How Much Does a California Contractor License Cost?
Every fee you can expect on the way to a California contractor license, including CSLB fees, fingerprinting, exams, your bond and insurance.
Quick answer
CSLB’s own fees are $450 to apply and $200 (sole owner) or $350 (other business types) for the initial license, plus $49 for fingerprinting and the Live Scan site’s rolling fee. On top of that you pay PSI for each exam, a yearly premium for your $25,000 contractor bond and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Contractor License Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Original application (one classification) | $450 | CSLB |
| Initial license fee | $200 sole owner, $350 other business types | CSLB |
| Fingerprinting (Live Scan) | $32 DOJ + $17 FBI + site rolling fee | Live Scan operator |
| Law and Business and trade exams | Exam fee for each exam | PSI |
| $25,000 contractor bond | Yearly premium, based on your credit and history | Surety company |
| Bond of Qualifying Individual (if required) | Yearly premium on a $25,000 bond | Surety company |
| Workers’ compensation insurance | Only if you have employees (or hold C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 or C-49) | Insurance company |
| LLC Employee/Worker Bond and liability insurance | LLCs only: $100,000 bond plus liability coverage | Surety and insurer |
| CSLP exam prep (optional) | From $595 | CSLP |
CSLB Fees
The $450 application fee is a processing fee. It is not refundable, even if your application is returned or denied. The initial license fee covers your first two years and is paid only after you pass your exams. Adding a classification to an existing license later costs $230.
Bond and Insurance Costs
You do not pay $25,000 for the contractor bond. You pay a premium to a surety company, and the price depends mostly on your credit. You can also deposit a $25,000 cashier’s check with CSLB instead of buying a bond. See bond requirements.
Costs After You Are Licensed
An active license must be renewed every two years. The timely renewal fee is $450 for a sole owner and $700 for other business types ($470 and $720 for C-10 Electrical). Late renewals cost more. See renewal requirements.
How to Keep Costs Down
- Submit a complete, signed application so it is not returned for correction.
- Prepare well so you pass each exam the first time and avoid paying exam fees again.
- Keep your credit in good shape before you shop for a bond.
- Choose the right business type from the start, because changing it later requires a new license and new fees. See changing a license.
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
- CSLB: List of all fees
- CSLB: Applying for the examination
- CSLB: Issuing my license
- CSLB: Get fingerprinted (Live Scan)
- CSLB: Workers’ compensation requirements
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
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- Online Law Book
- Online Trade Book
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- Application processing
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Plus
$1,395
- Everything in “Fast Track”
- Plus:
- Law & Business Flash Cards
- Per Chapter Practice Exams
- Extended Study Time
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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 Much Does a California Contractor License Cost?: FAQs
Is the $450 application fee refundable?
No. CSLB earns the application fee as soon as it receives the application, whether or not the license is approved.
Why is the initial license fee different for a sole owner?
CSLB charges $200 for a sole owner license and $350 for all other business types, such as corporations, partnerships and LLCs.
How much is a contractor bond?
The bond amount is $25,000, but you pay only a yearly premium to the surety. The premium depends on factors such as your credit.
Do I pay for workers’ compensation if I have no employees?
Most contractors without employees can file an exemption instead. C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-49 contractors must carry workers’ compensation even without employees.