ClearLicensed renewal checklist

California contractor license renewal checklist

Verified dataState data last checked Oct 17, 2026clearlicensed.com/states/CA/checklist

Informational: verify with the issuing board. Fees are approximate and rules change. One block per license type: tick each line as you go.

HVAC

Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor (C-20)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $450. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: 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).
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.
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $450, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Electrical

Certified Electrician (General, Residential, Fire/Life Safety, Voice-Data-Video, Non-residential Lighting) - employee of C-10 contractor (DIR-ECU certification)

State license · DIR Division of Labor Standards Enforcement - Electrician Certification Unit

Deadline: Certification expires 3 years from its effective date (see the card; a reminder notice may not be sent). The renewal application must be postmarked on or before the expiration date on the card. Renewal applications are accepted up to 1 year before expiration once the 32 CE hours are complete.
Renewal cycle: Every 3 years
CE hours: 32 hours
Renewal fee: About $100. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: No late renewal fee. A certification renewed after the card expires requires retaking and passing the exam, with a $200 payment (about $100 exam plus about $100 renewal).
Grace period: None stated; working on a lapsed certification is illegal and employers may violate Labor Code 108.2.
Official link: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ECUonline.html
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Completion certificates for 32 hours of continuing education
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $100, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Electrical Contractor (C-10)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $470. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: Delinquent (late) active renewal: sole owner about $695, non-sole owner about $1,070 (timely fee plus 50% penalty; penalty cannot be waived). Inactive: timely about $300/about $500, delinquent about $450/about $750 (sole/non-sole).
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $470, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Plumbing

Plumbing Contractor (C-36)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $450. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: 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).
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $450, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Roofing

Roofing Contractor (C-39)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $450. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: 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).
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.
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $450, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Pest control

Company Registration (Structural Pest Control) (Company registration)

State registration · Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)

Deadline: Not published, check with the board
Renewal cycle: Not published, check with the board
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: Check the official site for the fee.
Late fee: Not published, check with the board
Grace period: Not published, check with the board
Insurance: Minimum $500,000 general liability insurance (Board Certificate of Insurance form); workers comp certificate or Statement of Exemption if no employees.
Official link: https://connect.pestboard.ca.gov/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence medium

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $12,500. Verify the amount with the board.
Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (check the official site for the amount)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

Operator License (Structural Pest Control) (Operator (Branch 1/2/3))

State license · Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)

Deadline: Expires 12:00 midnight June 30 of the third year from date of issue (BPC 8590); renewal window opens in May; board mails notice by June 1. Licensee may align multiple licenses to same expiry.
Renewal cycle: Every 3 years
CE hours: 16 hours
Renewal fee: About $150. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: Delinquent fee about $75 (50%); penalty cannot be waived (BPC 8590(e)).
Grace period: Delinquent period of up to 90 days (3 months) after June 30; license is not valid and holder cannot work during that time; licenses not renewed by Sept 30 are cancelled.
Official link: https://connect.pestboard.ca.gov/login/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Completion certificates for 16 hours of continuing education
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $150, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

General contractor

General Building Contractor (B)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $450. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: 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).
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $450, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline

General Engineering Contractor (A)

State license · Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Deadline: 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.
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
CE hours: Not required
Renewal fee: About $450. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
Late fee: 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).
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.
Official link: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/OnlinePayments/SoleOwnerRenewal/
Last verified: Oct 17, 2026, confidence high

Have ready

Your license number and your login for the board portal
Bond in force for $25,000. Verify the amount with the board.
A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $450, fees change)

After filing

Renewal submitted
Confirmation number or receipt saved
New expiration date checked on the board lookup

Count the days to your deadline