Licensing Guide · Verified 2026
Roofing Contractor License in California
California has one of the strictest thresholds in the country: if a roofing job costs $500 or more in combined labor and materials, you need a C-39 license. There is no small-job exemption worth speaking of, and unlicensed contracting above that line is a misdemeanor.
Who Issues the License
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Issues and disciplines all contractor licenses in California. Official site →License: C-39 Roofing Contractor License
What You Actually Need
- Four years of journeyman-level roofing experience within the last 10 years (as journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder). Accredited education can substitute for up to 3 of those years.
- Pass two exams administered by PSI: Law & Business, and the C-39 Trade exam.
- Pass the asbestos open-book exam.
- Live Scan fingerprinting and background check.
- File a $25,000 contractor license bond with CSLB.
- Workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
What It Costs
Worth Knowing
If you license as an LLC, CSLB requires an additional $100,000 worker bond and liability insurance between $1M and $5M depending on how many people are on the license.
How to Verify a License
Hiring someone? Check the license yourself before you sign anything:
CSLB license lookup →Official Sources
Licensing rules change and local jurisdictions may add requirements on top of the state. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm with the licensing agency before you apply or hire. Reviewed by the StateDataIndex Editorial Team · Updated July 2026.