Complete guide to plumbing contractor requirements in California. CSLB C-36 license required for any plumbing contracting above $500. Four years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years, plus Law & Business and C-36 Trade exams.
Insurance minimum: Workers' comp required.
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
CSLB C-36 license required for any plumbing contracting above $500. Four years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years, plus Law & Business and C-36 Trade exams. Issued by: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A licensing exam is required. Minimum 4 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteLicense Type
Plumbing Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the California Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
California requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
California requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
California requires a surety bond of $25,000 contractor surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
File your application with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for California sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in California.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with California's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.