# How to read a California contractor license record

> Status, classifications, the contractor's bond, workers' compensation and exemption — what to check before hiring.

## How to read these records

### Three things to check before you hire

**The license.** “Clear” means no suspension in the CSLB file. A suspended license cannot legally
contract. **The bond.** Every active license needs a contractor's bond; a cancellation date on file
means the bond ends then unless replaced. **Workers' compensation.** A contractor with employees must
be insured. “Exempt” means the contractor certified having no employees: if an exempt contractor arrives with a
crew, ask.

### Classifications

What the license covers: A general engineering, B general building, the C specialties (C-10 electrical, C-36
plumbing, C-39 roofing…), and the D sub-classifications of the C-61 limited specialty. Names are the CSLB's own,
from its classification pages.

### Policies and bonds about to end

Two lists show the companies whose workers' compensation policy expires, or whose bond has a cancellation date,
in the 60 days after the file date. Most are renewed or replaced in time. The lists say what is on file, not what
will happen.

### How fresh

This is the CSLB's public file of October 1, 2026. Status can change any day. For today's status, and for complaint
disclosure, use the CSLB's Instant License Check.

### What is not here

Contractors licensed as sole owners, personnel and qualifiers' names, phone numbers, policy and bond numbers,
complaints, and disciplinary bonds.

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Página: https://california-contractor-license-records.pages.dev/how-to-read/
Fonte: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/dataportal/ContractorList
Recolha: 2026-10-01