Can You Transfer or Change a California Contractor License?
What you can and cannot change on a California contractor license, from business type and owners to qualifiers, names and addresses.
Quick answer
A California contractor license cannot be sold or transferred, because it belongs to the business entity. Changing the entity type (for example sole owner to corporation) requires a new license, with a few reassignment exceptions. Other changes, such as a new qualifier, officer, name or address, must be reported to CSLB within 90 days.
Changes That Need a New License
- Changing the business type, such as sole owner to corporation or partnership to corporation
- A new corporate registration number with the Secretary of State
- Adding or removing a general partner on a partnership license
- Selling the business to a new owner (the license number cannot be included in a sale)
When a License Number Can Be Reassigned
- To an immediate family member who continues the family business when the licensee has died or is absent
- From a sole owner to a corporation the owner formed and owns at least 51 percent of (this cannot be reversed later)
- From a corporation to a new entity formed to continue the business, under specific conditions
Each reassignment requires a written request with an Application for Original Contractor License and the fees.
Changes You Report Within 90 Days
- A qualifier leaves or is replaced ($230 to replace the qualifier)
- Officers or members are added or removed ($125 to add new personnel)
- Business name change ($100)
- Address change
- Limited partners added or removed
Canceling or Inactivating Instead
If you are retiring or closing, you can cancel or inactivate the license. An inactive license can be kept indefinitely by renewing it every four years. See reactivating a license.
Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
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How to Transfer or Change a Contractor License: FAQs
Can I sell my contractor license with my business?
No. The license is not transferable and cannot be included in a sale. The new owner must get their own license.
What happens if my qualifier quits?
Report the disassociation to CSLB within 90 days and replace the qualifier to keep the license in good standing.
Can a family member take over my license if I pass away?
CSLB can reassign a sole owner license to an immediate family member to continue the existing family business, and a family member may also qualify for an exam waiver.