top 3 workers comp class codes by payroll. Unpaid Industry Expert Recovery Fees must be paid at renewal. Bond renewal dates are independent of the license cycle. Online renewal (active or inactive, single qualifier only) adds a 2.99% card processing fee; reactivating an inactive license cannot be done online.
Sources (7)
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/renew_license/general_renewal_information.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Renewals.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_Requirements.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Workers_Compensation.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/Reciprocity_Requirements.aspx
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Renew_License/Failing_To_Renew_Your_License.aspx