This page helps users complete a CSLB license check in California and understand the official paths for verifying a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson registration.
The Contractors State License Board provides the official License Check tool for reviewing license or registration status, including complaint disclosure, before hiring a contractor or signing a contract.
Check a license or HIS registration
Use the CSLB License Check to look up a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson registration and review the status information shown by the state.
- Contractor license number
- Contractor business name
- Contractor last name and first name
- Salesperson registration number
- Salesperson last name and first name
After choosing the best search option, enter the information exactly enough to narrow the result without overtyping a name.
- Open the official check a contractor license or HIS registration tool.
- Select the search method that matches the information you have.
- Enter the license, registration, business, or person name details.
- Review the license or registration status and any complaint disclosure shown in the result.
Maintenance note: CSLB states that its database is unavailable Sundays at 8 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m. because of scheduled maintenance.
CSLB search options and tips
The License Check page supports several search paths. Use the most specific number or name available.
| Search option | What to enter | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor license number | A numeric contractor license number | California contractor license numbers do not contain letters and should not exceed 8 digits. |
| Contractor business name | The contractor business name | Type only the first 10 to 15 letters at first, and try fewer characters if the result is missing. |
| Contractor person name | Last name and first name | If a full name search does not work, try the last name only. |
| Salesperson registration number | The numeric portion of the registration number | A California Home Improvement Salesperson registration number has up to 8 digits plus the letters “SP.” |
| Salesperson name | Last name and first name | Name searches may return up to 100 names, with a next-results link when more matches are available. |
When a name search does not find the record
CSLB name searches are sensitive to spacing, punctuation, and the order of personal names inside business names. If a business name includes a first and last name, try the last name first, followed by the first name and a shortened business term.
Do not use commas or periods in business or personal names. Apostrophes are used, such as in O'Brian or Al's Builders. If a name begins with “The” or “A,” search without that word first, then try again with it included.
For initials, spacing can change the result. Try the initials with a space between them and then without a space. For last names such as Mc Donald, try the name with the space and then as McDonald.
Licensed contractor lists by city or ZIP code
If you are trying to find contractors before choosing one, CSLB also provides a way to create a list of licensed contractors by city or ZIP code. This is separate from checking a known license or HIS registration.
Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, CSLB recommends reviewing its hire a licensed contractor guidance.
Complaint and unlicensed activity options
License Check results may help you decide what to review next. CSLB handles complaints involving licensed and unlicensed contractors under California Contractors License Law, and complaint options depend on the situation.
For project complaints involving licensed or unlicensed contractors, CSLB provides a construction complaint process. For an unlicensed contractor actively working on a construction project, CSLB provides a SWIFT Lead Referral form.
The SWIFT Lead Referral form is for active unlicensed work. If the project is complete, CSLB directs users to the complaint form instead.
CSLB contact information
Use these CSLB contacts for licensing, public information, enforcement, and related questions.
- Contractors State License Board headquarters, 9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95827
- CSLB mailing address, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
- Southern California Office, Contractors State License Board, 12501 East Imperial Hwy. Suite 600, Norwalk, CA 90650
- Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, closed holidays
- 24-hour Licensing and Consumer Information: (800) 321-2752
- Outside California: (916) 255-3900
- General enforcement questions: Enforcement@cslb.ca.gov
- General licensing/application questions: Licensing@cslb.ca.gov
- Public Records Act Requests: RecCert1@cslb.ca.gov
Common questions
Where can I check a California contractor license?
Use CSLB’s official License Check page to look up a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson registration and review the status information shown by the state.
What if I only know the contractor business name?
Search by the contractor business name. If the name includes a first and last name, try the last name first, use only the first 10 to 15 letters, and avoid commas or periods.
Can I search for a Home Improvement Salesperson registration?
Yes. CSLB supports searches by salesperson registration number or by salesperson last name and first name.
When is the CSLB license database unavailable?
CSLB states that the database is unavailable Sundays at 8 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m. due to scheduled maintenance.