How to Get a California Contractor License With an ITIN
California allows contractor license applicants to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Here is what that means for your application.
Quick answer
Yes, you can. California law lets licensing boards, including CSLB, accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number, and a board may not deny a license because of citizenship or immigration status. Every other requirement, from experience to exams, stays the same.
What California Law Says
Business and Professions Code section 30 allows applicants to provide either a Social Security number or an ITIN, and section 135.5 prohibits boards from denying licensure based on citizenship or immigration status.
The Requirements Are the Same
- Four years of journey level experience in the last ten years, certified by someone with firsthand knowledge
- The Law and Business exam and the trade exam
- Live Scan fingerprinting and a background review
- A $25,000 contractor bond and workers’ compensation proof or exemption
- The application and license fees
Tips for ITIN Applicants
- Use your name exactly as it appears on your ITIN and other records.
- Gather proof of your work experience early, such as records from employers or customers.
- If you plan to form a corporation or LLC, set it up correctly first. See choosing a business type and our business registration service.
Help in Spanish
CSLP has prepared California contractors for their CSLB exams since 2013. Our courses include help with your CSLB application, online law and trade books with practice questions and weekly live classes in English and Spanish, from $595. Compare course options.
Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
- California Business and Professions Code section 30
- California Business and Professions Code section 135.5
- CSLB: Get fingerprinted (Live Scan)
- CSLB: Applying for the examination
Online California Contractor License Courses
Prepare for your California CSLB Law & Business and Trade exams with flexible online contractor license courses designed for real working contractors. Choose from three study plans with 24/7 online access, bilingual support, weekly live classes, and expert guidance throughout the licensing process.
Fast Track
$595
- 2026 Updated Classes
- Online Law Book
- Online Trade Book
- Weekly Live Online Classes
- Application processing
- 24/7 Online Access
Plus
$1,395
- Everything in “Fast Track”
- Plus:
- Law & Business Flash Cards
- Per Chapter Practice Exams
- Extended Study Time
- Physical Law & Trade Books
Premium
$1,595
- Everything in “Plus”
- Plus:
- Business Launch Checklist
- Digital Business Card ($200 value)
- Double Study Time vs. “Plus”
All Online Course Packages Include:
Bilingual Lessons
English & Español
Weekly Live Classes
Online Only
Law & Trade Books
English & Español
Proven Results
20,000+ Graduates
How to Get a Contractor License With an ITIN: FAQs
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a contractor license?
No. California boards may not deny a license based on citizenship or immigration status.
Can I take the CSLB exam in Spanish?
CSLB offers ten exams in Spanish, including Law and Business and B General Building. For other trades you can request an approved translator. See the CSLB exam in Spanish.
Will I be fingerprinted without a Social Security number?
Yes. All applicants are fingerprinted. If you have a Social Security number, make sure the Live Scan technician enters it correctly.