California Roofing license renewal checklist

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

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