California Contractors License Bonds

In California, all licensed contractors must obtain a Contractor License Bond as required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to legally operate. This bond ensures that contractors comply with state regulations, fulfill contractual obligations, and protect consumers from financial loss due to fraud, defective work, or violations of licensing laws. Without a valid bond, contractors cannot obtain or renew their CSLB license, which may result in penalties, suspension, or loss of licensure.

California contractor licenses are divided into three main categories: General Contractor Licenses, Specialty Contractor Licenses (C-Classifications), and Limited Specialty Licenses.

These licenses cover broad construction and engineering work:

• A - General Engineering Contractor – Focuses on large-scale engineering projects such as highways, bridges, and infrastructure.
   
• B - General Building Contractor – Specializes in residential and commercial buildings, overseeing multi-trade projects.
   

Specialty contractors perform specific trades or construction-related work.

• C-2 – Insulation and Acoustical (installing thermal and sound insulation)
   
• C-4 – Boiler, Hot Water Heating, and Steam Fitting
   
• C-5 – Framing and Rough Carpentry (structural woodwork)
   
• C-6 – Cabinet, Millwork, and Finish Carpentry
   
• C-7 – Low Voltage Systems (alarm, security, and communication systems)
   
• C-8 – Concrete (foundations, driveways, sidewalks)
   
• C-9 – Drywall (installation and finishing of wallboard)
   
• C-10 – Electrical (residential and commercial wiring)
   
• C-11 – Elevator (installation and repair of elevators and lifts)
   
• C-12 – Earthwork and Paving (grading, excavation, and paving)
   
• C-13 – Fencing (installation of fences and gates)
   
• C-15 – Flooring and Floor Covering (tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl)
   
• C-16 – Fire Protection (sprinkler systems, fire alarms)
   
• C-17 – Glazing (Glass and Windows)
   
• C-20 – Warm-Air Heating, Ventilation, and A/C (HVAC)
   
• C-21 – Building Moving/Demolition
   
• C-22 – Asbestos Abatement (removal of hazardous asbestos materials)
   
• C-23 – Ornamental Metal (decorative ironwork, gates, railings)
   
• C-27 – Landscaping (design, irrigation, and outdoor structures)
   
• C-28 – Lock and Security Equipment (installation of locks, safes, and access systems)
   
• C-29 – Masonry (brick, stone, and concrete block work)
   

These classifications cover niche construction work and specialized trades.

• C-31 – Construction Zone Traffic Control
   
• C-32 – Parking and Highway Improvement
   
• C-33 – Painting and Decorating
   
• C-34 – Pipeline (water, gas, and sewer pipeline construction)
   
• C-35 – Lathing and Plastering
   
• C-36 – Plumbing (water and gas systems, fixtures)
   
• C-38 – Refrigeration (cooling and refrigeration systems)
   
• C-39 – Roofing (installation and repair of roofs)
   
• C-42 – Sanitation Systems (septic systems, sewer lines)
   
• C-43 – Sheet Metal (gutters, flashing, ductwork)
   
• C-45 – Sign Installation (commercial and residential signage)
   
• C-46 – Solar Energy (solar panel installation)
   
• C-47 – General Manufactured Housing
   
• C-50 – Reinforcing Steel (rebar installation for concrete reinforcement)
   
• C-51 – Structural Steel (steel framing and welding)
   
• C-53 – Swimming Pool Construction
   
• C-54 – Tile (Ceramic and Mosaic)
   
• C-55 – Water Conditioning (filtration and softening systems)
   
• C-57 – Well Drilling
   
• C-60 – Welding (metal fabrication and welding services)
   
• C-61 – Limited Specialty (includes subcategories like scaffolding, awnings, synthetic products)
   

Each of these contractor classifications must meet CSLB bonding requirements before obtaining a license. These bonds protect clients, suppliers, and workers from financial damages caused by non-compliance, fraud, or substandard work.

For contractors in California, maintaining an active license bond is not just a legal requirement—it's essential for trust, credibility, and business growth.
 

 At JRG Surety, we make getting a contractor bond fast and hassle-free. As a surety broker, we work with multiple top-rated surety companies to get you the best rate possible. Whether you need a License Bond, Bond of Qualifying Individual, LLC Employee/Worker Bond, or a Bid, Performance, and Payment Bond, we can guide you through the process. Simply apply online or call us, and we’ll secure your bond—often within a few hours or less!