Since 1 January 2025, AB 2622 has allowed up to $1,000 of construction work without a contractors license, raised from the long standing $500 threshold. The exemption only applies if the job needs no permit and no employees assist, and anyone relying on it must state in their advertising that they are unlicensed.

The CSLB has clarified that the C-47 classification is only required for installing a manufactured home or preparing the structure to be moved. A contractor doing a single trade on an already installed home needs only their own specialty classification, so an HVAC job calls for a C-20 alone, not a C-20 plus a C-47.

From 1 January 2024 the CSLB stopped issuing D-49 Tree Service licenses and replaced the classification with C-49 Tree and Palm, which requires a trade exam. Existing D-49 holders keep their license, but if the qualifier leaves, the replacement has to apply for the C-49 and sit the exam.

SB 216 requires every California contractor to carry a workers compensation policy, whether or not they employ anyone. C-8, C-20, C-22 and D-49 contractors were brought in from January 2023, joining C-39 Roofing contractors who were already covered, with all remaining classifications following from January 2026.

From 1 January 2023 the CSLB raised the Contractors Bond from $15,000 and the Bond of Qualifying Individual from $12,500, taking both to $25,000. Bond companies increase the amounts automatically and invoice for the higher premium, which varies depending on your existing rate.

Since 1 July 2022 the CSLB has used PSI Exams to administer its Law and Trade tests, which means more test center locations and more available times including Saturdays. PSI writes to applicants with online registration instructions once work experience is approved, and fees are still handled by the CSLB.

From 1 January 2022, AB 830 authorises the CSLB to require a duty statement describing what your qualifier actually does for the company. The Board is targeting absentee qualifiers, and applicants now need to demonstrate the qualifier's active engagement in the business.

From 1 January 2022 the CSLB raised renewal fees across most application types. Corporations, LLCs, partnerships and joint ventures went from $450 to $700 for an active license, sole ownerships held at $450 for active renewals, and HIS registration renewals more than doubled. The new rate applies based on your expiration date, not your payment date.

Since 30 September 2021, anyone applying for a C-47 General Manufactured Housing classification must provide a Certificate of Completion of Training from a vendor approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Contractors who already hold the C-47 are not affected.

The B-2 Residential Remodeling classification requires four years of work experience current within the last ten years, and self-employed applicants need to show three or more trades on residential projects. Licensed B-2 contractors can work across 12 listed trades on existing wood frame homes, with no structural or systems work permitted.

SB 1189 created the B-2 Residential Remodeling license, California's answer to the missing handyman classification, covering light renovation across 12 listed trades with no structural work allowed. SB 1474 allows an expired license to be reinstated retroactively if the full application and fees reach the Board within 90 days.

Since 1 July 2020 the CSLB no longer requires a disclosure statement at the start of an application, and applicants are not asked upfront about misdemeanors or felonies. Fingerprinting is still required, and the Board raises any criminal history questions later in the process.

The CSLB now allows immediate online renewal, but only for sole ownership entities without a Responsible Managing Employee. Everyone else can pay online and still has to mail in the signed renewal form, and the Board adds a 2.99% fee on card payments.

The CSLB increased standard renewal fees from $400 to $450 effective 1 February 2020, with C-10 Electrical contractors paying $470 and delinquent renewals rising to $675. Paying early does not exempt you if your renewal date falls after the change.

You do not always need a C-46 Solar classification to work on solar construction. The A, B, C-4, C-10, C-36 and C-53 classifications each carry their own solar authorization, and four years of invoiced solar work under those licenses can open the door to adding the C-46.

The CSLB requires four years of full-time experience, and applications from real estate agents, brokers and owner-builders face extra scrutiny because the Board assumes the skilled work was subcontracted out. Strong documentation is what makes the difference, and these applications can succeed.

Former licensees can reclaim their old license number without submitting any work experience documentation, no matter how many years have passed. The one requirement is retaking both the Law and Trade exams, which is a far lighter burden than the proof new applicants face.

The CSLB has expanded its EPA CFC certification requirement to cover C-20 HVAC and C-38 Refrigeration contractors applying for a new license, not just first-time licensees. Only Type II or Universal certificates are accepted, and renewals are unaffected.