Apply for a Sole Owner license:

    This "Application for Original Contractor License" is for new applicants for Sole Owner entity types, when experience and examinations are required. This application will result in a new license. Do not use this form if you have an existing license and wish to add a classification or replace the qualifying individual. View a sample "Application for Original Contractor License."

    Important Information on Becoming a Licensed Contractor

    Fees:

    • Non-refundable application fee of $450 due as well as a 2.3% fee added by the credit card company when this form is submitted online.
    • Initial license fee of $200 for a sole owner is due after the qualifier passes the exam(s). If approved for the military expedite and initial license fee reduction provision, these initial license fees will be reduced by 50%. (BPC sections 7137 and 7138). All other fees will still be required.
    • Renewal fee of $450 for a sole owner license will be due every two years after licensure.
    • C10 contractors will be charged an additional $20 fee for certification enforcement.

    Basic Requirements:

    • The qualifier must be at least 18 years old.
    • The qualifier must have either a United States Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
    • All individuals on the application will need to submit fingerprints.
    • Depending on your responses to some questions, you may need to attach additional documents.

    License Qualifier:

    • Each license requires a “qualifier”.
    • On licenses with more than one trade, each trade requires a “qualifier”.
    • Only one A, B, or C level classification may be applied for with this application.
    • If applying for a C-61 Limited specialty license, up to five D classifications may be applied for.
    • The qualifier must have the required work experience (four years within the last ten years as a

      Journeyperson: An experienced worker who is fully qualified, as opposed to a trainee, and who can perform the trade without supervision; or someone who has completed an apprenticeship program.

      Foreperson: Oversees specific construction trades or projects and is part of a group(s) of workers; assigns, coordinates, directs, lays-out, and performs work.

      Supervising Employee: Responsible for continuous construction field supervision, coordination, and satisfactory completion of contracted work. Performs trade work and oversees work duties while employed by a licensed contractor or by a business entity with its own construction department.

      Contractor: Someone with a current or previous contractor license, either in California or in another state.

      Owner-builder: Someone who performs B-General Building classification work solely on their own property pursuant to

      BPC 7044,

      in the trade being applied for).
    • A Certification of Work Experience form must be used to report and confirm the journey-level work experience requirement. This form must be submitted with the application and can be found on the CSLB website.
    • The qualifier will take the required exam(s)
    • The qualifier is responsible for exercising

      “Direct supervision and control” means any of the following:

      (A) Supervising construction operations.

      (B) Managing construction activities by making technical and administrative decisions.

      (C) Checking jobs for proper workmanship.

      (D) Supervision on construction sites.

      of construction operations

      (BPC 7068.1)

    Required Exam(s):

    • After CSLB accepts the application, the qualifier will need to pass a trade exam and/or a business and law exam

      (BPC 7065)

    • Examinations are administered by an approved testing vendor and fees for the examinations are paid directly to the vendor by the applicant. Information about scheduling the examination(s) will be mailed once the application is accepted by CSLB.

    Exam Preparation:

    • There is no educational requirement to apply for or act as the qualifier on a license.
    • CSLB is not affiliated with any schools or application preparation organizations.
    • Free exam study guides are available on CSLB's website

    Additional Requirements for License Issuance (After Exam(s) Passed):

    • Contractor bond.
    • Workers’ compensation insurance or exemption.
    • Asbestos open book exam.
    • Initial license fee of $200 for a sole owner. This fee may be reduced by 50% per our Military Assistance Program for approved status of military service.

    Please note:

    • Payment must be made online to submit your application through this system.
    • CSLB only accepts credit card payments for Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
    • You must log in to use this online system. An email address will be required.

    Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions.


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